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The room is filled with an oppressive silence as they all eye me suspiciously.

When suspicion turns my way, the eldest councilor addresses me severely. "Explain yourself, girl. Why have you come before this assembly?" His gravelly voice raises the hairs on my neck.

I sit straighter, rallying my courage under the weight of so many ancient, probing stares. "I am Danica, the one foretold..." I trail off as "sir" slips out unthinkingly.

The elder's lip curls slightly. "I am Viktor. Do not address me so."

I nod jerkily, face burning. "Viktor—sir!" I blurt again. Rhyland squeezes my hand comfortingly as I cringe.

The council members all sit frozen in their chairs; the only sound is my heavy breathing ringing through the room. Shock, curiosity, and apprehension play across their faces like a script from a play. Then, as if all at once, they begin firing questions at us, their voices bouncing off the walls in a curious chorus.

Rhyland lifts his hands to the unruly questions, raising his voice over the chaotic noise. “Silence! Let’s all take a deep breath and speak one at a time.”

The youngest council member has an air of gravity beyond his years. His eyes, shadowed by a furrowed brow, glint in the room’s dim light as he leans forward and opens his mouth to speak.

He studies me intently before finally asking in a low voice, “What proof do we have that you are indeed the one spoken of in this prophecy?”

My voice is steady as I speak, laying out the details of my powers, what they can do, how I had found the Crown of Blessings, and why it proved my right to carry it. The council members glance among themselves, some with creased brows or lips pressed into tight lines, while others include a spark of interest in their gaze. When I finish speaking, there is a pause of pregnant silence.

Eva’s sharp gaze surveys the room, her eyes narrowing. “Before considering your proposal, tell us the plan to save the seven realms. Every second counts, and it might already be too late.” Her words reverberate around the room, hanging heavy in the air like a tangible force.

I outline the advantages of wielding the crown—it can combine different worlds and their forces to combat evil.

Lucian interjects coolly, “Time to go bag Az and kick his ass out of Dani’s orbit. All you need to bring him to heel is right here,” he says smugly, gesturing to the evidence. “I’ll be here rootin’ for ya.”

The council members glance around at each other in tense silence until the dark-haired one finally exhales and speaks. “Very well then. We will focus on bringing Azrael in while you devise a plan for jumping between realms and enacting this mission.” His voice echoes through the chamber like thunder, leaving behind an oppressive stillness.

Rhyland stands, surveying the room with a grim expression. The eldest among them and their de facto leader, he commands respect in his presence. “It’s good to know we are all on the same page. Let’s get ready for our grand exit, shall we?”

I enter the Library of Secrets with awe, feeling history embedded in its walls. Countless shelves hold ancient tomes and artifacts illuminated by glittering chandeliers. The faint scent of parchment and leather lingers in the vast chamber. As I wander past endless knowledge, a sense of wonder stirs within me.

At a desk, Adrian studies a heavy book, completely absorbed. His brow furrows in concentration, scrutinizing each line intensely.

When he glances up, his eyes light with excitement. Adrian leaps from his chair, its old wood squeaking. "Dani! I have an idea." He sets aside the weighty tome. "A spell to link the crown to you—an unbreakable bond."

I tilt my head curiously as understanding dawns. I hurry to retrieve the crown from my bag, its metal cool and delicate in my hands.

Adrian motions to the standing mirror. "Put it on."

I approach the towering mirror, its glass throwing back the room's endless shelves. With care, I place the crown atop my head. It is feather-light, the engraved gold glimmering. My chestnut hair curtains it ornamentally.

Suddenly, radiance beams from the crown's swirling adornments, wreathing my head in otherworldly light. Energy thrums through me, and an inexplicable sense of connection sparks. I gasp in awe, turning to find the others watching intently. "Did you see that?" I breathe. Their slow nods confirm the strange occurrence.

Rhyland's hands settle heavily on my shoulders. "I think…it has bound itself to you. The crown has chosen its wearer."

Adrian shakes his head, agitation and wonder in his voice. "Wasn't expecting that. I suppose that spell won't be needed now."

I stare at my crowned reflection, enthralled by its beauty and power.

Rhyland embraces me from behind, breath tickling my ear. "You look like a princess."

I reach up cautiously to remove the crown, but it holds fast, immovable. My fingers strain painfully, muscles screaming as I pull futilely. The relic seems to mock my efforts.

"So it won't come off—once on?"

Adrian smiles knowingly. "That's the idea. So no one can steal it."

I sigh heavily, glancing at the crown's unfamiliar weight.