Taylor approached the greenhouse, nested in the place grounds. The trees lost their gold, red and orange leaves, the sky dark with black clouds, the wind turned freezing even with the winter jacket he wore, Taylor opened the greenhouse door, warm air brushed past him. Lady Lucia hummed lovely tended to the growing plants and flowers as a bee landed on her gloved hand.
"Curious creature's bees, they pollinate the grounds, their hive somewhere in the garden, but once the snow and rains come, they seek shelter inside the greenhouse. What is on your mind, young prince?" Lucia glanced in his direction, her unseeing eyes, saw threads of futures not set in stone or a present event which hadn't happened yet. Her lips thinned in thought. She tended to their hives, giving the bees fresh water.
"Why do you help a creature who you are allergic to?"
"Balance, I help them survive. They keep the grounds beautiful in the spring, besides once they realise, I mean them no harm, they trust me," Lucia said, she cut the stalks of lavender off, placing the cuttings in a jar,
"Everything is about balance, nature and shadows. Since dark magic is pouring out of the shadow glass fortress, nature has become more extreme. Shifters can no longer access their animal spirts and it will become worse before it heals."
"Even my sight is being blocked by a darkness. I sent Destiny to the temple beyond Celestial City to learn about her family history."
"What will that achieve?" Taylor asked.
"She will learn about the history of seers and possibly awaken her mark, Lucia smirked,
"I gave Destiny a link. However, I haven't heard from her in a couple of days. Taylor, do this old lady a favour and enter the temple."
He sighed, Destiny can look after herself,"
"Certainly she is capable, but it would put my mind at ease, your highness." Taylor nodded,
"As you wish, lady Lucia," Taylor stretched, feeling his muscles pop,
Lady Lucia placed her soft hand against his pale forehead. "Your slightly on the cold side. Are you sleeping well enough? "She asked with a concerned expression on her face, her eyes filled with worry. As he left the greenhouse, he took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp morning air, which carried a hint of dew and freshness. Looking around, he noticed a group of deer gracefully gazing into the hunting grounds nearby, their gentle movements blending with the quietness of the morning. It reminded him of the nobles who loved to hunt on his father's lands, their presence a familiar sight. Taylor's concern shifted to the natural sources of water, a worry that lingered in his mind. He took a different route and left through the back gate. The forest pathway, once well-trodden, had now become overgrown, with branches and leaves intertwining to create a dense canopy overhead. The rustling sound of his steps against fallen leaves echoed through the silence, a stark contrast to the vibrant wildlife that had once inhabited this path."

White flakes of snow steadily fell to the ground from the ominous black clouds. The first snow of winter fell. A raven screeched, startling him. The temple lay just a short distance away; as he crouched, he could feel his bones shifting, adjusting naturally. His violet eyes grew darker, influenced by the ancient darkstone. Taylor sniffed the air, catching the alluring scent of his prey. His claws extended, aching for the thrill of the hunt.

With a swift movement, Taylor vanished into the overgrown grass. He pounced upon the unsuspecting deer, relishing in the sensation. His lips trembled with anticipation, yearning for the excitement of the chase. Sinking his teeth into the succulent flesh of the deer, he savoured the sweet craving of the meat. Satisfied, his stomach full, he continued his journey towards the temple of the moon.

Approaching the ancient structure, he noticed the remnants of Celtic ruins, a testament to a forgotten city. The ancient temple stood tail; the stone weathered by years of the elements. Taylor shocks his head, trying to clear his enchanted mind. His senses caught the smells of unique perfumes and tonic used for visions. The young high priestess wore flowing lavender robes. They gasped at the sight of a massive cat entering the lobby of their temple. Bronze dials represented both the sun and phases of the moon and the sun.
"Your highness is welcome. We weren't expecting you. You have a connection to the animal from? Your highness, welcome! We didn't expect you. Do you have a connection to the animal from the moon goddess?
"A cursed one," Taylor grumbled. "I am looking for Destiny, please."
"Ah, Lucia's apprentice. She had been in a deep meditation, come," the high priestess said.

