Bloodline of Destiny

ther in a tempest that seemed to cling to the ancient forest clearing. It was

. Around it, a circle of creatures gathered; vampires with eyes like molten rubies, werewolves whose claws twitched in barely-contained agg

d defiant even as her strength waned. She was the one who had spoken the prophecy, her words echoing across centuries, igniting fear and ambition in the hea

d. "For centuries, this witch's prophecy has hung over us like a blade," he said, his voice low and commanding. "A child who will tear the veil, who will bring ruin

the gathered creatures, though some

rdening. "You brought this upon yourse

oarse but filled with venom. "You canno

agger etched with runes that pulsed faintly with male

by the flickering torches that ringed the clearing. The tension in th

lood spilled over the altar, pooling in its ancient grooves. The air shifted immediately, a charged curr

eyes locked with Kael's. "My blood will not bind the prophecy. Hear me O ancien

on the wind like ash. For a moment, silence reig

shadows

ion, yet it felt as though he had always been there, watching from the edges of reality. His face was

ing. "Who are you?" a werewo

pha, drawing blood. "Only fools do

You fools," he said, his tone laced with dark amusement. "You've only quickened th

and. "Lies," he spat. "The ritual was flawless. He

d now the prophecy stirs. You've opened the door you sought to seal," he smiled as if

spers, faint but growing, filled the space; unintelligible words that carried a sense of foreboding. Th

aid, his voice softening to a near-whisper. "The child will come, and no

bling with restrained fury. "If you

with a voice laced with quiet menace, he replied, "You don't stop it

the shadows, leaving the gather

down on them. For the first time, Kael's confidence wavered. He glanced at the altar, where the

live, and it was c