Anastasia's eyes snapped open.
She was back in the feast hall of Varethia. The sounds of clinking cups, hurried whispers, and nervous murmurs filled the air. The trance had ended—but too soon. She gasped, her breathing ragged.
All around her, concerned faces closed in.
"Anastasia! What happened?" Queen Selene cried, kneeling beside her.
"What did you see, my child?" Elder Jacob asked.
King Aldric stood just behind, arms crossed but eyes alert with curiosity and concern.
Others watched in silence—the nobles, the guards, and Peter, wide-eyed and hopeful.
Anastasia sat upright, trembling. Her eyes glowed faintly, the golden-red still flickering from deep within.
She stood suddenly, almost shaking. "I have to find out what happened next! What did fate do?!"
With those words, she vanis
