Elara's fingers traced the ancient Zodiac chart, a web of symbols drawn in faint silver ink. The parchment crackled under her touch. She had studied the stars for years, deciphering the constellations and their hidden meanings. But tonight—on the eve of her 18th birthday—the stars seemed to whisper a truth she wasn't prepared for.

The air was thick with the energy of the Astral Convergence, an event that occurred once every century when the stars aligned in perfect harmony. Tonight, the sky glowed brighter than it ever had before, an omen that something important was about to unfold.

A low knock echoed from the door of the study, pulling Elara from her thoughts. She glanced up, seeing her mother in the doorway.

"Elara, the ceremony begins soon," her mother said softly, her voice trembling with a mixture of pride and fear.

Elara nodded, though she felt a growing unease in her chest. This night was supposed to be a celebration, but the stars felt… heavy. She turned back to the chart, her eyes scanning the lines of symbols, searching for the hidden pattern. And then, her heart skipped a beat.

A symbol appeared that she had never seen before, glowing faintly against the black ink. It was her symbol—the Starborn Sigil.

"Elara?" Her mother's voice was strained. "What is it?"

Elara's hand froze over the chart. The Sigil should not have appeared. It hadn't appeared for generations. It was a sign of the Starborn, a rare and ancient power that bound one's soul to the stars themselves.

"No," Elara whispered, her mind racing. "This can't be…"

Before she could finish, the stars outside the window flared brighter, sending a shockwave of energy through the room. The world seemed to stop, the air heavy with anticipation.

Her mother's eyes widened. "The prophecy…"

Elara shook her head, trying to clear the fog in her mind. The prophecy spoke of the Starborn, of one who would either save or destroy the world. But Elara had always dismissed it as a legend. Now, as the Sigil glowed on the chart, she realized the truth.

Her power was real. And it was growing.

With a deep breath, Elara turned to her mother. "We need to leave. Now."

Her mother hesitated. "But the ceremony—"

"Elara, please," came a voice from the doorway. Thorn, the village's former soldier, stepped into the room. His eyes were hard, filled with urgency. "You don't have time for the ceremony. You need to leave, now. They're coming."

Elara's pulse quickened. She hadn't asked for this, but it was too late to turn back. Her destiny had found her.

She grabbed the Zodiac chart, folding it carefully and tucking it into her satchel. "Where?" she asked, her voice steady despite the chaos within her.

Thorn's gaze darkened. "Velvaran. There's a place in the mountains where you'll be safe—for now."

The stars outside shifted, as though watching, waiting for Elara to make her move.

Elara met her mother's gaze one last time. "I'll be back."