The Final Prophecy (The Oracle Series Book 3)

by N. J. Cooper

  “What’s wrong?” He whispered harshly. Kyla shook her head, wincing as it made the pain worse.

  “I can’t… I don’t know. It hurts, I’ve never had so many auras in one room. It’s hard to shut them out but it’s something in one of the auras, it’s worse.” Kyla explained in a whisper as the crowd began to chatter among themselves again, in a quieter tone this time. Wyatt narrowed his eyes and looked over everyone.

  “Are you sure it’s not just your own reaction to seeing Zarek again?” Wyatt asked with a slight smirk. Kyla’s eyes widened, her eyes locking on Zarek’s who was on the stage, in the throne, his eyes on her. His bold, blue stare was like a kick to the gut and she held her stomach. He was just as beautiful as she remembered, if not more in his Prince mode. He was dressed in his royal white and gold robes with a crown and she stared unabashedly at him. He stared back and her instincts homed in on him. It drowned everything else out. The noise, the auras, the pain. It was all gone as she locked on to his. But it wasn’t what she wanted to feel. He was sad, regretful, tense. Kyla looked at his knuckles as he tapped his lips with his forefinger. They were raw, as if he had been punching something. Kyla winced and wished she could go to him and make it better. Go back to the night before his father had died, when they had been together in each other’s arms. They had been happy for those moments and she wanted that again. Kyla was lost in seeing him again when the Queen leaned over and scowled at him, whispering in his ear with furious lips. Kyla swallowed hard and leaned away, the Queen’s glare locking on her and all the pain and darkness suffocated her once again. Kyla cringed back into her seat and clenched her eyes shut so she didn’t have to deal with the Queens intensity. Finally, Zarek stood from his throne and moved to the podium. He cleared his throat in the microphone then addressed the realm. Kyla pulled on his voice as a salve and listened intently.

  “Welcome Velatem Realm. Despite the reasons for this Ceremony, I’m glad we could all come together to vote on the next Elders from the areas of Mons, and Succo. For today, I will go over the conditions and rules and then each race in the goblin, giant and vampire communities will be able to nominate Elders to ascend to the High Council.” Zarek instructed in a loud, authoritive voice. He looked over everyone, his eyes lingering on her. She offered a small smile of encouragement and nodded for him to continue. A smile waivered on his lips and he continued, “So before we get into the rules, I want to make it clear that the Elders that are nominated for this coveted position as a representative for their race, are being given a responsibility of huge importance. It is not a role to be taken lightly nor a responsibility to be abused. This situation, where Elders on the High Council have sought to betray us, is not going to be tolerated. After much deliberation, the Royals have decided that if this is to happen again, then the High Council will be removed. The Royals will dictate what happens, regardless of what the individual races concerns are. That is what is at stake here. So please, when nominating an Elder, make sure they understand the weight of the position they will be in,” Zarek explained before he looked down at the papers in front of him, shuffled them then looked back up again, scanning the crowd who were listening intently. Including Kyla. “So, let’s go over the proceedings. You have twelve days to get the nominees in, after the Royal Wedding,” His voice broke on those last words and everyone pretended not to notice but Kyla didn’t; she scowled. Something he must’ve seen as he looked over at her, because he winced apologetically then cleared his throat and continued, “The Trials will begin, the day after the wedding. They are tests to make sure each nominee has the realm’s best interests at heart. They will test each Elder’s Morality, Humanity and Loyalty. Once they are over, I will go over the results and the High Council Elders will be chosen.” Zarek announced. Everyone clapped and cheered. Zarek nodded and she smirked a little at how much their applause made him blush.

  “So, anyone can nominate an Elder from the race that they think will make a good representative, but the nominee must be an Elder, and already on the Elder Council for that race. That’s the only stipulation and you can make your vote anytime over the next twelve days. For now, we are going to head into the dining hall and enjoy a banquet where you can discuss your options and make votes at the ballad box if you wish. Otherwise we will see you at the next ceremony,” Zarek said before stepping back and leaving the room, the Queen following behind. Everyone clapped as they left before they were all being ushered from the stadium. Kyla leaned into Wyatt.

