The Prophecy

"Thank you for coming, Ariana," Augustus De Luca said, his voice firm but respectful.

The sitting room was dimly lit, only a few candles casting flickering shadows across the walls. Augustus sat behind a large table, his gaze fixed on the witch standing before him. Ariana was an older woman, with long silver hair and piercing green eyes. A transparent black silk veil faintly covered her face, and in her hand was a tall staff, even taller than she was.

"It's always my pleasure to help the De Lucas," Ariana replied.

"I've called you here today because I believe it's time for my son, Alessandro, to settle down," Augustus said.

Ariana nodded, her eyes never leaving his face.

"I understand. Have you brought potential matches for him?"

Augustus gestured toward a line of women standing silently against the wall, each dressed in elegant gowns.

"Yes. Ten candidates. I want you to use your abilities to see if any of them are tied to Alessandro by fate."

Just then, Alessandro’s deep voice cut through the silence.

"You sent for me, Father?"

"Yes," Augustus replied. "You need to be here. This concerns you."

Alessandro descended the staircase, hands in his pockets, shoulders squared. He stopped, frowning at the line of women.

"Who are they?" he asked coldly.

"They're Omegas. Ariana will determine which one shares a bond with you," Augustus explained.

Alessandro’s expression darkened as his eyes swept across the women. They all looked away in fear, avoiding eye contact with the infamous De Luca heir.

He turned to Augustus, scowling.

"I don’t see why this is necessary. I'm capable of choosing my own partner."

Augustus leaned back, his face stern.

"You’re not capable of making decisions when it comes to matters of the heart. That’s why I called in Ariana."

Alessandro scoffed.

"So, she’s going to choose my future wife? What the hell?"

Ariana began walking slowly down the line of women, her eyes scanning each one. Alessandro watched her, half curious, half annoyed.

"I don’t believe in love or marriage, Father. It’s all a show," he said bitterly.

Augustus didn’t flinch.

"You’ll do as you’re told. Marriage is a strategic move. These women are daughters of minor families. With the right union, we could control millions in casino profits."

Ariana paused in front of a petite blonde woman. She closed her eyes, hovering her hands above the girl's shoulders. After a moment, she shook her head.

"No," she whispered, moving on.

She did the same for each woman, only to reject them one after the other.

"None of these women are tied to Alessandro..." she muttered, her voice growing distant. Then she stopped.

Augustus leaned forward, watching her.

"Except...?"

But Ariana didn’t approach any of the women again. Instead, she turned toward Alessandro and Augustus. She sniffed the air, walking slowly as if tracking a scent. Then she closed her eyes and laughed softly, her voice filled with mystery.

"I have a revelation," she said.

Alessandro arched a brow, clearly unimpressed.

"A love that never finished... a tie that broke, pieces that shattered... ghosts roaming in silence... are starting to come together. The bond is rebuilding itself."

"The hell are you talking about?" Alessandro asked with a dry chuckle, leaning on the table.

Ariana’s eyes sparkled.

"Alessandro... you were born tied to someone... But the bond was finally formed fifteen years ago."

He straightened, frowning.

"That’s impossible. I don’t believe in fate or this bond nonsense."

Ariana smiled softly.

"Believe it or not, the connection is real. It's strong. And it’s been waiting for you to realize it."

She stepped closer to Alessandro, lowering her voice.

"It’s near… too near. The scent is overlapping."

Alessandro’s face twisted in disgust.

"One of these girls?"

Ariana shook her head.

"No. Not any of them. The bond is with someone from your past. Someone you’ve known for a very long time."

Alessandro narrowed his eyes.

"I don’t believe you," he said, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve.

"You don’t have to," Ariana replied calmly.

"But the bond is there. You can’t ignore it. The threads are tightening, Alessandro. Whether you like it or not."

The room fell silent. Augustus stared hard at his son. Alessandro’s expression was tight, conflicted.

"I don’t know what kind of game you're playing, Ariana..." Alessandro muttered, his voice low and cold.

"But I don’t believe in destiny. I’ll choose my partner myself. And it won’t be someone from the past."

Ariana’s gaze didn’t waver.

"You’re already feeling the signs, Alessandro. You’re just afraid to face it."

She stepped back, laughing quietly, her voice a whisper in the candlelight.

"You’re making a mistake. The bond is calling you... and soon, you’ll have no choice but to answer."