Liora’s POV

We took the path to Elder Marcus's quarters, my heart beating uncontrollably, louder than necessary with every step. Jaxon walked beside me but maintained a dead silence, his presence was not helping my thinking, the awkwardness between us still lingering. I had narrated everything about the visions to him as he requested, leaving no detail. Indeed, I felt at ease after letting the burden out of my chest, but still, there was no yet proven solution to it. Our walk to Elder Marcus' house was a long one. We were together, but our minds weren't in different places. I couldn't concentrate on where we were going; my mind was filled with images of the woods. He had asked for permission to kiss me, I had confused him. I wanted him to go ahead and do it. I wanted a spontaneous kiss, an unplanned romance just like the first time, but he ruined it by asking for my permission. How would I have explained to him how I wanted it without sounding desperate? It was very hard to predict his reaction, so I bent down in anticipation, but it never came. When we finally got to Elder Marcus's cottage, I took the brave step of knocking at his door. I took a deep breath as we awaited an answer from inside. Not after long, the door creaked open on the second knock. I had expected him to take ages before opening but he proved me wrong. He was still agile even at his age. The old wolf came out and was shocked to see us both. His eyes narrowed as we exchanged greetings, carefully observing every one of our moves. He stared at us intensely with his wise, but gray eyes. I could sense him piecing through our souls to find out what made us come running to him. 'Come in, come in, let's talk in, side," he said, ushering us into his pottable cottage. His voice was as welcoming as I have always known it to be. Elder Marcus was one of the best elders in our pack, which was what got me curious about the event of the moon ceremony. Why did he allow Jaxon to reject me, or did he speak, and they threatened to exile him if he spoke of their Alpha? On entering his cottage, we were welcomed by the thikthak smell of herbs and burning sage. The walls were beautifully designed with ancient books and scrolls. It showed why he demonstrated so much wisdom beyond his age grades. It radiated wisdom and secrets, and my hope was raised, knowing that he would help us uncover many secrets concerning us. 'I'm glad you finally visited," Elder Marcus started as we settled down. 'I've been hearing a lot, mostly rumors, and they are all strange encounters. I believe you both came here to seek my advice and guidance. Tell me, how will I be of help to you, what troubles you both?" I waited for Jaxon to speak, but he gave me a nod to go ahead. With that, I poured out the whole encounter to him. Elder Marcus knew about the prophecy, so it wasn't strange news to him. I explained the recent visions, the restrictions, and how everything has been haunting me. Elder Marcus, as always, listened intently, giving me all his attention as I narrated my ordeal to him. I paused to get his expression while recounting the details, it was blank. He plays that trick a lot, hiding his emotions and opinions until one is done narrating to him. One thing about him is that he's a good listener, always available when his advice is needed. He hesitated for some seconds before taking after listening to me pour out my heart. 'It would be nice if you both knew that this particular prophecy spoken of isn't something of today. It is old, very old to be taken for granted." he finally revealed. 'From the scroll and the great seer, it is said to have ties with those from the bloodline with ancient powers." Jaxon's brows furrowed on hearing that. 'Does that in any way implicate Liora? Is she exposed to danger?" Marcus placed his hand on his jaw, his fingers stroking the arm of his chair.'The visions didn't just come on their own for warnings—they were a push for actions to be taken. The ancient power that lies dormant within you, Liora, has started coming to life, they are awakening. But not without coming with great responsibility, not excluding the risks that come along with it. The prophecy needs attention, and shouldn't be taken lightly." I swallowed an invisible lump, my throat became dry instantly at the weight of his words. 'What do I'd expected from me, from all of this? I seem not to understand anything that has been happening." 'The visions are only there to guide you, but you shouldn't forget this path is never meant for you alone. You should also seek out the assistance of someone connected to the prophecy directly, and that is the old man who revealed the prophecy to you. He is the only one who can put you through the meaning of it all, and fulfill its destiny." I glanced at Jaxon, he seemed more committed than me from his looks. 'Do you have any idea where he can be found?" Elder Marcus gave out a weak smile. 