“So, this prophecy must be really old…considering it is written in Latin?”
“Yeah, it is over a thousand years old,” Tom says.
“Are you serious? This has been prophesized for over a thousand years?” The events of my life have been predetermined for that long? “Claire told me that I would help end a war. Is this really considered a war?”
“War has many definitions. Simply put, a war can just mean a conflict between two groups of people. In this case, it’s Dravin and the Gadramicks against all other mages. So, yes, this really could be considered a war.
“You’ve heard of Alexander the Great? Constantine? Charlemagne?” When I nod, he continues, “All were great rulers and mages. They used their powers to help their people. They all heard of the prophecy and searched for the girl as well. The prophecy never gave a time-frame, so no one knew when it was going to be fulfilled. At least until now. Many of the great wars in history have been fought with the help of magic and often against Dravin-like mages.”
“Oh.” My mind can’t fathom that the “Greats” of history may have been great because they were mages. They were searching for me. Me. How is that possible?
“So how far until we get to James’s house?” Emma asks.
“A couple more hours.”
“Nap time,” she says while dramatically leaning into David. I glance behind me at Natalie and Liam. Natalie is staring straight ahead while Liam is staring out the window to her left. Neither one of them will admit their feelings for each other yet. Kyril and Liam are too big for the back seats, so it is slightly amusing watching them sit there, trying to get comfortable.
“That actually sounds like a good idea,” I say as I lean back and snuggle into Colton’s chest.
“There’s more to the prophecy, dear.” I open my eyes and look around. I’m in the field of dreams again but not with Liam. I turn around and gasp when I see who is standing here with me.
“Claire?” She nods. I run toward her and collide into her, wrapping my arms around her. She briefly hugs me back. I’ve missed her so much.
“Yes, it’s me. There’s no reason to be sad. You had nothing to do with my death. I knew what was going to happen that day. It had to happen that way for everything to play out like it is. And I’m still here.” I take a step away from her, confused. She touches my chest where my heart is. “In here.” I bite my lip and look away. I don’t want her to see me cry.
“Wait, what do you mean that there’s more to the prophecy?”
“Her two warriors are destined to put an end to the war,” she says as she steps backward. I finally get a good look at her. She looks amazing. Her blonde hair is pulled into a bun at the base of her neck. She’s wearing an ivory sundress with a tan scarf belt and light pink sweater. “When I first read the prophecy, I thought it was talking about David and Colton, but now I think it’s referring to Colton and Liam. Colton’s your soulmate—congratulations on that by the way. I could tell that his feelings for you were more than just a crush. His soulmate side wants nothing more to keep you safe, so his mage side compensates for that. You’re his trigger. He needs to protect you and keep you safe. Liam is your actual protector. Your two warriors are going to stop Dravin. You’re just going to inspire them to do so.”
“So, I’m not going to be the one to actually end the war?”
“No, you are. You’re the unifying factor. Colton and Liam are supposed to be the ones that fight against Dravin. You’re needed somewhere else.”
“Where?”
Claire’s image flickers. “I can’t give that away just yet. You’ll know when the time comes.”
“Don’t leave yet!” I yell as she starts fading away.
“It’s time. I’m so proud of you all. Please let everyone know that.” I watch as she completely disappears, leaving me alone again in the dream field.
“Ryanne, babe, what’s wrong?”
I sit up and rub my eyes, trying to get a bearing on my location. I am still in the car sitting on Colton’s lap. He reaches out and grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. With his other hand, he tucks a strand of loose hair behind my ear and waits for me to fully wake up. “I just saw Claire,” I say with a yawn.
“You what?” Tom asks form the front seat.
“I saw Claire,” I repeat. “She said that there’s more to the prophecy. I’m not the one that actually brings about an end to the war. I’m just the one that inspires others to bring about an end.”