The Temple of Lost Tomes, hidden beneath Venice's western canal, had not seen sunlight in over 300 years. It was here Aurelia arrived, escorted by Matteo and an oath-bound spirit guide, to uncover the full prophecy.
The Librarian of the Ancients unfurled a scroll sealed in blood and stardust.
"The child of seer and sovereign shall come," she read, "carrying flame in one hand and ruin in the other."
Aurelia's heart thundered. "Flame and ruin...?"
"They shall either end the age of blood... or ascend above it."