THE MATE AGENCY

I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as I walked back home. My mind was reeling with the secrets my dad had revealed. Aunt Carissa, a half-witch? The prophecy? Kestrel's execution? It was too much to process.

As I entered my room, I collapsed onto the bed, trying to make sense of it all. Why had my parents kept this from me? What else were they hiding? I felt like my whole life had been a lie.

I needed to talk to someone, but who? Ava was already worried about me, and I didn't want to burden her with this. Elias would probably just tell me to focus on my duties as a future alpha. But then, there was Kael...

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to reach out to him. Our last conversation had been awkward, but I needed his perspective. I sent him a text: "Meet me at the old oak at sunset. I need to talk."

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I couldn't concentrate on anything, my mind consumed by thoughts of my family's past.

As the sun began to set, I made my way to the old oak. Kael was already there, leaning against the trunk.

"What's going on, Sage?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

I took a deep breath and recounted my conversation with my dad. Kael listened intently, his expression unreadable.

When I finished, he remained silent for a moment before speaking. "I knew some of it, but not everything. Your aunt's past is... complicated."

"Complicated?" I echoed. "That's an understatement."

Kael sighed. "Look, Sage, your aunt's motivations aren't entirely evil. She's driven by a desire for revenge, but also a need to protect herself and those she cares about."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're defending her?"

"No, I'm just saying there's more to the story. Your dad's telling you this now because he wants you to understand the stakes. The prophecy, the council, it's all connected."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The council's been hiding things for years. They're afraid of you, Sage. Afraid of what you might become."

My eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Kael's gaze locked onto mine. "You're not just any werewolf, Sage. You're the key to unlocking the prophecy. And if the council finds out, they'll stop at nothing to control you."

A chill ran down my spine. "What am I supposed to do?"

Kael's expression turned serious. "You need to be careful. Trust no one, not even your dad. He's still hiding things."

I felt a pang of hurt, but Kael's words resonated. My dad had kept secrets from me for years.

"What's the prophecy say exactly?" I asked.

Kael hesitated before answering. "It speaks of two hybrids, born with the power to create or destroy. But there's more to it. The prophecy mentions a third, a balance keeper."

"A balance keeper?"

Kael nodded. "Someone who can maintain the balance between the werewolf and witch worlds. And I think you might be that person, Sage."

My mind reeled as the sun dipped below the horizon. I had so many questions, but Kael's words echoed in my mind: Trust no one.

I couldn't shake off Kael's words. The prophecy, the balance keeper, it all seemed too much to handle. But I knew I had to investigate further.

I spent the next few days pouring over ancient texts and seeking out wise elders in the werewolf community. Some were hesitant to share information, while others seemed eager to help. I haven't spoken or heard from any of the members of the mate agency, Elias and Ava had tried calling me but I assured them that I was fine and with time I was going to tell them everything.

Deep down I wished I had someone who could help to understand what was going on with the prophecy and all.

This evening, I visited the elderly werewolf, Elara, who lived on the outskirts of our territory. Her cottage was filled with dusty tomes and strange artifacts.

"Elara, I need your help," I said, explaining my conversation with Kael. "What do you know about the prophecy?"

Elara's eyes sparkled as she poured us tea. "Ah, child, the prophecy is ancient. It speaks of two hybrids, born with the power to create or destroy. But there's more to it."

She handed me a worn leather book. "This is a copy of the original text. Read it, and you'll understand."

As I read, the words blurred together:

"...Two hybrids, born of moon and flame,

Shall bring balance or destruction's name.

A third shall rise, with heart of gold,

To maintain the balance, young and old..."

I looked up at Elara. "What does it mean?"

"The two hybrids are clear," Elara said. "Carissa and Kestrel, your aunt and uncle. But the third, the balance keeper... that's you, Sage."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Me? Why?"

Elara's expression turned serious. "You're the key to unlocking the prophecy. Your mixed heritage, your unique powers... you have the potential to maintain balance between our worlds."

I absorbed her words, my mind racing. What did it mean to be the balance keeper?

"Elara, what about the council? What do they want?"

Elara's eyes clouded. "The council fears change. They'll stop at nothing to maintain their power. But you, Sage... you have the power to change everything but you are going to need help you can't do it alone"

"I can't bring my friends into this, they might get hurt in the end" I told her

"That's their choice to make not yours" She said

"What of your mate have you found him?" She asked

"Not yet, I sense him sometimes but I'm not sure it's him" I told her truthfully because sometimes I feel so close to Elias and then sometimes I'm not so sure

"You already know him Sage, and those pills that has been put in the water supply don't affect you or your feelings because you come from a strong bloodline so you already know your mate so hold him tight your going to need him because the journey is going to be long and it's not going to easy"

As I left Elara's cottage in thought , the moon hanging low in the sky, I knew I had a decision to make. Would I embrace my role as the balance keeper, or hide from the prophecy?

It seemed like a big role, and everyone expects me to fulfill the prophecy, I wish my mom was here she would have told me what to do. That reminds me I also needed to start the investigation on her death , she couldn’t have died in vain. I had alot to do and I had to succeed and bring balance back to my world.