  “We’re staying for the banquet, right? Elanor said that’s where I was going to get my chance with Zarek.” Kyla whispered as they all stood and began leaving with the rest of their Academy. Wyatt nodded.

  “We’re definitely going to the banquet. She’s his betrothed and her parents are on the High Council, it would be a dishonour to both of them if Elanor didn’t attend. Other than that, I assume it will be Elders staying, the others probably won’t. The Royals invite everyone but it’s not proper to turn up unless you have status of some kind.” Wyatt explained as they were led back out into the bus.

  “Where are we going then?” Kyla asked. Wyatt shrugged taking his seat. Instead of sitting next to him like last time, Kyla slipped into the seat in of Wyatt and waited for Elanor to climb on the bus then pulled her down next to her. Elanor rolled her eyes and gave her an exaggerated sigh.

  “Where are we going? We had a deal,” Kyla whispered. Elanor huffed.

  “Which I wish I had never made by the way. I saw the way my fiancé was looking at you. I’d give anything for him to look at me like that.” Elanor said bitterly and Kyla hated the fact that it actually made her feel guilty. Elanor obviously cared about Zarek but Kyla couldn’t see how it could measure up to what she felt with him. And she couldn’t control the way Zarek felt.

  “I am sorry, Elanor. Truly. I didn’t think things were going to be like this. When I came here, I never tried to fall in love with him, it just happened.” Kyla admitted. Elanor shook her head and replaced her sorrow with a placid expression. A perfect princess mask.

  ~ 3 ~

  “Yeah, you and every other girl. Do you know how many minds I check on, have the image of him in it? I knew I would have to live with that, what I never expected was the image of someone else in his mind though. But it is what it is. We are betrothed whether he loves me or not. Anyway, about our deal, I’ll keep my end. We are just going to the hotel until it’s time for the banquet. We have to get ready before that though.” Elanor explained as the bus finished loading and pulled away. Kyla frowned.

  “Get ready? I thought we just wore our uniforms?” Kyla asked, looking down and cringing at the idea that she was going to stand out for not being prepared. Elanor laughed at her.

  “You don’t go to a banquet with the Queen and future-King in a school uniform, Oracle.” She laughed cynically. Kyla screwed her face up.

  “I didn’t bring anything else. I didn’t know I was meant to. Can you take me into the city to find something?” Kyla begged. Elanor gasped and narrowed her eyes.

  “You want to go shopping? With me?” She asked incredulously. Kyla nodded.

  “I don’t know my way around the city, and I have no idea where the shops with the nice clothes are.” Kyla admitted, blushing at Elanor’s shocked expression. Finally, she composed herself and rolled her eyes.

  “Look, we don’t need to go shopping. You can borrow something of mine, I brought heaps. And it’s all in realm colours. It’s a thank you for saving the realm but after that, you’re on your own okay?” Elanor offered. Kyla grinned.

  “You got it. Thank you.” She said genuinely.

  “Yeah sure. I’ll just give the girl who my guy is in love with, a stunning dress that will make him stare at her all night and she says thank you.” Elanor bit sarcastically. Kyla rolled her eyes this time.

  “I can’t help how he feels, and I do appreciate you helping despite knowing that.” Kyla admitted. Elanor waved her hand in dismissal.

  “I told you why I’m
doing it, but this doesn’t make us friends, Oracle. I don’t think that will ever be. Some personalities are not meant to be close.” She stated. Kyla nodded, she agreed and was totally okay with that. Elanor and her were not going to be friends anytime soon but she was definitely grateful that they could at least be friendly. It didn’t take long to go to the hotel, and they were moved into an underground carpark where other buses were. They all unloaded and moved over to the stairs and elevator, going up to what she thought was the lobby, but instead they were led into a huge dorm with bed bunks filling the room. The teacher with their group, Mr Lemmings was directing students to their beds. The bunks weren’t steel frames like a usual dorm type, these were luxurious. White carpet covered the whole dorm, with the bunks made up of white gloss wood, with thick velvet coverings in gold and white. A room opened at the end with a row of toilet cubicles, another one beside it with shower cubicles and on the other side of the room was two wardrobes, one with a huge makeup station in the middle and the other, with ties and vests of all kinds. Kyla was in awe. Elanor moved passed her without another word, off to find a bed with her groupies. Kyla found Wyatt and went over to him, sitting on the edge of the bed he was lying down on, at the far end of the room, against the wall. His bag was on the bed and she sighed as she noticed everyone else had thought to bring things.

