I woke with a cry on my lips and a name I hadn’t spoken in years.

“Elira…”

The room was still, save for the rustle of wind beyond the shattered tree roots and the soft hum of Leon’s breath nearby. He sat at the edge of the room, facing the fire, alert but quiet.

He turned instantly. “You’re awake.”

I pushed myself upright, my skin damp, heart pounding, eyes burning with knowledge that hadn’t belonged to me a day ago.

“She was real,” I whispered. “My grandmother. Elira. She bound the prophecy herself.”

Leon crossed to me, crouching. “You dreamwalked into her memory?”

I nodded, the weight of it still...