Threads of Fate: The Seer's Reading Begins

Morning light filtered through the curtains, waking me earlier than I would have liked. My stomach twisted with anxiety as I sat up in Lyra's guest bed. Today was the day. In just a few hours, some mysterious seer would point out my destined bonds—men I was supposedly fated to spend my life with.

"Breathe, Hazel," I whispered to myself, trying to recall Professor Astrid's techniques. "Slow inhale... hold... exhale."

I closed my eyes and counted my breaths, but it didn't stop the parade of faces marching through my mind: Silas with his kind eyes and glasses, Rhys and his easy charm, Mr. Vance—Kaelen—with his stern authority, and the shy Ronan with copper hair. Each one had sparked something in me. Each connection felt different yet unmistakable.

A soft knock interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

"Come in," I called, quickly smoothing down my sleep-rumpled hair.