Liora went to the library early that morning. The halls were empty except for the faint sound of pages turning. Since her visions began, she had made it her habit to search the older wings of the palace — sections sealed off after the war. The air there was filled with dust and silence, but also knowledge the current council avoided.

She was running her hand along a shelf when a young voice spoke behind her. “You’re not supposed to be here, my lady.”

Liora turned and saw a girl ...