Elliot's POV

　　The soot-black feathers of a raven flutter before my eyes, and for a moment, the world hushes as if holding its breath. The witch, shrouded in a cloak that whispers secrets with every fold, extends her bony hand toward the moon, her lips parting with a truth I can't afford to ignore.

　　"Elliot Chambers," she intones, her voice like the crackle of dry leaves underfoot, "will bring disaster and bad news upon this kingdom."

　　My heart thuds ...