Chapter 9: The Prophecy
Ava's eyes were fixed on the mark, her mind racing with questions. Catherine's words hung in the air, laced with an ominous significance.
As she gazed at her daughter, Ava felt a shiver run down her spine. The mark seemed to pulse with a life of its own, as if it held secrets and destinies yet unknown.
Catherine's voice dropped to a whisper. "This child is special, Ava. She bears the mark of our family's legacy."
Ava's heart pounded. "What legacy?" she demanded, her voice firm.
Catherine's eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity. "A legacy of power, of wealth, of sacrifice. This child is the key to our family's future."
Ava's blood ran cold. Sacrifice? What did that mean? She felt a growing sense of dread, as if her daughter's fate was already sealed.
"What do you mean?" Ava asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
But Catherine just smiled, her eyes glinting with secrets. "You'll understand soon enough."