Chapter 4: Shadows of Destiny

The sun had barely risen, casting an eerie glow over the castle as Lucian stood in the sparring yard, sword in hand. His younger brother, Adrian, moved swiftly, his blade cutting through the air with precision. Lucian effortlessly dodged his strikes, his own sword meeting Adrian's with a sharp clang.

"Getting better, Adrian," Lucian said with a grin, countering another blow. Adrian's face tensed with focus, but his brother's calm demeanor was unshaken.

"One day, I'll win," Adrian replied, his voice filled with determination. He swung with renewed strength, but Lucian sidestepped and twisted the blade from his hand, leaving Adrian disarmed.

"You've got more ways to go," Lucian chuckled, sheathing his sword.

Adrian huffed, rubbing his wrist where Lucian had caught him. "Always so smug."

Nearby, Arianna stood with her arms crossed, watching them with her sharp, golden eyes. "You're both slow today," she teased. "You'd never last in a real fight like that."

Adrian shot her a look. "Care to try, sister?"

Arianna's eyes gleamed, and she stepped forward, but before she could take her place in the sparring ring, a figure appeared at the edge of the training grounds. Simon, their father's trusted advisor, stood with his usual composed expression.

"Your father requests your presence," Simon said, his voice as calm as ever. "It's urgent."

Lucian exchanged a glance with Adrian and Arianna, tension settling in the air. Their father, King Darius, rarely called for them during training unless something was truly important.

"What's going on?" Lucian asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

Simon's expression didn't falter. "The prophecy has shifted. You must hear it from him."

The weight of the words hung heavy in the air. The prophecy that tied Lucian's fate to Selena—the witch he had yet to meet—had been a constant presence in their lives, a destiny looming on the horizon. For it to change now, just as Selena's power began to surface, meant something dangerous was coming.

Without another word, the siblings followed Simon to the grand hall, where King Darius awaited them. The dark stone walls of the castle loomed over them as they entered the room, the tension palpable. Their father sat at the head of the long stone table, his silver eyes sharp, exuding his usual authoritative presence.

Beside him stood Isolde, the High Witch of the Coven. Her flaming copper hair seemed to glow in the dim light, and her presence immediately made it clear that this was a matter involving the witches.

"You summoned us, Father," Lucian said, breaking the silence as they stepped into the room.

King Darius nodded gravely. "The prophecy has changed," he began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of responsibility. "Selena's powers are awakening faster than we anticipated. The balance we've been maintaining is under threat."

Lucian's mind raced. The prophecy—foretelling that he and Selena were bound by fate—had always been something he accepted, but the timing of this shift couldn't be more dangerous.

Isolde's voice cut through his thoughts. "Selena's magic is unstable, and the bond between the two of you is weakening. If it isn't fortified soon, the repercussions will be catastrophic."

Arianna frowned, her sharp gaze settling on Isolde. "What kind of repercussions?"

Isolde looked directly at Lucian. "The bond that ties you both could unravel, releasing the forces we've kept at bay. Wars will break out, alliances will crumble. Our world will be thrown into chaos."

A heavy silence followed her words. Adrian crossed his arms, his expression darkening. "So what do we do now?"

King Darius leaned forward, his cold gaze settling on his eldest son. "Lucian, you must find Selena. Strengthen the bond. This is no longer just about destiny—it's about survival."

Lucian nodded, though the weight of responsibility pressed down on him like never before. "Where is she?"

Isolde stepped forward, her tone softening. "She's in the witch's domain, preparing for what's coming. But her power is drawing attention. Others will seek her soon."

Arianna narrowed her eyes. "Who else would be looking for her?"

Isolde didn't hesitate. "Anyone who wants to disrupt the balance. Rogue vampires, dark covens, and even those within our ranks who see this as an opportunity for power."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "So, what's the plan? We can't just sit around while everyone hunts for her."

King Darius stood, his towering presence commanding the room. "You will leave at dawn. Lucian, you'll lead. Adrian, Arianna, you will go with him. This mission must be done in secrecy. We cannot risk drawing attention to yourselves or Selena."

Lucian's gaze hardened. "Understood."

"Find her," King Darius said, his voice lowering. "And protect her at all costs. If the bond fails, it will mean the end of everything we've built."

Later that night, Lucian found himself on the balcony of his chambers, staring out into the darkened forest that surrounded the castle. The wind was cool against his skin, but his thoughts were anything but calm.

Selena. The girl he had only glimpsed in dreams but was now bound to in reality. Her powers, the prophecy, the fate of their world—all of it weighed heavily on him.

His siblings were strong, capable. Adrian's relentless drive and Arianna's cunning had always served them well. But this was different. This wasn't a simple fight or a battle they could win with swords. This was about magic, fate, and forces beyond their control.

The moon hung low in the sky, and for a fleeting moment, Lucian felt the pull of the bond. It was faint, but it was there—a connection to Selena, distant but undeniable.

Tomorrow, everything will change.

And there was no turning back.