Seraphina's POV
I sat in the corner of the cold, damp cell. Silence enveloped me, reminding me constantly of how alone I am.
I was afraid.
Afraid but furious.
The rough stone beneath me was not merciful but it was a relief compared to the unrest that ravaged my mind.
I could not believe "Seraphina" stayed with a man like Lorien. She must have been broken over and over again, wishing for freedom.
The Alpha. He was ruthless and unforgiving …..and still I was drawn to him. One time he kissed me, and the other, he locked me up!
I glanced at the mark on my wrist; I wondered how it came about; the look Alpha gave me then showed how unclean the mark was.
Unclean?
Was it unclean? I'm drawn to the mark; it's a part of me that I can't explain.
My thoughts drifted to my 'other self', I could not fathom the condition I was in.
The memories of both personalities keep flooding back.
Teasing me,….taunting me!
I wondered what was going on in the Alpha's mind, what was he up to? He definitely could have killed me again if he wanted to but he couldn't.
I shouldn't make myself vulnerable anymore, I'm stronger and fiercer.
Gently and slowly, I released myself…..into the hands of sleep.
~~~~
Lorien's POV
I stride into the dark compartment, my intense gaze burning with compassion.
"Seraphina?" I called out, harshly.
She stirred, not awake.
"Seraphina, wake up. We need to talk." I added, my voice echoing through the walls, gentle yet fierce.
She opened her eyes groggily and sat up immediately when she saw me, composing a better posture.
"Why are you here?" She asked, avoiding my gaze.
"It's time to face your trial"
"Trial?"
"Get up and follow me" I declared and walked out to the cell.
Once outside, I heard her soft voice behind me.
"What do I have to do?"
I turned to her, she looked too pale and small. What if she can't pass the trial? No matter her condition, she has to face the trials.
"It's simple, I'll give you three tasks to complete, each one has its one difficulty and rewards…if you succeed, I might start believing you."
"What are your tasks?" She asked nonchalantly.
I gave her a cruel smile. "Your first task is to retrieve a rare herb that only grows on the south side of the mountain. It's called 'Moonbloom,' and it's said to be a healing herb and works miraculously."
She nodded, unbothered.
"The south side is dangerous, there're rocky cliffs and lurking predators that watch the herb. You've until sundown to bring the herb back to me, you fail … you'll die. Again." I added deadly.
She turned and walked away, her eyes fixed on the mountain in sight.
"Seraphina?"
The familiar voice called out, she looked back and stared at me anxiously.
"Be careful, please." My voice was reassuring and gentle.
She did not respond and I'm sure she was ready to face any obstacles.
Is she?
~~~~
Seraphina's POV
"Am I cursed?" I muttered under my breath as I climbed the mountain. The Alpha commanded me to do such a dangerous task, and I agreed without regrets.
My feet were pounding against the rocky ground. I had a purpose and an overwhelming fear.
The air grew thinner but my eyes were fixed on the mountain. I could feel the Alpha eyes watching my every move, one mistake and my efforts would be in vain.
I refused to give up as I climbed higher, the sun beating down on me harshly.
"Any wrong move and you will be dead, Elaena this is real life! No drama!" I muttered bitterly to myself.
Finally, I reached the top of the mountain, my legs and hands sore from climbing. Suddenly I saw the Moonbloom, growing in the limited terrain.
I became so happy, my heart filled with excitement.
I reached out to grab the herb and I pulled it out from its soil.
As I did, I heard a loud growl and saw a big wolf emerging from the strong trees. I froze on the spot, speechless and terrified.
I knew I had to act or this wolf would rip me apart, but I still wanted to live. I reached into my pocket and brought out a small knife, I held it with my two hands and pointed it at the wolf.
The wolf ran towards me so fast, I knew the knife could not help so I closed my eyes and wished for a miracle. I needed some power to help me. I needed help!
Suddenly the wolf knocked me down. I felt helpless and became weak at the same time. My head hurts and I could see the wolf hovering over my head.
"Stop that Susan!"
I heard a voice called and footsteps walked towards me as the wolf shifted away from me.
An elderly woman knelt beside them and muttered.
"Poor thing."
~~~~~
I opened my eyes suddenly and smelled herbs on fire. Where am I? The last thing I could remember was that mean wolf knocking me down and the unclear face of a woman.
I searched my body and found no wounds, except my bruised forehead and my leg had scars.
The moonbloom! It was gone.
I immediately sat up and looked around.
It was a small cottage, and I was on a wooden bed. My head ached, and I touched it, then realized it had been bandaged.
I stood up gently and walked out of the small room then saw an old woman stirring herbs on the fire. She had a long black cloak on.
I sneezed loudly as the herb smell teased my nose, she turned her head and looked at me.
She looked so old and had wrinkles on her face; she looked strange and, at the same time, nice. I hope I was in a good place.
"You're awake? Please take your seat." She said hoarsely as I obeyed.
She must have saved me.
My gaze went to the moonbloom I picked earlier, it was on a shelf.
"Why did a young lady like you come to the south side forest? "
She asked curiously as she kept stirring the herb.
"Well…it is…
The wolf walked in, looking at me menacingly; I immediately panicked and watched as it went to the old woman's side and then sat quietly. She pats its head continuously.
"This is my pet, I'm sorry for how he treated you then. He must have thought you were part of the bad guys." She said.
"Bad guys?"
"Well, those who work for Caelum and his senseless shadows." She chuckled as she poured the tea from the pot into a wooden cup and then placed it in front.
Why would Caelum come here?
"He sends them to bring the moonbloom but Susan here had taught them all a lesson." She added patting the wolf.
"Well, that's bad," I replied then stood up. I had to go back to the castle before sundown.
"I'll take my leave now."
Susan growled at me and I became shocked.
"I warned you not to scare our visitors, Susan, get out!" She yelled and the wolf went out reluctantly.
She turned to me and sat down beside me.
"You should take the medication I prepared for you dear….what is your name?"
"Se….
I don't know this woman, I must not mention my name so casually and carelessly.
"Sarah."
"That's a wonderful name. Now drink up; your head is not fully healed yet, so you must not stress yourself." She replied.
I was reluctant at first then took the herbal tea gently. She seemed nice but strange to me. Who the hell has Wold as their pet? I took a sip of the tea.
"How do you feel?" She asked eagerly.
I felt drowsy, but I got on my feet and walked to the door; I needed to get out of there before sundown; Lorien was going to kill me if I didn't!
I fell to my knees halfway, and my vision became blurry.
I could hear her wild laughter, what was funny?
"You cannot leave dear Sarah. You're too important for my ritual. I've been waiting for the right one since, and you're just perfect for it." She said wickedly.
I suddenly felt weak.
"What did you….do to me?" I asked stuttering gently.
"I just add some sleeping powder into the herbal tea. Now sleep well, dear." She replied as she knelt beside me. "First, you'll feel drowsy, then your body will become numb, and finally, you'll sleep peacefully."
"I….have to reach…before sundown….
Words failed me as I fell on the floor. I wondered if Lorien knew I was in danger. I wanted to escape as my head yelled for help but my body felt lifeless for this moment.
I shouldn't have trusted this old witch!
I tried to fight the oncoming sleep but couldn't.
I was helpless and wished I had support as I embraced sleep slowly.