Chapter 77

Elodie woke up before dawn, her heart racing for no clear reason. The room was quiet, too quiet, and the soft blue light of early morning slipped through the curtains. For a moment, she stayed still, listening to her own breathing, trying to calm the tight feeling in her chest.

Ever since the elders confirmed what she had always feared—that she was a prophecy child—sleep no longer came easily. Every dream felt like a warning. Every silence felt like danger.

She sat up slowly ...