The night was darker than usual, as if the sky itself was holding its breath. A faint, reddish glow began to rise in the distance, signaling the start of a rare lunar eclipse. Cinder stood on a hill overlooking the camp, her heart heavy with unease. She had heard whispers about the prophecy tied to the eclipse, but no one had explained its full meaning to her.
Tonight, it seemed, all secrets would be revealed.
Elda Frost, the elder and lorekeeper, approached Cinder, leaning heavily on her staff. Her sharp eyes seemed to see through the shadows and straight into Cinder's heart. "It is time," Elda said softly. "The prophecy must be spoken."
Cinder turned to face her, her fists clenched at her sides. "What prophecy? Everyone talks about it, but no one tells me what it means. If this is about me, I have a right to know."