Taylor walked beside her, his paws cooling down on the smooth stone. They led him deeper into the temple. Acolytes were receiving visions by fire. They entered a trance, muttering to themselves. The high priestess opened the door to the relaxation room. Even during the day, the consolations glittered above Destiny. She inhaled, her evergreen eyes unblinking, the sunlight highlighted her pale skin, her hair floated in the deep sapphire pool. Golden strains framed her pretty face. A waterfall cascaded down the rocks at the base of the pool. Birds flocked to the growing plants surrounding the rock pool, chirping with excitement, as snow dropped into the water, creating ripples
Taylor approached the pool, Destiny sighed. her eyes held a sliver glow, resembling pictures of the moonstone. "Two days in this trance, acolytes stared at Taylor in shock and excitement. Taylor smirked, touching her hand. She flinched at his paw. Blinking, bringing herself out of the water, the thin lavender dress clung to her curves. Her legs stiffened as she staggered. After rinsing out her damp hair, she warmed herself by the flickering stone fireplace. She froze. "Holly shit, she whispered.

"Is that an actual panther? Or am I hallucinating?" Taylor stared at her, the darkstone eclipsed by his eyes, the hideous power taking control. Taylor growled, his teeth bared, dripping with drool. Taylor stumbled, hitting his lean body against the herbalist cabinet, fighting against the stone's control
He needed to remember this girl was his seer, the one he could trust without fear of betrayal. Destiny's eyes widened with a mix of fear and awareness. She backed up, nearly failing backwards over a bunch of clay pots. Scrambling to her feet, she bolted out of the room. Taylor heard her heart pounding rapidly. She tripped over a tringle of tree roots creeping inside the temple.
Her breathing was shallow. Taylor kept his distance, stalking her from afar, watching her clumsy movements. He dashed past the acolytes, the darkstone pulsed, Taylor longed for the taste of blood.

Taylor roared a promotive sound with vibrating in his chest. Taylor's primitive sound echoed through the temple walls, interrupting the high priestesses during their rituals. She reached the lobby of the temple,
"Snow blanked the ground, the icy winds making her shiver, she grabbed snow, dodging the pouncing cat, Destiny darted left, throwing the snow in Taylor's good eye, the high priestesses, smashed their pots of perfumes confusing Taylor's smell while he pawed the snow out of his eye.

"Taylorian, re, remember who you are!" Destiny stuttered.
He crouched, leaping into the air. His eyes flashed for a second with recognition before turning black as coal. Taylor bit her shoulder, Destiny screamed, her purple blood staining the snow beneath them.
Hot tears streamed down her face. He licked the streams of blood; the spark returned his senses. The haze blurred his vision. Taylor was being dragged away by the priestesses, who summoned a dryad and held him back with tree roots.
Taylor clawed at the wooden creature before he shifted back. The acolytes covered him with a warm snow jacket. She stared up at him with fear, shivering and crying, holding her bleeding shoulder in agony.
"Oh fuck, what have I done? Destiny, I'm sorry I'm so sorry." His body shivered with the cold and weakness. He felt exhausted. He couldn't recall his actions. Taylor blinked, sobbing, seeing her bleeding wound.

The high priestess walked past the dryad with bandages and cloth and an herbal remedy. She dabbed the wound. Despite Destiny's discomfort, she never took her vacant eyes off Taylor,
"Are you yourself now?" she inhaled shakily,
"I think so," Taylor said, ashamed,
Destiny rose, finding some strength in numbed legs. The high priestess. Touched her shoulder, "Be careful young lady," she warned. Destiny approached Taylor. She adjusted her shoulder in discomfort. Destiny hesitantly retched out, touching his cheek. "Your eyes have their violet hue back."

