Chapter 55: What The Oracle Says 2
Luna Selene appears around the corner, relief flooding her face when she finds them."There you are. I was looking for you three."
All three turn toward her as she exhales softly. "Anna’s awake."
---
Two days later, Julian’s SUV rumbles along the lonely dirt road leading toward the outskirts of Moon-Crest Territory.
Anna is finally stabilized, so they decide to leave for the old oracle’s hut today.
The farther they drive, the thicker the forest becomes, revealing areas where primal and rogue wolves reside.
No one speaks. The tension in the car feels like a suffocating weight pressing on everyone.
Julian keeps both hands firmly on the steering wheel, stealing occasional glances at the rearview mirror.
Nyra sits quietly in the back seat, watching the passing trees blur together outside her window. The fresh mating mark is hidden beneath a white turtleneck tucked into a pair of loose jeans.
Though that doesn’t stop her from being painfully aware of Adrian’s presence in the passenger seat.
Meanwhile, Adrian just stares straight ahead, jaw tight.
Nyra had told Anna she could move in with Adrian yesterday despite how many times Adrian pleaded with her not to do it. And since then, Adrian has refused to even look at her.
The hurt and disappointment he feels is like a constant ache against her mating mark.
Finally, when they’re deep inside the forest, the old wooden cabin comes into view.
"We’re here," Julian mutters, pulling the vehicle to a stop, stepping out first.
Despite his anger, Adrian still opens the side door for Nyra, offering a hand to help her down from the high truck.
She mutters a quiet thanks. He just responds with a hum and walks away, still clearly upset.
She watches his broad back disappear toward the cottage, her chest tight. Maybe she is wrong for pushing him toward Anna. Maybe she is making the biggest mistake of her life. But if Anna dies because she selfishly held on to him... how is she supposed to live with that?
Nyra sighs, looking down at her hand. When Adrian finally gets to hold his own child in his hands, he would understand her sacrifice.
As they reach the clearing around the hut, Adrian scans the space with a knowing glint in his eyes. "So I was right..."
Julian raises an eyebrow. "What?"
His silver eyes narrow as he studies the old cottage. "The last time both of you came here, I tried to search for you. I was standing right here, but I couldn’t see this hut."
Realization slowly dawns on Julian. "Oh..." he sighs, scratching the back of his neck. "She uses a masking spell. We can only see the hut because she invited us here."
Julian doesn’t add that the old oracle has been hunted for months now. She used to work for the royal family in the Ashfords’ old pack, but was accused of treason by the Queen for saving the King’s illegitimate first son and exposing that he had been poisoned with a high-grade toxin.
Everyone suspected the Queen because she had one Alpha daughter, and the boy was the only one standing in the way of her daughter becoming the next Alpha of the pack.
But somehow the Queen managed to twist the story and accuse the Oracle instead. So she fled with the help of the Ashford family and now stays in one of the most dangerous parts of these woods, using a masking spell to keep herself safe from rogues, hunters, and the Queen’s men.
The front door creaks open before any of them can knock. The old oracle smiles at them, her long white hair cascading down her shoulders.
She ushers them in warmly. "Come in, my dears."
Adrian looks hesitant, but when Nyra takes his hand, the hesitation quickly melts away, and he follows quietly behind her, shuffling into the small cottage.
Inside smells like herbs and incense, and there are dozens of candles flickering against stone walls covered in strange symbols.
The oracle’s warm eyes settle on Nyra first. Then they drift to where the mating mark lies beneath her top. She can’t see it, but somehow she knows it’s there.
A satisfied smile spreads across her wrinkled face. "So the Moon Goddess had her way after all."
Nyra feels her cheeks warm, her hand instinctively coming up to the mark even though it’s not visible. She had worn this exact outfit for that reason.
The oracle simply nods before turning serious again. "There is much we have to discuss."
She gestures toward the back of the cottage. "Adrian. Nyra. Come with me."
Julian watches them disappear through a narrow doorway leading into a smaller ritual chamber before the oracle closes the curtain behind them.
He is left alone again.
Nyra remembers this room, the carved stones lining the walls and the pre-prepared candles already arranged in a perfect circle.
The old woman faces Adrian first. Her face is warm, but her gaze is piercing and dissecting.
"What kind of wolf are you, dear?" she asks him.
Adrian looks between the two of them before answering. "I’m a dominant Alpha, ma’am."
"Just call me Oracle," she counters, picking up a flat stone that has several ancient patterns carved into it. "And I don’t think that’s what you are. Place your hand on the stone."
Adrian doesn’t hesitate this time, curious. He places a hand on the stone, feeling it shift. Then something warm spreads through his arm from his fingertips, slowly filling every inch of him before gradually dissipating.
She hums and pulls the stone away. "Just as I thought."
Adrian frowns with genuine curiosity. "What is it? What’s wrong with me?"
"Nothing." The woman hums, still staring at the stone. "In fact, I think this is really good. The Moon Goddess must find something really special in you to give you such a great gift."
She tilts her head as she continues. "Tell me, do you usually have better results than your peers?"
Adrian thinks back to his first combat exam. How he’d beaten his trainer before they were even halfway through the match.
Every exam aced. Every combat trial won. Every promotion earned. Every elder calling him a blessed child.
He sighs and nods. "Yes, I have, Oracle."
She smiles at his answer, like she already expected it. "That’s because you are not an Alpha, dear."
She hesitates before finishing. "You are an Enigma."