The Oracle's Awakening: Amara

The Arrival

Amara POV

Just as quickly as the darkness came, it disappeared. I'm surrounded by bright, white light. I close my eyes, the brightness is too much for me to handle. I hear a melodic giggle come from behind me and reopen my eyes. It's no longer overly bright and looking around, there is nobody else here. Not only that, but I am also no longer in the clearing. The trees and altar have vanished and been replaced by what one can only describe as a palace among the clouds.

"Welcome, Amara and Rose, my chosen Oracle of this era." the voice from my dreams echoes, seemingly coming from all directions yet originating from the air itself.

"Who are you? Where am I? Please, show yourself." I beg.

"My dear, there is no need to be alarmed. It's me. Selene, Goddess of the Moon and Protector of the Night," the voice continues, now more distinct and soothing. "You have been chosen to carry the mantle of the Oracle, a role that has laid dormant for two centuries."

A light shimmers across the wind and now, standing right in front of me, is the face I've come to know as the Moon Goddess. I swallow hard, feeling a mix of humility and wonder at being in the presence of Selene herself. This is beyond anything I could have imagined from my dreams. She is as beautiful as ever, and her aura is so calming I practically melt. Oh, I sure hope she doesn't know what I'm thinking about right now. I've had enough embarrassment for one week with what happened this morning.

"What happened this morning?" She quizzes, raising an eyebrow.

Oh, no, no, no. She can hear my thoughts. Sh*t. How do I tell the Goddess I was talking about getting punished by my mate in the pack link by mistake? Oh, f*ck. I just did, didn't I?

"Yes." Rose chuckles.

I can feel my face heating up and when I make eye contact with the Moon Goddess, I know it's a mistake because she is trying her hardest not to laugh, and it only makes my face feel hotter.

"You're not the first, nor will you be the last, to do that child. Do not worry." She chuckles. "Now, onto where you are."

"You are in my realm..." She begins. "Actually, sorry, you're in my home. Here, you will awaken your powers as the Oracle. You will first need to face your trials. Upon your passing of said trials, with the help of my friends, the Fates, you will begin your training."

"I..." I start.

"I know you have questions, but first, let's go inside." She interrupts before whisking both of us away and into the palace.

I land with a thud in what would have to be the most comfortable seat I have ever sat on. In front of me is a small table, laden with small pastries and cakes along with a pot of tea and a coffee pot.

"Please, help yourself to a hot drink and something to eat. We may be here for a while." She grins as she pours herself a cup of tea. I follow suit, pouring a steaming cup of coffee and sighing upon the first sip.

"Let's begin with why you're here. You possess a rare gift, Amara," Selene explains, her voice imbued with warmth. "The ability to bridge the realms of mortal and divine, to interpret the will of the Moon and guide your pack through the trials ahead. The Oracle's power is not just in prophecy, but in forging destinies and preserving the balance of magic. As I mentioned, you will face trials to determine your worthiness of the Oracle's power. Then, you will attend training lessons led by me and the Fates."

I nod silently, absorbing Selene's words and the weight of my newfound role. It's daunting yet exhilarating to know that I have a purpose beyond what I had envisioned for myself. However, I can't help but feel sad. I'm going to be away from Dallas for a while. Hopefully, he doesn't go crazy Alpha while I'm away.

"He can go crazy Alpha when we get back though. We have a punishment to take." Rose purrs.

"You should know, that time is different in my realm. What may feel like weeks up here is only hours on Earth. Rest assured, Amara, your mate won't go crazy Alpha, and you won't be separated for long." The Moon Goddess snickers, making me feel flustered again.

"So, you will face three trials to prove your worthiness," Selene continues, her voice now tinged with solemnity. "These trials will test your courage, wisdom, and compassion. Only by overcoming them will you be able to fully unlock the potential of the Oracle within you."

"What are these trials, Moon Goddess?" I inquire, my heart beating faster with a mix of apprehension and determination.

"Don't be silly, Amara. Call me Selene, there's no need for formalities between friends." She urges.

"Sorry, Selene, what are the trials I must face?" I ask again, this time using her name.

"The first trial," Selene began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom, "will confront your inner fears and doubts. It will require courage and conviction to overcome. You must face the shadows within yourself, understand them, and emerge stronger."

I felt a knot form in my stomach at the thought of confronting my deepest fears. "I understand," I replied, trying to steady my voice. "And the subsequent trials?"

"The second trial will test your wisdom and intuition," Selene explained thoughtfully. "You will be challenged to make decisions that affect not only yourself but the fate of others. It will require insight and clarity of mind."

I nodded again, my mind racing with the enormity of what lies ahead. "And the third trial?"

"The final trial will assess your compassion and empathy," Selene continued. "You will be faced with situations where your heart will guide you. Compassion is not weakness, Amara. It is a strength that binds the world together."

Listening to Selene's words, I feel a surge of determination. I have always believed in doing what is right, and in standing up for those who can't. Now, it seems, I'm being called to embrace those beliefs on a cosmic scale.

Rose nudges our link, her presence a comforting anchor in this surreal moment. "We can do this, Amara. Trust in the strength that lies within us."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the journey ahead. "I am ready, Selene. Ready to face whatever trials await me."

Selene smiles warmly, a glint of pride in her eyes. "You have a brave heart, Amara. That is why you were chosen. But, slow down, my child. There is no rush. Enjoy your pastries, and relax a little. We will address the trials in due time. Tomorrow, you will meet the Fates and then we can discuss beginning your trials. When you're ready, your room is upstairs and the first door on the right. You'll find that everything you will need is waiting for you. I have some business to attend to, but if you need anything, just call."

As Selene rises gracefully from her seat, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement mingled with apprehension. I know that my life has irrevocably changed from the moment I stepped into that forest clearing. Now, in Selene's palace among the clouds, I'm about to embark on a journey that will redefine my understanding of myself and my place in the world.

As Selene departed, leaving me to settle into my temporary sanctuary, my thoughts went to Dallas, my mate, and our pack. I hope they will understand my absence, even if they can't comprehend the magnitude of my new role. That being said, Selene did say it'd only be a matter of hours that I'm not there. With a deep breath, I rise from my seat, my mind already racing with questions and possibilities. I'll need to prepare myself not only physically but also mentally and emotionally for the trials that await me. Knowing that I have Rose by my side and Selene's guidance, a flicker of confidence erupts, I can face whatever challenges are ahead.

Taking one last glance around the celestial palace, I make my way upstairs to my assigned room. As I open the door, I"m greeted by a soft glow emanating from within, a room that seems to anticipate my every need. A faint smile forms on my face, my heart lighter despite the weight of my new responsibilities.

"If only Dallas and Titus could see this, it's beautiful." I gasp.

"Maybe one day they will. For now, get familiar and then get some sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be... interesting." Rose replies.