The dryad slowly released its grip, allowing Destiny to wrap her arms tightly around Taylor. As they held each other, a mixture of relief and caution filled the air. "I have faith in the person I know," Destiny whispered, her voice tinged with wariness. Taylor held her even closer, their bodies pressed together, and as they embraced, Destiny's phoenix tattoo seemed to come alive. The magical fire within it burned brighter, causing her teeth to clench in response. The intense heat radiated from her tattoo, spreading over Taylor's body. Flames of red, orange, and yellow engulfed them, consuming the lingering magic of the darkstone. The crackling sound of the fire filled their ears as the burning sensation settled in. With fear and wonder in their eyes, Taylor and Destiny locked gazes, forever changed by the fiery ordeal.

"What the fuck happened, Taylor?" Destiny asked, confused and furious. Taylor sighed, sitting on the stone bench. "I don't know." He tranced her exposed shoulder. The blood had burned away, the tattoo glowed with the coulors with a phoenix ablaze, the purple feathers leaving a trial of mystical trials behind the flaming tail.
"I think your tattoo unlocked your powers and linked us?" He replied.
"Miss Destiny, you will experience visions soon, dream walking and maybe an ability to make portals, the priestess said.
"Throughout history, seers have gained telepathic abilities with one another, and since you seem to have a natural affinity for magic, you will gain other powers in time."
Taylor scooped Destiny up. "We will discover your powers and I'll overcome the darkstone, I promise." Taylor vowed,
"Thank you, priestess," Taylor said. "Your highness safe travels, but please do not return here, unless you seek guidance." She bowed her head.
"I'll pay for any damages," Taylor said, walking through the snow. They reached the place by lunchtime.

Taylor entered his chambers, placing Destiny on the bed. By now, the others would enjoy lunch. His stomach growled in response. He asked his personal handmaiden to bring them some bread and honey glazed ham. She nodded, "Anything else, your highness?" she asked
"A drink that isn't alcoholic." Taylor requested.
She left, Taylor joined Destiny, giving in to his exhaustion. "Taylor, whatever is happening. I want to help, but you need to be honest with me. Taylor let out a weary sigh, his breath escaping in a visible plume in the chilly air. He gently clasped Destiny's hand, guiding her delicate fingers to the darkstone pendant that dangled from a gleaming golden chain around his neck. The stone, no larger than a pebble, possessed an onyx black hue with a mystical purple glow emanating from its centre. As Destiny's fingertips brushed against its polished surface, Taylor emitted a low growl, and the stone's temperature plummeted, chilling the very air around them.

"The entity trapped within this stone compelled me to harm you, Destiny," Taylor confessed, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Then why do you keep wearing it?" Destiny's concerned voice asked, 'Then why do you keep wearing it?'" "If it poses a danger, why not cast it aside?"

Taylor's hollow laughter pierced the silence, carrying a sharp edge of bitter irony. "I wish it were that simple, but the stone and I are magically bound. It feeds on negativity, eroding any positive emotions I once possessed, rendering me defenceless."

As the weight of his words settled upon them, Destiny realised the gravity of the situation. "It's spreading within you, isn't it? Like a relentless infection," she stated, her voice filled with apprehension.

Taylor's shoulders trembled under an invisible burden. His struggle became more apparent. He slowly exhaled, willing his body to relax despite the mounting turmoil within. Like tendrils of darkness, obsidian veins snaked outwards from the darkstone, weaving a web of corruption across his flesh.

Destiny strained her ears, attuned to the faint whispers emanating from within the stone. "The touch of the phoenix birthmark forged our connection, shattering the darkstone's control over me." I cannot fathom how or why," Taylor confessed. His gaze locked onto Destiny's with an intensity that made her cheeks flush. They drifted off into an exhausted sleep.

