My hands trembled as I turned the page.
The book wasn't finished—new entries appeared line by line, ink forming right before my eyes.
"The villainess will betray her only ally before the third bell of dusk."
"What is it?" Alaira asked, peering over my shoulder.
I slammed the book shut.
"Nothing. Just... more of the past."
Lying to her was a reflex, not a decision. But even as I said it, a sharp chill needled down my spine—like I'd just stepped onto a path I hadn't chosen.
The air in the chamber thickened. Behind us, one of the glowing orbs shattered, flaring then extinguishing in silence.
Alaira stepped back. "Did you feel that?"
I nodded slowly. "Something's changed."
When we returned to the palace, it was like walking into a dream gone wrong.
The guards at the western gate didn't recognize us.
Servants whispered that Evelyne—the real Evelyne—had been seen the day before arguing with the crown prince, despite my clear memory that she never had.
And the prince?
He now looked at me with suspicion, not disdain. Not love. Something between.
"What's happening?" I muttered.
Alaira grabbed my wrist, her voice low. "You didn't tell me what the book said."
I hesitated—then froze.
The sun outside was setting, and somewhere, a bell began to ring.
Once.
Twice.
A third time.
Alaira's grip tightened, eyes wide with realization. "What did you do?"