othing to chase away the lingering dread. Sleep had been fleeting and fitful, and my thoughts tangled in the remnants of my vision-of the shadowed figure and the

his sword flashing in the morning light as he moved through a series of precise, lethal motions. Ethan had always been the embodiment of strength and discipline

tion as he turned to face me. His blue eyes searched my face, his b

rying to muster a smile but failing

th from me, no matter how deeply I tried to bury it. It was both a comfort and a curse, espec

r training, the

to match his pace. My body went through the motions, but my mind was elsewhere, trapped in the fog of my fears and uncertainties. The clang of our

entle but firm, the way it always was when he knew I needed to hear the truth. He step

to me like a shroud. But how could I burden him with my fears when he already carried so much? Ethan was not just a warrior; he was my closest friend, someone wh

id, forcing a smile.

d, he handed me back my sword and took a step back, his eyes never

aching with the weight of unsp

ever. The town elder moved with a grace that belied her age, her silver hair flowing behind her like a river

her voice carrying a note

ration. The other, far more daunting task, was learning to control the powers that had begun t

ick with the scent of earth and pine, the ancient trees standing like silent guardians around us. I had always fou

e power within you, Seraphina. It's a part of you, as much as your breath or your heart

c-a storm I couldn't quite grasp. It surged and ebbed, slipping through my fingers like water, le

words escaping before I coul

hecy does not wait, Seraphina. It moves forward, whether you are ready or not. Yo

th she had accumulated over the years. She had faith in me, even when I didn't have it in myself. But

ark hooded robe that obscured most of his features. There was an air of mystery about him, something both unse

stranger said, his voice low and sm

ying to mask the unease that prickled at the back

weathered, with eyes that gleamed with an unsettling knowledge. "My name is of no importan

mix of fear and curiosity surging within

ve studied the old ways, the ancient prophecies, long before they were forgotten b

wing. "And why should we trust you, stra

, worn piece of parchment. He handed it to me, his gaze never wavering. "Because the truth is alre

my throat as recognition struck me like a lightning bolt. It was the same symbol that had appeared in my visions

, my voice barely

Much that has been kept from you. But the time for secrets is over. The prophecy is not what you've been

s, his form fading from sight as if he had never been there. I was left standing in the grove, the parchment clutched in my trembling hand, a storm of fear and uncertainty raging within me.