The prophecy remained burning on the ancient scroll.
No one spoke.
The words seemed to cut deeper than any weapon.
“The Guardian may save the world… but only by losing the one she loves.”
Aria stared at the sentence.
Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table.
“No.”
The single word carried so much power that the candles around the room flickered.
Kaelen immediately stepped closer.
“Aria.”
She looked at him.
“No prophecy decides my future.”
Elias lowered his eyes.
“I wish it were that simple.”
Aria turned toward him.
“You believe it?”
The old Guardian hesitated.
“I believe every prophecy has a meaning.”
“That is not an answer.”
Elias sighed.
“Prophecies are not always warnings.”
“Then what are they?”
“Choices.”
The room became silent.
Aria looked back at the
