A WITCH'S PROPHECY

DR VOLKOV POV

I arrived at the kingdom of Adrenia, to study the strange behaviour of animals that had been going berserk and attacking the people. As I walked through the bustling streets, I noticed two guards on horseback in a hurry, galloping towards me and my companion, Vasil, who was walking by my side. The guards were so focused on their destination that they were about to trample us over. At the last moment, the guards pulled on their reins, coming to a stop just inches away from us. My companion stumbled back, fear etched on his face, but I remained calm, knowing that my wolf senses would alert me to any danger.

The guards jumped off their horses, annoyance written all over their faces. They approached us, shouting and waving their arms, but I paid them no attention. My focus was on the whip in the hand of one of the guards. He raised it, preparing to lash out at my companion, but I was faster. I grabbed the whip with my hand, stopping it mid-air.

"You have no right to touch a guard's weapon," the one who had threatened Vasil said, stepping forward.

I stood my ground, my eyes locked with his. "I will not stand by and watch someone be abused. If you have a problem with that, then take it up with your superiors."

The guards were taken aback, their eyes wide as they looked at me. "Who do you think you are?" one of them demanded.

"I am Dr. Volkov, a scientist and researcher," I replied calmly. "I've been sent to investigate reports of strange behavior among the animals."

The guards looked skeptical. "We've received no reports of any such thing. You're not welcome here."

"I was not sent by the Queen," I added, sensing their suspicion. "I have been sent by the council, after hearing rumours of strange occurrences in this kingdom. The welfare of the people and the animals is my concern, and I am here to find a solution."

The guards looked at each other, their expressions changing to one of annoyance. "Very well," the one who had threatened Vasil said. "But know that if you cause any trouble, you'll be dealt with harshly."

As we walked further into the kingdom, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. I had a sixth sense for these things, and it was telling me that there was more to this situation than just rogue animals. That’s when an old, hunched lady bumped into me her wrinkled face covered in a black hood, she held a walking stick in her hand.

"Ah, Dr. Volkov," she greeted me, a knowing twinkle in her eye. "I've been expecting you. I've heard of your reputation as a famous doctor, and I have information that may be of interest to you."

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What information?"

The witch leaned in close, her voice a whisper. "There is a prophecy, passed down through generations of my family. It speaks of a deadly curse that will spread among the werewolves, causing them to turn on each other . The only way to stop it is for a chosen one, with the gift of healing, to step forward and bring an end to the chaos."

“Who is this person? How do I find them?” I ask frantically.

“All in due time” she says with a grin on her face before she disappears into the crowd.

I felt a chill run down my spine. Could it be that this strange behaviour among the animals was related to this prophecy?

I approached the castle gates, the moon shining brightly in the dark sky, my heart racing with anticipation. I had been sent by the council to investigate the strange behavior of the animals in the kingdom of Adrenia, and I knew that I needed to speak to the Queen in order to gain access to the information he needed.

As I approached the gates, the guards at the entrance wore crisp uniforms and stood with their hands resting on their swords, their faces stern and unyielding. I stood before them with a calm expression, "State your business," one of them said, eyeing me suspiciously.

"I am Dr. Volkov," I replied calmly. "I have been sent by the council to investigate the strange behavior of the animals in your kingdom. I seek an audience with the Queen."

I stepped into the castle, awed by its grandeur. The walls were decorated with lush tapestries and the floors were made of gleaming marble. I followed the guard down the long hallway, my footsteps echoing off the walls. As we reached the throne room, I could hear muffled voices from inside and I stopped to compose myself before entering.

The guard pushed open the doors and gestured me to step inside, revealing a grand chamber adorned with expensive tapestries, polished furniture, and gilded accents. My eyes immediately found the Queen, seated on her throne with an air of poise and authority. Her advisors stood around her in immaculate uniforms, watching me with distrustful glares.

I bowed my head respectfully. “Greetings, your Majesty,” I said. “I am Dr. Volkov, and I have been sent by the council to investigate the strange behaviour of the animals in your kingdom.”

The Queen adjusted her robes and looked at me quizzically. “I was not informed of your arrival,” she said slowly. “What is it that you need from me?”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "I need access to all of the information that you have regarding the animal behaviour. I believe that there may be a scientific explanation for what is happening, and I need to gather as much information as possible in order to uncover the truth."

The Queen narrowed her eyes and folded her hands in her lap. “I'm sorry, Dr. Volkov,” she said firmly. Her advisors nodding in agreement “But I must ask you to refrain from pursuing this investigation any further. We have everything under control, and we do not need any outside interference”.

I felt my frustration boiling as I listened to the Queen's response. I knew that this wouldn't be easy, but I never expected that she would refuse to cooperate.

"Your Majesty, I understand your reservations, but don't you agree that this investigation is important? The safety of your people is at stake."

The Queen sighed heavily, and her expression shifted from stoic to exasperated. "I understand your concern, Dr. Volkov, but I must insist that you drop your investigation. As the Queen of this kingdom, I have already made my decision, and I will not abide by any further discussion on the matter."

I bowed my head in defeat, knowing that I could not force the Queen to cooperate with me. As I stepped out of the castle doors, Vasil was waiting for me, his brow furrowed with concern. “Well, did you speak to the Queen?” he asked.

I shook my head in disappointment. “She refused to help me,” I said, running my fingers through my hair frustratedly.

Vasil’s eyes widened in surprise. “But this is such an important issue,” he said.

“Are you going to abandon your investigation now?”

"No," I retorted firmly. "This mystery has been a thorn in my side for months now. I won't rest until we get to the bottom of it."

Just then, a woman jumped out of the window of the castle and landed on the ground, she landed in a clumsy crouch and gasped in pain, her breath visible in the cold air. I looked at her with suspicion, but I couldn't see her face. She quickly got up and looked around, and I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at her clumsiness.

I watched as the two guards patrolling the area walked towards her, immersed in their own conversation. I felt a pang inside of me urging me to help her and I sigh in frustration. Without a sound, I snuck behind the guards and quickly took them out effortlessly. Vasil and I hid behind a nearby tree as I briefly watched the women unaware of her surroundings and my help, make a run for it into the forest, her long brown hair flying behind her and her petite figure illuminated by the moonlight, leaving behind a mouthwatering scent of rosemary and lavender.

My heart raced urging me to follow her into the surrounding forest, and although a part of me wanted to approach her, I knew I had to stay focused on my investigation. But as I walked away from the castle, I couldn't help but think about the woman I had just seen. Who was she? Why was she jumping out of the castle window?