Princess Elara stood before her chamber window, lost in thought. Her journey to the Shadow Lands loomed before her, a path shrouded in uncertainty and danger. She absently fingered the mysterious pendant at her throat, its warmth a constant reminder of the weight of her decision.
A soft knock at the door broke her reverie. "Enter," she called, turning to see her lady-in-waiting, Mira, step into the room. The young woman's face was pale, her eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
"Your Highness," Mira curtsied, her voice trembling slightly. "There's... someone here to see you. An old woman. She says it's a matter of utmost urgency."
Elara's brow furrowed. "At this hour? Did she give a name?"
Mira shook her head. "No, Your Highness. But there's something... strange about her. The guards tried to turn her away, but she insisted that the stars themselves had sent her to speak with you."
