Elira's breath caught in her throat. The eyes of the council, the stranger, and the gathered villagers were upon her, waiting. She had trained for many things—combat, prophecy, the ways of the old magic—but nothing had prepared her for this moment.
Kael took a step closer. "You have felt it, haven't you? The pull. The whispers in the dark."
Elira hesitated before nodding. "Yes."
Saelin's expression was unreadable. "Then we have no choice. The time for preparation is over."
A shiver ran through her. She was no longer just a girl of the village.
She was the Starborn.
And the battle had begun.
The weight of destiny settled upon her shoulders like an iron cloak. The elders murmured among themselves, their voices hushed, uncertain. Elira took a steadying breath, forcing herself to stand tall despite the way her hands trembled at her sides.
"The prophecy is clear," Kael continued. "The Watcher's return will bring ruin unless the Starborn stands against it. That is why I have come—to guide you, to ensure you are ready for what lies ahead."
Elira's mind spun. She had spent years training in combat, studying the old texts, learning the history of those who came before her. But this? This was no longer a distant future. It was happening now.
Saelin eyed Kael carefully. "What do you suggest?"
Kael's gaze flicked toward Elira before returning to the elders. "She must come with me. We need to leave the village and seek the answers hidden in the ruins of the First City. The Watcher's awakening is only the beginning. There are forces at play here far greater than you realize."
Murmurs of concern rippled through the council. To leave the village was no small thing. Beyond the safety of their walls lay unknown dangers—bandits, creatures that lurked in the night, and worse.
Elira exhaled slowly. "If I am the Starborn, then I must do this."
Tavin, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his small hands clenched into fists. "Then I'm coming too."
Elira turned to him in surprise. "Tavin, no—"
"Yes," he interrupted, determination burning in his eyes. "You'll need me. I can help."
A small, wry smile touched Kael's lips. "Courageous," he mused. "But this journey will be perilous. There's no guarantee we'll return."
Tavin lifted his chin. "I don't care."
Saelin sighed, rubbing his temples. "Then it is decided." He turned to Elira. "If this is the path you must walk, then go. But be careful. And may the stars guide your way."
The weight of the moment pressed down on Elira, but she swallowed her fear. The path was set. There was no turning back.
By nightfall, they would leave the only home they had ever known.
And their true journey would begin.