White Heart: The Prophecy (The Blackened Souls Series Book 1)

by Hawkins, Destiny

  I closed my eyes when I pictured Othorion’s strained blue eyes.

  “It’ll be alright,” Takana said as if reading my mind. “It’ll eventually get easier.”

  When I opened my eyes, tears streamed down the sides of my face. I hadn’t even realized that I was crying.

  “Watching people die shouldn’t get easy,” I said in a low voice.

  “But on your journey to save the world, you’ll see many people die. People will try and stop you, and others will risk their lives to protect you. You may even have to kill.”

  My lips trembled at the thought. “But isn’t there another way?” I whispered.

  Takana’s glimmering eyes locked on mine as she spoke softly. “If I knew, then I would tell you. I’d rather protect you from death and loss, but I’m not sure that I can.”

  “W…why not?”

  When Takana’s expression saddened, my chest ached. She still had the same effect on me as before. “Because, I can’t protect you from the things that I cause. When I kill, someone loses a loved one, and to protect you, I would have to take another’s life. Either way, you’d still experience it.”

  I didn’t know what to say. On my path to unite the light and dark, I would have to watch others die, but once it was all over, I would no longer have to see so much bloodshed. That’s what I had to look forward to.

  “I’ll be waiting for you though. In the special place that I find…I’ll wait for you there when it’s all over.”

  My lids lowered. “Then we can be real friends.”

  “We already are.” Takana slightly smiled. “We’ll just be free to be friends.”

  Chapter Ten

  “Are you sure this is the only way?” I asked as I faced The Gray Forest. “It’s the only way to get back?”

  Takana stood fearlessly beside me with her spear ready. “Yes, but I’ll be by your side to protect you. There’s no other way, and you need to get to your squad before more Light Elves fill this area.”

  I took a deep breath and held out my sword. I made it through once, so I could do it again. Only problem was, it was extremely dangerous. Everything in the Gray Forest wanted to kill us.

  “Don’t worry,” Takana assured. “I’ve been through The Gray many times. Once you have a handle on your magic, you won’t be as afraid to cross through anymore. Fear is something you will overcome one day.”

  I bit down on my lower lip and tried to think of how Nerul would handle this. He would be brave, so I must be brave. It’s the only way that I’ll ever get back to him.

  When I felt Takana’s eyes on me, I turned my head to face her and was surprised to see a slight smile on her face. It seemed to be her way of reassuring me that things would be alright, and I found myself appreciating her kindness. I hoped that she never lost that side of her.

  “Are you ready?” she asked.

  I nodded and turned to face The Gray Forest, and on Takana’s first step, the two of us burst into a sprint.

  She’s fast.

  I had to send my magic down to my legs and feet just to keep up with her, and even still, I didn’t think that she was running at top speed. It made me wonder just how much stronger was she than me? Exactly how strong were the Telerie’s?

  My mind suddenly came back to the situation at hand when I heard Wargs chasing after us, and upon looking, I found that there were even more than before. Maybe five or six of them, but what was more terrifying was the site of four more blocking our path.

  I thought that Takana would slow down, but instead, she picked up her speed and threw her spear just as the first Warg jumped into the air. It sliced through the fog in a bright flash of light before plunging straight through the Wargs stomach, then slammed high into a tree, lodged there by the blade.

  “Taka―” My eyes widened when she leaped into the air, just above her spear, and grabbed onto it with her feet planted against the tree. When she glanced down at me, her eyes flashed a bright white and remained that way, removing all gold from her irises. The site was chilling, and yet, incredible.

  Seeing her fight motivated me to fight back as well, so I was fully prepared to attack the Wargs in front of me, but when I split my magic and sent it into my sword, Takana sprung from the tree in a spiraling flip and plunged her spear into the Warg. She then sliced her spear upwards, sending a flash of light through the air that split another in half.

  The last one that was in our way was dangerously close and was going to snap its large teeth down on Takana’s arm, but as if my feet were moving on their own, I stepped in front of her and plunged my sword into the Wargs head, turning its eyes completely black and killing it instantly.

  When I pulled my sword back, Takana only glanced at me before spinning around and plunging her spear into the ground. Somehow, she caused the earth to crack and roll towards the oncoming Wargs like something was under it, and when the rolling ground finally made it to them, light blasted from beneath dirt and blew the demon wolves back into the fog, most likely killing them.

  Takana pulled her spear out of the ground and took a deep breath.

  “That was amazing,” I panted.

  “So were you,” she replied as she turned around. I was surprised when she took my hand and coaxed me to start running again.

  I wasn’t sure what would come next, or if more Wargs would try and block our path, but I was confident that we could beat anything at this point. Even Ents.

  I had only heard of them in stories from other warriors and learned about them in lessons, but seeing one was a completely different story. They generally could be found anywhere that wasn’t Dark Elf territory since they were our enemies. Once the Light Elves realized that we had gotten the giants on our side, they went to find something just as terrifying that could match them.

