The forest was getting darker, and Seraphina could feel the weight of their journey. Her heart was still racing from discovering her power, but there was no time to stop. They had to keep moving, away from the King's soldiers.
Eryan walked ahead, looking around carefully. Lyra led the way, but Seraphina could tell she was worried.
"We need to find a place to hide before they catch us," Lyra said quietly.
Seraphina nodded, but something didn't feel right. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
The deeper they went into the forest, the darker it became. The trees were so thick that barely any light could get through. The silence made Seraphina uneasy.
Then, they heard it—a rustling sound from the bushes. Eryan stopped and turned around. "Did you hear that?"
Lyra nodded. "Stay close. We're not alone."
They waited, listening carefully. The sound got louder, and then, from the shadows, something big stepped out. It was part human, part beast. Its eyes glowed in the dark.
Seraphina gasped. "What is that?"
"It's a forest creature," Lyra whispered. "Stay back."
The creature growled. Its teeth glowed with a strange light, and it took a step forward.
Eryan pulled out his sword, standing in front of Seraphina. "We have to fight it."
"No," Lyra said quickly. "We can't fight it. It's too strong. We need to run."
But the creature didn't back down. It came closer, its eyes locked on them.
Just then, a figure appeared out of the trees. The person moved fast and waved their hand. The creature stopped, growling but not moving.
The figure stepped into the light, revealing a tall woman with long, silver hair and glowing eyes.
"Who are you?" Lyra asked, her voice sharp.
The woman smiled. "I'm Azara. I've been watching you."
Azara looked at Seraphina. "I know what you are, Princess. And I know who you're running from."
Seraphina frowned. "How do you know me?"
Azara stepped closer. "I've been waiting for you. I know about the prophecy. I have a part to play in it."
Seraphina looked at Eryan and Lyra. They all seemed confused, but Lyra seemed to trust Azara.
"She's an ally," Lyra said. "She can help us."
Azara nodded. "The King's soldiers are close. I know a safe place where you can hide and make a plan. But we need to go now."
Eryan was still unsure, but he knew they didn't have any other choice. "Okay, lead the way."
Azara smiled and started walking. The creature stepped aside to let them pass. As they followed Azara, Seraphina had a strange feeling. She had a feeling that meeting Azara would change everything.