*****

Taylor awoke as the first rays of the morning sun slowly crept over the towering cliffs, casting a warm yellow glow on the majestic castle perched above the tumultuous and ferocious sea. The crashing waves relentlessly pounded against the rugged rocks, their thunderous roar echoing in Taylor's ears. Despite his usual early rising, he rarely slept past nine, plagued by restless dreams and haunted by ominous figures lurking in the shadows. The air was thick with the potent scent of healing herbs and soothing lavender, engulfing his nostrils. A skilled healer diligently tended to Destiny's wounded leg, carefully packing the herbs tightly beneath the bandages to ward off any infection. The next few days would confine Destiny to immobility. Occasionally, tiny sparks of green light emitted from the nineties, causing Destiny's leg to twitch involuntarily, surprising the young healer. Taylor sighed, guilt punched his heart, he caused the wound with his sharp claws, a regret he would need to live with,

Leaving the healer to their work while Destiny slept. The occasional sound echoed from her lips, but the words made little sense, she was ever dreaming or locked in a confusing vision, since last night, her powers manifested themselves, however Destiny couldn't control when flares of soft sliver orbs would appear around Taylor's room when the moonlight turned solid in her palm, the events tarnished whatever sleep he tried to have.
He yawned; his joints stiff. The urge to exercise as he passed the courtyard appealed to Taylor more than his current destination. Taylor entered the lower levels of the castle. The stone echoed against his boots and was slippery from the sea water spaying in from the open windows. They had kept most of the dungeons, but converted a large room for experiments on the darkstone. Christos had a strange fascination with the cursed stone, but they had a breakthrough in their research. Taylor passed the mostly empty cells, except for two sleeping enforcers who guarded the assassin who made an attempt on his father's life. He glanced into the darkened cell with one window providing minimal light.
The chains clinked against the stone wall, hanging open. Taylor gasped as his eyes adjusted to the gloom. The cell was empty, the bared window was bent and removed. Taylor shouted. The assassins escaped, awakening the sleeping enforcers; they used a large ringing bell putting the castle on high alert.

Christos poked his head out at the lab. Wondering what all the excitement was about, "Taylor, what's going on?" he asked, brushing his hair back. "The assassin has somehow escaped."
"What?" Christos rushed into the now open cell with the bewildered enforcers, who used their vampire speed to join the others in the search. Taylor pacing anxiously outside, Christos joins him. Touching his shoulder, Taylor glanced up with a worried expression, "Just breathe mate, everything will be alright." Christos comforted him, leading him inside the lap, taking notes of the dark tangles leeching outwards across his arm.

Taylor inhaled, clamming himself, making the branching the tattoos retreat. Christos sighed. "The episodes are getting worse. Christos buttered a streaming croissant, offering Taylor some breakfast. His stomach grumbled, but he gracefully accepted, pouring some coffee, making himself comfortable in an office chair.
"Rumours are swirling in the castle that Destiny sustained an injury." Is she alright?" Christos asked, his fingers intertwined, frowning in concern. Taylor sighed, rubbing his hand though his sweaty brownish blonde hair, "Yes, the darkstone took control, and I hurt her," he removed the sliver locket, passing the cursed rune to Christos, who played with the cool smooth pebble, which pulsed in the purple centre.
"Using many shards of the darkstone, we exterminated and easily cut off each of these shards. But the stone itself grew back stronger than ever, even are advance lasers can't create lasting damage. With your permission, your highness, I would like to try the water rune against the darkstone." Christos requested,
Taylor seemed lost in his own thoughts, but he understood Christos's thinking, "I know you're immune because of your connection to nature, but never handle the darkstone with your bare hands." Taylor warned.
He handed over his mother's sliver locket, ensuring his friends protection. He bundled the shards in a sliver net, damping their influence and wrapped them in a blanket." I'll return later this afternoon," Taylor said. Taylor reached the upper levels of the castle and stared up at the staircase, half expecting Destiny to join him. He shook his head, haunted by his actions. Glancing up from the book he was engrossed in, Ash smirked.
"Morning Taylor, Opal and Esmeralda agreed to keep Destiny company. Don't worry," the vampire stood, heading in a direction of the kitchen.

