The tall figure didn't answer, instead turning and walking away. I tried to follow, but my legs gave out, and I fell to the ground. The last thing I saw before everything went black was the tall figure's retreating form, disappearing into the shadows.
When I regained consciousness, I felt a familiar warmth cradling me. My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was Seraphina's worried face hovering over mine. Relief washed over me like a tidal wave, and I reached up, touching her cheek to reassure myself that she was real.
"Elara, thank the heavens," Seraphina whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I was so worried. Are you okay? Can you stand?"
I nodded weakly, my body still feeling like it was made of lead. "I think so," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "But we need to get out of here. They were performing some kind of ritual. I don't know what they did to me, but it felt...wrong."
