After a few moments, I found myself exactly where I wanted to be the place where Luna and I had touched hands. The memory of that fleeting connection still sent a surge of nervous energy through me. Now, knowing everything that could happen, I had to tread cautiously. I didn't want to ruin what might be my only chance to fix things.
We stood there, the tension palpable. I chose my words carefully, forcing myself to stick to a safe topic—academics. As rivals, we always competed for the spotlight in class, so it was no surprise when Luna's expression tightened slightly at my suggestion.
"Would you like to study together after lessons?" I asked, pretending not to notice her hesitation.
She didn't like the idea, I knew that. But Luna wouldn't openly show her disagreement, not outside of the classroom. With a polite smile, she nodded and waved as she walked away. I watched her leave, wondering if she would actually stick to her promise.
At least it was a start. Maybe this would bring us closer. Or maybe it would make things worse.
As I turned back to my surroundings, I spotted one of the school press members shopping nearby. Edith. My stomach twisted. She was likely the one who had leaked that headline to the press club. I approached her, trying to suppress my frustration.
"Edith, what's the next move?" I asked, picking up a random item to appear casual.
She looked up, her eyes assessing me. "You've got two options: stick around and ride out the day until Monday, or let everything go and return to your normal timeline."
I exhaled, relieved. At least I could go back to where it all started.
Before I could respond, a voice interrupted my thoughts. "Seems like someone's having a rough day."
That voice—it sent a shiver down my spine. I knew who it was even before I turned. Elder Elowen.
"You're misusing your abilities," she said, her tone heavy with reproach. "Your power is meant for greater things—protecting the people, not… indulging in personal desires."
The world around me began to blur and shift. Colors faded, and suddenly, I was no longer standing in the bustling market. Instead, I was inside a vast, empty hall. Everything was pure white—the walls, the floor, even the ceiling. It felt unreal, like stepping into someone else's dream.
At the far end of the room stood a golden throne, its gleaming surface almost blinding against the backdrop of white.
"Where am I?" I muttered, taking a hesitant step forward.
"This is a place of peace," a fading, elderly voice replied. "My imagination."
I didn't need to see her to know who was speaking. Elder Elowen sat upon the throne, her frail form barely filling its massive frame.
"Rowan," she called softly, and I met her gaze. Her eyes were tired, but her voice carried the weight of a thousand lifetimes.
"Have I broken some kind of rule?" I asked, my heart pounding. I had been messing with time, after all.
"You have," she confirmed, her tone gentle. "But that's not why I called you here."
She stood slowly, relying on her walking stick for support as she made her way towards me. I could hear the soft thud of her cane against the pristine floor.
"My reign has come to an end," she said, pausing just a few steps away from me. "And with that, many villains—hungry for power—will rise. Lucius, leader of the Magic Clan, among them."
She circled me slowly, her voice growing darker with each word. "These villains will seek power at any cost. They will tear down the weak, and soon, a war will break out. Each clan leader, desperate to expand their boundaries, will stop at nothing."
Her words hung in the air, heavy and ominous.
"War?" I repeated, the reality of her warning sinking in. "But if I use my powers to intervene, won't that draw Lucius's attention?"
Elder Elowen smiled, a faint, almost melancholic expression. "With the system in place, your aura will remain hidden unless you choose to reveal it."
I swallowed hard as she continued, "From now on, you must protect the people, Rowan. You are their leader now. Their welfare is your responsibility."
Leader. That word weighed on me like a stone. I wasn't ready for this.
Her gaze softened. "Start with your hometown—the Shapeshifters' Clan. Logan is still their king, and your people… they are suffering."
The room transformed around us, revealing the harrowing state of my clan. People—my people—starved, their bodies frail and sick. The streets I once knew were desolate, filled with pain and hopelessness. I couldn't stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks.
"How could this have happened?" I whispered, my voice breaking. My father wouldn't have allowed this. But he was gone. Logan had seen to that when he assassinated him, aided by the betrayal of my father's closest friend.
"You must help them," Elder Elowen said, her voice now gentle. "Use your power to bring balance. Keep the people safe. That is your true calling."
I wiped my tears, anger and sorrow swirling within me. "Why didn't you help us when we needed you?" I asked, the bitterness slipping into my voice. "Why now?"
Elder Elowen chuckled softly. "I cannot interfere with the traditions of any clan. The Shapeshifters' culture dictates that whoever kills the reigning king takes the throne."
I knew that all too well. My father had claimed the crown in the same brutal way.
"Do you have any other questions before I leave you?" she asked, her voice filled with a kind of finality.
There was one burning question left. "Why was I chosen to be the next Diviner? Why not my son?"
She smiled, stepping closer. "I didn't choose you, Rowan. The Almighty did."
I was stunned. "The Almighty?" I echoed as she turned and began to walk toward a window behind me. I hadn't even noticed it before.
I followed her, the air cool as a breeze ruffled her hair.
"When you die, will you return to him?" I asked, trying to understand what lay ahead for her.
Elder Elowen stared out into the distance, her voice barely above a whisper. "No. I will go to the land of the dead, a place of peace. It's where all souls wait to be forgotten before they can be reborn. Life and death are not what men predict. It's a cycle, one few truly understand."
She stood still for a moment, then turned to face me, her eyes filled with a quiet strength. "Remember, Rowan. Your duty is not to yourself, but to the people. Protect them, and you will find the peace you seek."
And just like that, the room began to fade, the golden throne disappearing into the white void. I was left standing alone, the weight of her words pressing down on me as the world slowly came back into focus.