POV: Riley
The room still shimmered faintly with silver light when Elara finally lowered her hand.
No one spoke.
No one could.
My body trembled from the power still coursing through me—through us. Alex remained pressed to my side, her hand still over my stomach as if afraid that if she moved, the moment would vanish.
Mason hadn’t stood yet.
He was still on his knees before me.
Protecting.
Devoted.
Terrified.
“Elara…” I whispered. My throat was raw. “Tell me the truth. What happens now?”
Her eyes lifted slowly, glowing with a knowledge far older than any of us. “Now?” she said softly. “Now the world begins to turn toward its true ending.”
Alex’s voice sharpened. “Don’t speak in riddles.”
Elara met her gaze without flinching. “Your child is not just an heir to a throne. He is th
