Page 34 of Collar Me Crazy
When he entered the Glade, ancient stones cast long shadows and mist hung low between the trees like ghostly curtains. Varric stood at the center of the circle, his silver braids damp with condensation, his eyes heavy with decisions Ryker wasn’t sure he wanted to hear.
“You came quickly,” Varric observed.
“You said it was time. Time for what?”
“For truth. All of it, not just the pieces I thought you could handle.” Varric gestured toward one of the stone benches. “Sit, son. This conversation is long overdue.”
Ryker stayed standing, his wolf bristling. “I already know about the prophecy. Blood moon wolf, unite or destroy—you told me when I was fifteen.”
“I told you part of it. Enough to keep you cautious, but not enough to crush your spirit.” Varric’s tone was grim. “But careful isn’t going to be enough anymore.”
Ryker’s jaw clenched. “What changed?”
“The disturbances. The wards failing. The fact that you’ve finally found your mate, and the timing couldn’t be worse.” Varric pulled a leather-wrapped bundle from his coat. “The complete prophecy, Ryker. Written by the Hollow Seer herself the night before she died.”
Ryker’s breath stalled as Varric unwrapped bark parchment, the surface covered in symbols that writhed in the mist.
“Read it,” Varric said, holding it out.
“I can’t read the old script.”
“Your wolf can. Let him rise enough to translate.”
Against his better judgment, Ryker loosened his grip on control. His wolf surged closer, sharpening sight and scent until the curling marks shifted into sense. The words rose in his throat, rough and resonant, half his and half his beast’s.
“When seven hearts beat as one, and magic’s web grows strong,
the eighth shall come to seal the fate?—
for good or ill, the choice awaits.
Bind the realms in harmony’s light,
or shatter veils and bring the night.”
His hands trembled as he forced himself to keep going.
“The blood moon’s child must choose his path,
to save the world or face its wrath.
When the circle closes and love completes the ring,
the Void wakes, and chaos brings.
Only sacrifice is able to set things right?—
or darkness claims eternal night.”
The parchment lowered with shaking hands. “Sacrifice,” Ryker rasped. “You left that part out.”
“Because I prayed it would never come to pass.” Varric’s weathered face tightened.
Ryker’s voice cracked like a snarl. “So what—you let me grow up believing I could maybe outrun this, when the truth is I might have to choose between saving everyone and…” His throat closed around the words. “And having everything I’ve ever wanted?”
“Before you had to carry the full weight.” Varric’s expression flickered with something raw. “Before you had to understand the choice might not be yours alone.”
Ryker’s wolf stilled, the name already forming. “Sonya.”
