The Prophecy of Three

[Stormy Night. The Blackwood Manor Library] **Arthur (The Dying Patriarch):** "The Family Almanac is never wrong. On the night of the heir's choosing, three signs will herald the King's death: The Wind shall hold its breath, the Water shall bleed dry, and the Light shall be swallowed." **Marcus (Eldest Son):** "Dad, stop with the fairy tales. The lawyer is waiting. Who gets the company?" **Elena (Daughter):** "Wait... Marcus, stop talking. The storm. The howling outside... it just cut off completely." **Arthur (Wheezing):** "The Wind... holds its breath." **Julian (Second Son, calmly pouring tea):** "Coincidence. Here, father, your medicine." *(A sharp crack. The ceramic pot in Julian's hand shatters spontaneously, dark liquid hissing as it spills onto the hot fireplace logs.)* **Arthur (Trembling):** "The Water... bleeds dry!" **Julian:** "And if I recall the verse correctly..." *(Click. The heavy chandelier flickers and dies. The room plunges into absolute darkness.)* **Arthur:** "The Light! It's here! No—!" *(A wet gasp, a heavy thud, and then silence.)*