Exiting the castle, Taylor walked through the courtyard, feeling the light drizzle of rain hitting the cobblestones beneath his feet. As he passed, the guards bowed, lowering the drawbridge in his honour. Making his way towards the western district of the city, he noticed the vibrant sights of the working class, who crafted their wares and sold them in the magic shops scattered throughout the bustling streets. The air was filled with the presence of fellow shifters, mist fairies, and witches, all going about their daily routines. Some were on their way to the enchanted Ember Academy for their lessons. Taylor observed tired vampires seeking shelter from the sun, discreetly using the storefronts to navigate the city. As he ventured further into the backstreets, the crowded markets and stores gradually transitioned into a quieter business district. The silence pleased him, allowing him to think without the constant chatter of recent disasters that plagued Andreal. The sound of heated metal being hammered echoed in his ears as he entered the local blacksmith's shop. With a small dragon used to stock the embers of his forge, the blacksmith nodded briskly towards the young royal, grunting impatiently as he scolded his apprentice for knocking over a weapons display. The war with a group called the magical resistance reminded of a forgotten era in Andreal's history: This group of humans aimed to wipe out magical creatures and establish a new empire devoid of magic. However, the records of how the war began or the mysterious leader behind it vanished without reason, and copies were rare. Yet rumours of their return had recently surfaced, causing unease among the inhabitants of Andreal.

Taylor revealed the shards of the darkstone gleaming under the flicking light, their obsidian surface held an iridescent glow with shimmering purple cracks. The gruff blacksmith glanced at the shards with a mix of intrigue and curiosity.
"What do you plan to do with those?" he asked, his voice echoing in the workshop. Taylor handpicked a mould, the clinking sound of metal against metal filling the air. With precision, Taylor loaded the shards into the pot, the sharp edges reflecting the flickering light of the fire.

"Hopefully, I can forge a sword out of it," Taylor replied nonchalantly, the shrug clear in their voice. As Taylor stocked the fire, the dragon's flame crackled and hissed, sending waves of heat through the room. Placing the pot on the burning coals, Taylor used a pair of tongs to pour the molten liquid into the mould. His beard scratching against his calloused hand, observed Taylor's progress with keen eyes.

Using the hammer, the blacksmith skilfully knocked out any imperfections from the heated metal, each strike resonating with a metallic clang. Satisfied so, he cooled the metal in water; the steam rising and mixing with the scent of hot metal. An hour passed as the blade slowly set, the blacksmith patiently showing Taylor the finishing touches.
"Well, it may not be the finest sword I've ever crafted, but you did well," the blacksmith grinned, his pure white hair falling into his eyes. He hummed as he sharpened the blade against a grinding stone, the rhythmic scraping filling the room. Deep scars under his eyes hinted at a lifetime spent on the battlefield.

"Now, try out the leather hilt on the sharpened blade. It's versatile and lightweight, perfect for effortless movement." With anticipation, Taylor held the hilt and swung the sword. It moved effortlessly through the air, the sound of a clean-cut slicing through the silence. The cracks in the blade caught the light, shimmering with a purple hue.

"As usual, your skills have no equal, Archbold," Taylor smirked. "I didn't make the blade, your highness," the blacksmith replied humbly, "But you better conceal the cursed weapon in a cover before you leave. And if you weren't the next ruler of Andreal, you'd have a successful career in blacksmithing."

Taylor laughed appreciatively. "I'll remember your offer," they replied, accepting the black leather cover adorned with gold and silver accents. As they secured the cover, the smooth texture of the leather felt reassuring in their hands. "Hey, your highness, before you go, are the whispers true about a human here?" Archbold inquired.

Taylor nodded; his eyes filled with determination. "Yes."

