The Prophecy (The Guardians) - By Wendy Owens Page 0,75

circle without another word. As he left, Haim approached. Noticing the scowl on Gabe’s face he asked, “What’s wrong?” Gabe did not answer.

The two mile hike to Mirada’s cabin was a quiet one. Rachel and Gabe were both still steaming about their brief spat, while Haim and Uri were terrified of being pulled into the lover’s quarrel.

“It’s just over that hillside there.” Uri said at last, motioning ahead of the group.

“When we get in there, let me do the talking.” Gabe instructed.

“Oh, of course, I wouldn’t want to get in the way any more than I already have.” Rachel’s snarky tone caused Gabe’s back to stiffen. He chose not to respond.

The four approached the cabin quietly. Rachel quickly noticed how unassuming everything was. There was a stone path that led up to the wooden stairs that the earth had begun to reclaim many years ago. There was a small garden bed along the side of the home filled with various herbs, and a wind chime hanging from a metal rod stuck in the ground.

“Pst…” Uri said, motioning towards the door, glaring at Gabe as he drew his sword.

Alarmed, Gabe looked up and realized what had set Uri on edge. The door was cracked open, the reality set in that perhaps they were not the first ones to find Mirada. Gabe and Haim quickly followed suit, brandishing their weapons.

“Stay here.” Gabe commanded in a low voice to Rachel.

Rachel thought for a brief moment of arguing, but while she knew she was capable of handling herself with a street thug, she was not so confident in a fight against some super natural being.

Uri led the way, creeping up the stairs slowly and silently. Reaching the door, he looked back at his comrades. Haim nodded, reassuring him he was ready for what awaited them. Turning back to face the unknown, Uri pushed the door open further.

All three men held their breath, unsure what would await them within. Gabe looked back at Rachel one last time, allowing his gaze to linger for a moment. She smiled slightly in an attempt to comfort him, and Gabe felt a warmth rush over his flesh.

“Are you four going to stand out there all day playing with your weapons or do you plan to come in?” a voice called from the darkness.

“Mirada, is that you?” Uri asked, furrowing his brow.

“It’s my home isn’t it? Who else would it be?” the voice answered.

“Is everything alright in there?” Uri asked, not budging. “We saw the door was open.”

“Of course, I left it open for you.”

“But—” Gabe began, suddenly stopping himself. He was already sure of how the conversation would proceed. He would ask how she knew they were coming, and then she would boast about how she’s an Oracle, making him look like a complete idiot in front of Rachel. He decided some questions were better left unasked.

“I’m sure Mrs. Harwood is a bit chilly out there all alone, there’s a seat for her in here by the fire.” Mirada called from the comfort of her own seat within her home.

“Uri, are you sure it’s safe?” Gabe whispered.

Before his friend could answer, Mirada replied for him. “You four came to my home, I think it’s I who should worry about safety.”

Gabe sighed. He was sure he had whispered quite softly and she would not hear his question. Unfortunately, he was wrong.

“Rachel,” Gabe called motioning for her to join them. The other two men entered the cabin, not waiting for the newlyweds. Rachel didn’t hesitate, eager to rejoin the group. Scurrying up the worn and rickety wooden stairs, she linked her arm around Gabe.

“Are you ready for this?” Gabe asked, looking into Rachel’s oversized brown eyes.

“Of course.” Rachel answered confidently.

The two made their way into the small cottage, where Gabe noticed something different right away. When he had entered the other homes of the two previous Oracles he met, they had a super natural presence. He couldn’t explain it, even if someone had asked. There was a sense of magic and mystic in those homes, perhaps it was the littering of magical trinkets, or simply a presence that hung around in the room.

Mirada’s home, however, was not this way at all. Once inside, he could see it was actually quite normal and cheery. There were no creepy sculptures or totems. From what he could see, no magical objects were around the home whatsoever. The walls were painted a bright sky blue, the wood trim was white. Had he not known better,