  Seeing Ents ahead of us now, I found that they were a lot bigger than I thought they were. Ents were tall walking trees with faces that resembled humans. They had large eyes, noses, and mouths. Large branches for arms with small branches sticking out the sides, and tree trunks for legs. Some even had leaves for hair and beards. What intimidated me most though, was the way that they looked at us, completely expressionless and motionless. I hadn’t even noticed them before.

  “Don’t worry,” Takana assured. “They won’t attack you.”

  “But…” as we ran down the path that they left for us, I realized that they wouldn’t attack because Takana was a Light Elf.

  “We’re almost there.”

  I swallowed and continued running all while watching the Ents, and as if time slowed down, my eyes landed on a pair of black ones. They belonged to an elven woman with long black hair and angel wings who was sitting on one of the branches, and at first, I thought that she was terrifyingly beautiful. It was when she smiled, revealing her fangs, did that beauty seem to disappear.

  A vampire elf…

  I was surprised that she didn’t bother to attack us as we ran by, but then realized that her smile was somewhat kind. She probably never had any intentions on feeding from us.

  When my legs started to feel as if they’d give out at any moment, I looked down at Takana’s hand in mine and used that as motivation to keep me from stopping. As long as we were running, I wouldn’t have to let her go.

  Looking up, I saw that we were nearly to the other side. I could tell by the way that the light shined in through the trees, but when a man stepped out into our path with four others, we slid to a stop.

  The ring leader was shirtless with short cut brown hair and orange glowing eyes. The brown bottoms that he wore were ragged and ripped, probably being his only pair, and the other men looked the same, only one man had blonde hair, and another had black.

  I also noticed something else different about them. I knew that they weren’t completely human, but they weren’t elves either, and upon looking at their ears, I found that they were rounded instead of tipped.

  “Werewolves,” Takana said. “Stay back, Calen.”

  The ring leader s
mirked. “Don’t worry, I’m not interested in killing a pair of little girls. Especially after you’ve made it this far.”

  Takana stood tall, looking older than she actually was. “I’m not worried about you killing us.”

  “Ah,” he chuckled. “I thought it was you that killed my wolves. You’re that Telerie girl everyone talks about, aren’t you?”

  Takana didn’t respond.

  The ring leader cocked a brow, then turned to me. “And Calen Sunstar.”

  My eyes widened.

  He grinned. “I know that dark magic anywhere. Could sense it from miles away.”

  Takana raised her spear with the very tip illuminating with light. “If you’re not going to try and kill us, then what do you want?”

  “I simply wanted to meet the girls that keep running through my forest and surviving, that’s all.”

  “Meet us?” I blurted. “But werewolves hate elves.”

  The man shrugged. “For the most part, but I have no interest in killing children.” He chuckled. “Is that what they teach you? That we’re savage killers?”

  “Then why’d you send your Wargs?” I asked, ignoring his question.

  “We didn’t. Think of them as the forest guardians. They see elves and their first instinct is to kill. It’s in their nature.” The man stepped to the side, leaving an opening for us to pass by. “You’re free to leave, but I can’t guarantee your safety if you come back. I won’t call off my wolves for either of you.”

  Takana hesitated but squeezed my hand and began walking forward with her spear ready for anything.

  As we passed them by, my eyes locked with the ring leaders, who’s flashed in return. He may not have been willing to kill children, but it was obvious that he truly hated elves. I would hate us too if I were in his position.

  Our kind took everything from him.

  Chapter Eleven

  Seven years later…

  I woke up early to the sound of soft chirping and found a small translucent blue bird hovering over me. I reached up and let the bird land on the palm of my hand, only for it to leap into the air and land on my window seal, leaving only a rolled piece of parchment behind. Wrapped around it was a pair of golden beads that glistened in the morning light.

  Takana. The thought of her made my heart flutter.

  I eagerly sat up with the parchment still rolled in my hands, then smiled as I thought of the last time we were together…

  “We’ll keep in contact this time,” Takana said. “Friends should keep in contact.”

  I bit down on my lower lip. “But how? You can’t come to my palace, and―”

  When Takana raised her palm, red speckles of light gathered over her hand and formed into a little red bird. It then flew from her and over to my shoulder. “We can transfer letters through my birds. They will only come to you and will be invisible to the eye of any other Dark Elves.”

  “Even Nerul?”

  “My birds are in the form of light, so they can blend in with any light illuminating around them. They can never be caught.”

  My eyes widened. “How did you learn to do that?”

  Takana slightly smiled. “I used them to help the Dark Elf prisoners in Brightstone, so I’ve had a lot of practice. I wanted to help them like you helped me.”

  My cheeks warmed. I wanted to say something in response, but no words would surface.

  “Princess,” I heard Zaos say.

  When he landed a few feet behind me, I could tell that he was hurt by the way he tilted to the side. I was relived that he even answered my call and knew that I needed to get him back to the palace as soon as possible. Nerul would be able to help him from there.

  “Princess,” Zaos said, sounding exhausted. “And Telerie.”

  Takana nodded to him.

  “You are much taller, Telerie. You have grown well.” Zaos nodded back.