"Ha! Bold move, but she is going to need a weapon. Wait here a moment." Archbold disappeared into the storage room, the sound of rustling objects filling the silence. After a short while, he returned with a sword wrapped in royal blue velvet, the fabric shimmering in the light. The leather hilt was a deep crimson red. He carefully unveiled the weapon, revealing a sharp and gleaming blade. It was lightweight and easy to handle, crafted from a highly durable stone left behind by a fellow smith.

"I could never sell this beauty, but your friend might love it," Archbold said, his voice filled with pride. He securely wrapped the weapon and handed it to Taylor, who expressed their gratitude before leaving the workshop, the gift held close to his heart.

As Taylor made his way back to the castle, the setting sun painted the sky in vibrant shades of orange and red, casting a warm glow over the surroundings. His stomach rumbled, reminding him of his hunger, but his excitement overshadowed the discomfort. As he entered the castle, the scent of exotic roasted meats and vegetables filled the air, making his mouth water. The servants greeted him with respectful bows as he walked by, adding to the atmosphere of accomplishment. In the dining hall, he found his friends and his father already seated. Taylor carefully placed the finely crafted swords on the table before taking his seat beside Destiny, who had her wounded leg elevated. The painkilling elixir caught his attention, promising relief from any discomfort. Alexander, with a proud smile, examined the swords, appreciating their excellent craftsmanship. As he excused himself from the table, the sound of his chair scraping against the floor echoed in the room. Taylor helped himself to the delicious corn on the cob and glazed ham, savouring the flavours as he watched Destiny struggle with a lock, unsuccessfully attempting to open it with an expensive emerald hairpin.

Ashton cleared his throat, bringing out a lock pick set. Destiny rose an eyebrow but handed over the book in defeat.
Taylor yawned. Opal nudged his arm. She pulled out a vail of amber liquid. "Want some? It's a powerful sleeping draft, just three drops. I already gave some to help Destiny sleep."
Taylor stared at it suspiciously, "Alright I'll give a shot. He passed his drink over. She added three drops and the amber liquid dissolved. He drank it, tasting hints of honey.

He heard the lock click. The lock landed on the table. "There you go," Ash said.
"Thank you," Destiny said, stifling a yawn, her voice muffled by fatigue. As she struggled to stand, her body swayed unsteadily. Opal and Taylor rushed to her side, offering support as they guided her towards her room. Opal carefully cradled the book with the phoenix cover, its worn pages whispering secrets. Inside, Destiny's room welcomed them with a cozy ambiance, adorned with a grand queen-sized bed draped in regal purple curtains. A sky-blue couch sat nearby, adorned with plump cushions. The bookcase stood tall, its shelves lined with ancient tomes bound in glistening gold, emanating an air of mystique. An antique writing desk stood proudly, its surface covered in a collection of handwritten letters, their recipients unknown to Opal. Resting on the nightstand, she spotted a weathered journal, its pages filled with untold stories. Gently, they settled Destiny onto the plush mattress, allowing her to find comfort. Adjusting herself against the headboard, she propped up pillows to support her weary body. Opal placed the amber vial on the nightstand, its radiant glow casting a warm hue across the room. Through the window, the setting sun cast delicate beams of light, painting the space with a soft, ethereal glow.
Taylor, now seated beside Destiny, examined the book with intrigue, their curiosity palpable. Gradually, exhaustion claimed them, and their eyes grew heavy with slumber. The sleeping draft took effect, lulling them into a peaceful repose. Sensing the moment, Opal gently lifted the journal, carefully tucking it into her bag, its weight a comforting reminder of the journey ahead. In the stables, an onyx mare stood patiently, a gift from Selina, exuding grace and strength. Opal approached the majestic creature, her fingertips grazing its velvety coat, as memories of her early years of caring for horses flooded her senses. With a fond pat on the mare's back, Opal mounted the gentle creature, feeling the familiar sway beneath her. As they set off, the crisp air of Celestial City embraced them, carrying whispers of adventure.