  “I didn’t know I was meant to bring a change of clothes to the banquet.” She sighed. Wyatt chuckled.

  “Wow, that’s gonna suck wearing your uniform. I can wear mine with you if you want?” He offered. Kyla smiled but shook her head.

  “Elanor is lending me some stuff.” Kyla admitted, and Wyatt gasped. Kyla frowned at his gaping expression “What?” She asked. Wyatt nodded towards where Elanor was smacking one of her groupie’s hands away from her glittering suitcase of things.

  “She never lets anyone touch her stuff. I think she likes you Kyla.” Wyatt revealed. Kyla shook her head.

  “No, she doesn’t. We agreed that we don’t like each other. It’s hard to like the other girl who wants your guys heart.” Kyla admitted. Wyatt shrugged.

  “Maybe like is too strong of a word. I think she admires you. Or is grateful. Either way, getting to borrow her things, is a huge honour from Queen Bee.” Wyatt revealed. Kyla raised an eyebrow and looked over at Elanor. She held herself well, elegance and grace in every movement. She was a natural beauty that meant she didn’t need make up or status to get people lining up to worship her. And yet she had both and still, the happiness didn’t reach her eyes. Elanor had done everything that she was asked to do but it made Kyla wonder whether any of it was actually what Elanor wanted. Pushing those thoughts aside she went over to her and they started getting ready.

  Hours later, when the teacher was announcing that it was time to go, Elanor was just putting the finishing touches on Kyla’s outfit. She was good and Kyla looked stunning. Her hair was curled into a bun at the back of her head, with curled tendrils loose around her face and neck and a gold sparkling pin in it. Elanor had applied enough make up to Kyla’s face that she was sure it would crack if she tried to smile, but it looked amazing. No blemishes, no slight dusting of freckles, and her purple eyes were covered in a dark, seductive look with winged liner and a shimmer of gold over the lid. The final touch was the shimmer on Kyla’s lips. A gold lipstick that was Elanor’s favourite. Kyla looked over the dress that Elanor had chosen for her. It was meant to be a good choice because it looked similar to Elanor’s and if anyone saw her and Zarek together, it might make them think it was Elanor, rather than Kyla and it was a good plan but the dress was gorgeous even on its own. The wide straps went down her torso and created a plunging neckline. It was tight and covered in jewels that stopped where the plunge did. It was the same at the back with it barely covering anything, then at the line on her torso, the dress became a luxurious silk that draped over her legs and had a slit up one side revealing stiletto heels that Kyla had no hope of looking as elegant as Elanor in.

  “This is amazing.” Kyla said in awe, running her fingers through the silk. Elanor grabbed at the fabric that held Kyla’s breasts, readjusting it so her cleavage was at a better angle, then did the same to her own plunging dress.

  “Of course it is, it’s mine.” Elanor said as she fiddled with her make up one last time. She was taller and leaner than Kyla and looked like a runway model but at least when Kyla looked at her own comparison this time, she didn’t feel as lacking. Elanor had a similar dress definitely but hers was all silk and the spaghetti straps criss-crossed over her back and came around the front to cut out a midsection of the dress. The straps were sparkling gold and created two pockets of material that only just covered her modest breasts. Her heels strapped up her calf and she was just as stunning as usual. Her make-up was almost the same, but she had added jewellery that tied her outfit together. Kyla blew out a breath. She was good at the girl thing; she’d give the blonde socialite that. “C’mon, I can’t be late.” Elanor said, spinning on her heels and leaving the bathroom. Kyla nodded and followed her out. Elanor strode through the dorm, ignoring the line of students waiting for the elevator in their own beautiful gowns and suits and went straight in. Nobody said anything, just stared in awe. Kyla wasn’t ready for that kind of attention and slid into line next to Wyatt. He turned to her with his eyes wide.

  “You are…wow.” Wyatt stuttered looking over her. Kyla blushed and smiled.