  “Thank you.” When Takana turned back to me, her expression was softer than usual. She was more hesitant than the last time we departed, but even still, she stepped towards me and pulled me into a hug.

  This time, I wasn’t hesitant to hug her back.

  “Until we meet again, Calen Sunstar.”

  I sighed and let my chin relax over Takana’s shoulder. I hated the thought of leaving her after we just found each other. Especially since she had to go back through The Gray Forest in order to get to her people, but deep down, I knew that she could handle herself. I just didn’t want to leave her alone. “Until we meet again, Takana Telerie.” I slightly parted from her. “Soon.”

  Takana nodded. “Soon...”

  “Soon,” I whispered to myself. Although, I wasn’t sure when I’d ever see Takana’s face again. Seven years had passed, and the war was still going. Of course, I had a break for about two years, which had been spent training with Nerul. I still wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to help end a war yet, but I had surely surpassed Seri when he was my age. Nerul made sure of that.

  Taking a deep breath, I removed the beads from the parchment and set them aside, then unrolled it and began reading…

  Calen,

  I’ve finally chosen it. Our special place. It seems foolish to mention it after so many years, but I’ve never forgotten what we discussed, and I decided that when we are free to be together, we can meet back in that cave. Remember it? Back then, you were so taken by my butterflies and never once noticed that I was taken by you. Even if it was only for a night, your smile brought warmth to my heart, and I’ve never forgotten it.

  Sometimes, the thought of you is all that keeps me going. I’m not sure how much longer I can fight anymore. I want to stop but being a Telerie means that I can’t. I would be put to death if I ever tried, and with my elder sister back home, she would make sure of it.

  It’s so cold out here, Calen. I wish that I could feel your warmth, but I’ll be patient for a little while longer. I know in my heart that you will be the one to unite the light and dark. Only someone a pure as the Dark Elf Princess could bring peace to the world. You are the key to everyone’s freedom, including our own.

  I’m afraid that this will be my last letter for a while. My father has ordered us to fight on the front lines at Stones Divide. Our cave is only few miles North from there. Maybe I’ll give it a visit once the battle is over.

  I hope to see you soon, Calen.

  I miss you, and I love you,

  Takana…

  Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pressed my thumb into the parchment and turned the entire letter black with magic, leaving no evidence of Takana ever writing me. I wished that I could keep her letters, especially the one that she wrote professing her love to me, but if they were ever found, I wasn’t sure what Nerul would do. He may have held me close to his heart, but he had grown to hate the Light Elves more than anything in the world, and to learn that I had fallen for one would possibly drive him mad.

  Sighing, I smiled as I remembered the night that I read Takana’s love letter. I had taken the time to memorize every word so to never forget…

  It was the night of my eighteenth birthday.

  The palace was cloaked with darkness, but the moonlight was shining directly into my bed chamber like it was the only place that welcomed light. Within that moonlight, a blue bird took form, and I held my hand out for it to land.

  The little blue bird landed in my palm, then flew into the air, leaving a rolled piece of parchment in my hand, and when I opened it, golden words began forming over the front:

  Dear Calen,

  Happy birthday. I truly hope that you’ve enjoyed yourself.

  For five days, I’ve been trying to figure out what to write to you, and now that I’m writing, I’ve finally realized what I’ve been wanting to say.

  I love you.

  Those words are terrifying to me. Especially since the last person that’s ever heard me say them passed away, but because of you, he got to hear those words. You freed me from your palace and helped me escape, giving me the chance to say goo
dbye to the only person in the world I thought I would ever love.

  Honestly, I thought that I had forgotten what it felt like, but with every letter that you sent me, I began to remember again. It may not be the same love that I felt for my brother, but it is love. It’s feels deep, leaving me unable to describe it in words.

  When I think of you, I feel pain and happiness. I don’t understand it, but I believe that someday I will.

  I can’t wait to see you again.

  Takana…

  I sighed and stood from my bed, then walked across my room to my desk. When I sat down in the chair behind it, the blue bird flapped over and landed on my shoulder, then watched as I gathered my writing supplies.

  I needed to get one last letter out to Takana before she went into battle.

  Dear Takana,

  We will see each other sooner than you think. I will also be at The Battle of Stones Divide…

  Chapter Twelve

  Standing in the throne room, I faced Nerul with a stone expression as he gazed back at me from his throne. After years of being named king of Shadowstone, he had developed our father’s hardened appearance.

  It made me wonder if our father was also empathetic in his younger years, like Nerul was before Seri died. Maybe he had changed over the years and concluded that war and killing was the only way, because I could see now how death changed people. I had a front row seat at watching Nerul evolve into someone I could barely recognize.

  All that remained the same was his love for me.

  “I’m about to head off, Brother,” I nodded. “All the preparations have been made, and we are ready for battle.”

  Nerul’s eyelids lowered. “But are you ready? It’s been two years since your last battle.”

  I nodded confidently. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be back, like always.”

  Nerul’s expression slightly softened before he stood from his throne and walked down the steps. Once he was in front of me, I tensed, unsure of what to do. I wanted to hug him, but our family was never big on physical contact. Seri was the only one that ever displayed his feelings.