Chapter 53. Flashback
"Please, I need a solution to the problem that surrounds me... Let the spirits help me!" Bernard pleaded earnestly, his eyes locked on the swirling white smoke before him.
"What you seek cannot come to you, for your heart is unclean. To work in your favor would mean working against the spirits and defying the universe!" the voice of the highest priest responded, calm but firm.
Bernard frowned, his voice full of desperation. "Your words aren’t clear, and they’re hard for a man like me to understand. Please, help me see the light in your words!"
"The words of the spirits aren’t meant to satisfy anyone," the priest continued. "They bless those who deserve it. Everyone receives what is due to them based on their deeds and what they have tainted their hands with. Young Alpha, what you seek cannot be spoken—it can only be felt and endured."
Bernard lowered his head, still on his knees. "Is there no way to redemption?" he asked softly.
"Redemption comes only to those who seek it and deserve it," the priest answered. "One day, you will hear what you yearn to hear and see what you should have seen. But remember—no one can question the spirits. The universe gives us what we earn, not what we believe we deserve."
"So, I have no power to change their verdict?" Bernard’s voice trembled with frustration.
"The power of life and death has always been in man’s hands. But knowing what is right and choosing wrong means choosing death and destruction. Let your spirit guide you toward righteousness," the voice said with a solemn finality.
Bernard’s eyes burned with passion as he stood up.
"Then I’ll work against the universe! I will be the first to overturn their verdict. I won’t let destruction steal the ones I love. I’ll do whatever it takes to live a great life—one without pain!"
"The universe has known you since your mother’s womb. Only the spirits decide who receives mercy—not your words, nor your sense of entitlement. The young Alpha may now take his leave," the priest’s voice faded into the smoke.