"Alpha Shadows: Forbidden Shackles"

In the Western Kingdom

In the Kingdom of Magic, within the grand corridors of the palace, Olivia made her way to her chambers. The moment she arrived, she collapsed onto the bed, releasing a heavy sigh. But she soon sat up again, unfastened the sword from her waist, and placed it aside before curling up once more. A storm of emotions swirled within her—fear creeping into her thoughts despite the strong and fearless facade she maintained before others. Deep inside, she was unsettled. The presence she felt was unlike any power she had ever encountered.

A sharp knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She straightened up and called out, "Enter."

A young maid stepped inside, her appearance modest yet neat. Bowing slightly, she announced, "My princess, the fortune teller has arrived. She wishes to see you immediately."

Olivia's brows furrowed. What could this be about?

The maid, maintaining her composed demeanor, replied politely, "I do not know, Your Highness."

Letting out a slow breath, Olivia ran a hand over her weary face before nodding. "Very well. I'll go to her now."

The maid bowed once more and exited.

Dragging herself out of bed, Olivia felt a familiar unease settle over her. The fortune teller's words always come true. Even now, she vividly remembered their first encounter…

Flashback

Fifteen-year-old Olivia roamed the dim corridors of the palace, her steps unknowingly leading her toward the Oracle's chamber. Curiosity pulled her forward, an irresistible force that had drawn her there many times before. But this time… this time was different.

As soon as she stepped inside, the Oracle slowly lifted her head. Her eyes—once ordinary—began to shift, the whites vanishing into a consuming black void, as if an abyss had swallowed them whole.

Olivia froze, her body paralyzed, her breath caught in her throat.

Then, in a hollow voice that seemed to echo from nowhere, the Oracle spoke:

"An unchanging destiny… The heir of both light and darkness… A struggle that will never end… Who will prevail? No one knows. But you… you will be the key to the end."

The Oracle's eyes flickered back to normal, her chest rising and falling as if she had returned from another world. She stared at Olivia, her expression still clouded with remnants of the vision, before whispering in a voice barely audible:

"Be careful, little one… When the time comes, you will have no choice but to fight."

A violent shiver ran through Olivia's body. Unable to bear the weight of those words, she turned and fled from the chamber, desperate to push the prophecy from her mind.

But no matter how hard she tried, she failed.

Because the Oracle's words had never left her.

End of Flashback

Olivia inhaled deeply, forcing herself back to the present. Her hand pressed over her chest, feeling the wild rhythm of her own heartbeat.

The Oracle's prophecy had come true—she now carried a power unlike any other. A force both light and dark, an existence that should not be. But she could never reveal it. If she did, she would be cast out, shunned by everyone.

And now, the Oracle had summoned her once more.

What will she say this time?

How close am I to fulfilling my fate?

With heavy steps, Olivia left her chambers, each stride filled with unease. Something was about to happen—something she could not escape.

She reached the Oracle's door, hesitating for a brief moment before gripping the handle. Taking a steadying breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The thick scent of incense curled through the air, wrapping around her like an invisible force. Her unease deepened.

"Who's next?"

The Oracle's voice was soft yet carried an unnatural weight. She sat in an aged wooden chair, her eyes closed, as if still tethered to another realm.

Olivia moved forward and took a seat across from her. The moment the Oracle's eyes fluttered open, Olivia felt her very soul laid bare.

"I have seen a vision of you," the Oracle murmured, her voice both gentle and chilling.

Olivia stiffened, swallowing hard as her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Yet, she steadied herself and rasped, "What did you see?"

The Oracle regarded her for a long moment before speaking again:

**"Your fate is entwined with those who carry the same paradox… Light and darkness, bound together… The strongest beings will rise again…

What was once written has been altered… From light, darkness will be born. And from darkness, light will emerge.

The black wolf's mark will be the sign… And one will stand by your side…

The choice will be yours alone. Your salvation lies in unity—or your destruction.

But beware… danger lurks in every shadow… Betrayal is closer than you think…

Trust no one.

You stand alone against what is coming."**

A cold shiver raced down Olivia's spine.

The Oracle's words were cryptic, yet they carried a weight that sent a deep sense of unease coursing through her. She stared, searching for answers, but the Oracle's eyes had already drifted shut—severing the connection as if she had never spoken at all.

Olivia couldn't help but wonder:

"Who is this wolf? Will he be my salvation… or my downfall?"

She returned to her room, disappointment weighing heavily on her chest. The Oracle's words echoed in her mind, an unshakable burden pressing down on her soul.

She had spent years trying to accept who she was, to understand the power that set her apart from everyone else. But just when she thought she was close to grasping her fate, it only grew more elusive—slipping through her fingers like mist.

With a weary sigh, she collapsed onto her bed, her mind a battlefield of endless thoughts. Every time she tried to adapt, something new emerged, dragging her deeper into uncertainty.

Would she ever truly understand herself? Or would fate deny her the time to even try?

She covered her eyes with her palm, as if to block out the relentless storm in her mind. But no matter how hard she tried, the Oracle's voice remained, whispering its ominous truth:

"The choice is yours alone… Either your salvation will be in union, or it will be your doom..."

Reader Questions:

1. Do you think Olivia will be able to change her fate, or will the prophecy force her down an unavoidable path?

2. Who is the "Black Wolf" mentioned in the prophecy, and will he be Olivia's enemy or ally?