'He lives somewhere in the forest, deep into the heart of the popular ancient woods. I'm not promising you an easy journey, but one thing is sure: if you focus on finding him, the ancient path will aid you by revealing itself." His words were too heavy to grasp. It felt like a fairy tale, sending shivers down my spine as I tried to come to terms with it. Everything was happening too fast. This was never on my agenda. Just a few days ago, I was burdened with how to handle my increasing and intense feelings for Jaxon, and in the next minute, I found myself battling with ancient prophecy. To worsen it all, the prophecy has been strange to me. I indeed used the power that came with it during the war between our pack and the Night Howlers, but this particular one needs a more complex approach. I feared greatly if I could handle its complexity. As we made to leave to embark on a journey for solutions, Elder Marcus's gaze held a sinister giggle, his expression amusing but unreadable. He seemed to have noticed something, but it was personal, not connected to the prophecy I think. Yes, the tension between Jaxon and I had exposed us, he seemed to have noticed. I wasn't surprised that he noticed, he has keen eyes for issues like this, maybe because of his age and wisdom. 'Before you take your leave," Marcus said, halting us on our tracks, 'there's one more thing that needs attention." His eyes darted between Jaxon and me, but he lowered his voice more than intended. 'You two, something seems to be off. Your behavior lately is awkward. Is there a bond between both of you?" I froze on hearing him. He must be a seer to have read our minds. Or was it too obvious that a third party can dictate what's happening between us? Jaxon was no different from me, he was as shocked as I was. He might have been wondering how he found out. "We are still working out something." Marcus gave a knowing nod, his gaze still lingering on us. 'Well, that isn't too bad, but you shouldn't forget that you will need each other. This journey is going to be tough, but if the bond between the both of you is strong, it will be easier. Never doubt each other, and don't forget to trust the process." His words were like reminders of something we had been avoiding. We have been rotating around, forgetting the reason the vision came back. It was our kiss that brought it back; the restrictions aren't much again, and our union will only destroy the restrictions. There's an undeniable pull between us, a spark that can't be ignored. Even if we decide to ignore it, it would still linger on and our packs would suffer the consequences. As we left to get prepared for the journey ahead, we couldn't help but feel lighter, giggling within us like kids, and expecting the best from what the future holds for us both. The awkwardness seemed to have faded away; all we needed was the right counsel and the right guide, and we would hit the ground running. Elder Marcus's cottage was the warmest place to be when conflicted. He has the best words to say and knows when and how to say them. 'I'm glad we made it to Elder Marcus' place, and I think he's right," I said quietly as we made our way toward the woods. 'The bond between us would be to our advantage." Jaxon glanced at me, he seemed to be having a lot in his mind. 'I don't know for sure what the bond is going to do for us. But I do know that it's time we face reality. Elder Marcus never says what he's not sure of, so I agree with him, let's take advantage of the bond." I nodded, this is something we should have done since. Why run around something that would eventually be? The prophecy won't fade away until it's fulfilled. It's in our hands to use it and save our pack. If we decide to do nothing, we would be risking a lot, as rival packs would destroy us. There's no more time for dancing around. We must hit the ground running. As we stayed quiet for a moment, each to their thoughts, I knew it would only be a matter of time and everything would be alright. The pack will soon return to normal. Elder Marcus's POV They thought I was too old to notice. The way Jaxon and Liora looked at each other spoke volumes. The spark was in their eyes; it was visible to all who cared to take a look. But unfortunately, they were also busy building walls between themselves, an attempt at destroying the beautiful thing brewing between them. How can they be so stubborn to address such a delicate matter? I expected better from them, but they kept doing their wish. How I wish they would wake up and handle this once and for all, to concentrate on the affairs of this pack. After they left, I also noticed something strange. It was the nature of the bond. It can make them strong, but it can make them very fragile and susceptible to every attack from their enemies if they don't take precautions. At that moment, it explains why we were attacked by Morgath and his team. The bond was fragile at the moment of the attack. I must do something to avoid subsequent attacks from the enemy pack. They have to learn how to be united not only in purpose but also in heart. There must be a reason why their bond and the prophecy operate in such a manner; we must find out to avoid the consequences that could be disastrous to both them and the pack.