y silent, save for the crunch of frozen leaves beneath his boots. Erik had left the village behind, the cries of the mourners still echoing in his

ore, but tales of Freyja's power were well known throughout the land. The stories spoke of a woman whose magic was as old as the world, who wielded secret

s hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword, but he shook off the unease. The sorceress might be

ith strange herbs, vials of mysterious liquids, and ancient tomes. The air was thick with the scent of incense and something

moonlight. Her eyes, a piercing shade of violet, fixed on Erik with an intensity that seemed to see right th

ik's presence. "Welcome, Chieftain Erik," she said, he

. "You knew

lied with a slight smile. "The winds of fat

he seer has told me of a prophecy involving a chosen bride who is supposed to break the curse. I

he woman you seek is indeed bound to it. The wolves are not merely beasts; the

ed, a shiver running down hi

to trace intricate patterns in the air with her fingers, her movements fluid and deliberate. "The power that driv

The legend of the wolf who will

y. It's a reality that the old gods can manipulate to bring about their will.

nd this bride? What role do

ing intensity. "She is the one chosen to bridge the gap between the mortal world and the realm of the old gods. He

rustration growing. "Why is

lied. "She is both a part of the curse and a potential savior. Her bon

do to fulfill the prophecy? How

will come with great danger. The bride's power is tied to the curse, and your union will awaken forces beyond

k pressed. "What danger

the very essence of your being. You will face challenges that will question your loyalty, your courage, a

s stomach. "What sacrifices ar

a life, a loved one, or something even more personal. The curse demands a t

e are counting on me. If the prophecy is the only

Erik. The path ahead will be fraught with peril. Trust in the prophecy, but do no

nd Erik felt a chill of foreboding. The sorceress's words were both a warning and a promise,

atched, feeling the weight of her words pressing down on him. He had to find the woman bound to the wolves, marry he

?" Erik asked, his voice filled with a

. "Only this," she said. "Beware of those who seek to manipulate the prophecy for their own ends. Not e

ight of her words. "Thank you

rldly tone. "The wolves will guide you to the bride. Follow them,

branches forming a canopy that seemed to whisper secrets of their own. As he walked back toward the village, Erik's thoughts w

lders. As he emerged from the forest, the village came into view, its silhouettes dark against t

awaited them both. He could only hope that his strength and courage woul