  “Thanks, just hold onto me so I don’t fall over.” Kyla chuckled. He put his arm through hers with a nod.

  “You got it.” he smiled. His hair was still up but he had changed into tan pants, a white shirt and gold braces with a gold bow tie. He was handsome and at her human school, Wyatt would send the girls there into heat with one look but to her, he was a friend and a comfort, her butterflies only fluttered for one body. One she was going to get to see soon and she had never been more nervous and excited at the same time in her life. Kyla held onto Wyatt the whole way to the mansion and even as they were being escorted to the dining hall, which was just as grand as she remembered. It was just bigger. Chandeliers, white and gold. A huge table at the front, on a platform with two thrones and Kyla didn’t want to admit how much it crushed her when Elanor was escorted up to the platform to be seated next to Zarek. She was about to look away and sit down at the seats that the rest of them had been led to, when Zarek saw her. His eyes widened then narrowed on her. But not in anger, in lust. He licked his lips as he looked over her and she couldn’t tear her gaze from him. A three-piece, white vest suit that covered his broad, fit physique in a way that made her want to tear it from his body. Heat blossomed through her and if Wyatt hadn’t tugged on her arm in that moment, then she might not have been able to stop herself going over to Zarek. She looked back to Wyatt and he was smirking, sitting down. She sat down next to him.

  “Careful. You’ll get drool on that beautiful dress.” Wyatt teased. Kyla grinned.

  “Shut up. I can’t help it.” Kyla admitted quietly.

  “By the looks of it, neither can he.” Wyatt said indicating to the front. Kyla looked back to Zarek who was still watching her, despite someone whispering in his ear from behind him. Kyla was about to turn and talk to Wyatt again when there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned back and gasped as a familiar friendly face smiled at her. Orion. Kyla grinned and stood unsteadily on her heels, then turned and hugged him tightly. He hugged her back then moved back so she could hug Shemar as well. She had missed the centaurs more than she realised as her tears started welling through her smile.

  “Kyla. It’s good to see you. You look beautiful.” Orion said. Kyla grinned.

  “Thanks. I’ve missed you guys.” She said.

  “We’ve missed you but not your disobedience.” Orion winked. She laughed.

  “That’s a lie. You’re bored without my erratic quests.” She teased. Shemar shrugged his dark, muscular shoulders.

  “It’s true. He’ll deny it but really, he wants another mission. The mansion life isn’t f
or him.” Shemar laughed deeply. Orion smiled, his eyes crinkling as Kyla chuckled then sobered and bit her lip. If only they knew the quest they would be about to go on, if they were still her guard. But they weren’t and they had put themselves in enough danger. But her drop in enthusiasm didn’t escape Orion or Shemar.

  “Either you just thought of the Prince and his life here, or you know a truth other than what we are aware of. What is it?” Orion asked, his voice quieting. Kyla plastered a smile on her face despite the fact that the centaur could tell when someone was lying.

  “The Prince. It sucks seeing him here and not being able to be with him. And he looks like he’s not enjoying the mansion life just as much as you two.” Kyla lied. Orion frowned but Shemar was not an Alpha and missed the deception.

  “He enjoys it, Kyla. He just misses you and his father. It’s a huge burden to bear at his age.” Shemar offered. Kyla smiled, avoiding eye contact with Orion who was still scrutinizing her.

  “Of course. Anyway, I’m going to have some food, I’ll catch up with you guys later, yeah?” Kyla said trying to dismiss them. They said quiet goodbyes then left and Kyla took her seat again. She glanced back at Zarek who was talking to Elanor. She whispered in his ear and he glanced over at her with a smirk. Kyla pursed her lips trying to hide her smile, but it broke through, he knew they were going to meet.

  Once everyone was in and seated, the soft music that had been playing, halted and Zarek welcomed everyone, then the food was served. It was delicious and she was starving. She ate her food, picking slowly as she waited for the clock to get to nine. It was eight thirty when everyone decided to get up and dance. Some stayed seated for dessert, but the King stood and danced with Elanor on the dancefloor. They looked amazing together and it had her stomach cramping. She pushed her dessert away. She was still scowling when Wyatt extended his hand to her.