Chapter 32. Chosen Fate
"Exactly as you have said... To become the greatest Alpha you wish to be, you must become evil—to eventually turn out good," the priest affirmed, agreeing with Bernard’s earlier declaration.
He extended his hand forward. "Come closer, Alpha. Let the mind of the spirit come into you."
Bernard stepped closer, cautiously. As instructed, he inhaled the white smoke—the sacred mist of the land of the holy ones.
The moment the smoke entered his lungs, Bernard collapsed to the ground. His senses became overwhelmed, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. He couldn’t explain what had come into him.
"The one who brings terror to you and your kind is coming... and the storm will be far greater than you’ve imagined," the priest muttered, now in a trance. "Be strong and ready. For what you see before you... is never the full picture of the terror to come—not just to you, but to the entire universe!"
He moved erratically with the smoke waves, arms raised, voice deep and haunting.
Bernard stood frozen, unsure what to make of the cryptic warnings. None of the priest’s words made sense to him.
After about five minutes, the old man returned to himself. Without a word, he walked back to his seat and sat, calm once more.
Bernard moved closer, unsure of what to say. He bowed his head low, unable to meet the priest’s eyes.
"Speak, Alpha. I can see your heart is heavy, full of questions," the old man said, his voice steady and commanding.
"I... I want to know what you meant," Bernard finally said. "None of it made any sense to me."