Foreboding prophecy

That night, when you head to the bedroom you find Yura waiting for you. You sit down on the bed beside her and the little selkie snuggles against you. She looks up at you and speaks.

“I did not want to say anything in the meeting because I do not want to scare anyone. I have a horrible feeling about this battle, Josh. Something terrible is going to happen, but I cannot tell what.”

You hug her tightly, and you feel her shiver in your arms. “Yura, war is dangerous, we all know that. It’s a risk we have to take, though.”

Yura nods. “I know. I have tried to see the outcomes of the battle, but combat is difficult to parse. All I see is pain. It is hard to focus.”

She looks at you with purple eyes that seem to see right through to your soul. “I could not stand to lose you. Please be careful.”

You gently run your fingers through her thick black hair, trying to comfort the poor girl. You smile at her. “I will be as careful as I can. I don’t want anyone in our family getting hurt. I tried to keep everyone in places where they’re as safe as possible.”

Yura nods. “It is probably just...nerves. I wanted to ask...could you hold me tonight? I need you close. I do not have the bad visions when you are here. You are my protector.”

You smile, and kiss her gently. It’s easy to forget sometimes just how young Yura is. It’s understandable that this sort of thing would be terrifying for someone who has only barely reached adulthood. You cuddle the little selkie as you lie down, and she closes her eyes as she uses your chest as a pillow.

As she drifts into sleep, you hear mumbled words. “...mages....ambush...trapped...”

Listening closely, you catch more details. “Planning to divide....height of battle...targeted attack...”

Yura stirs fitfully, sinking into a deeper sleep. You hear nothing more from her as she sleeps peacefully.