Ally's POV

　　The ancient text lies open before me, its pages brittle with the wisdom of ages. I trace a finger over the faded script. Elliot stands across the table, his presence as commanding as the moon's pull on the tides. Our eyes meet, an unspoken agreement that these prophecies will not dictate our future. We are rulers in training, not bound to whispers of doom.

　　"Ally," Elliot's voice is steady, "remember, we govern now for the people who breathe under our ...