The moon hung low over Everdusk, its silver glow casting an ethereal light over the ancient forest that divided the two covens. Seraphina Thorne moved carefully along the moss-covered path, her heartbeat quickening with each step. She wasn't supposed to be here. The boundary between the Auria and Noctis territories was forbidden, a place of danger and shadows. But the pull to this spot had been irresistible, like a whispered enchantment in her dreams.
She clutched her leather satchel tightly, the glass vials of healing elixirs inside clinking softly with her every step. Her mission was simple: gather moonflower petals for the Auria elders. They were vital for the upcoming autumn solstice ceremony. Yet, as the forest deepened, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.
The air shifted—a subtle ripple that made the fine hairs on her arms stand on end. Seraphina stopped, scanning the dense undergrowth. "Who's there?" she called, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest.
A shadow moved among the trees, emerging into the moonlight. Seraphina's breath caught as a figure stepped forward. He was tall, with sharp, chiseled features and dark hair that curled slightly at the edges. His eyes, a piercing shade of amber, seemed to glow in the dim light.
"You shouldn't be here," the man said, his voice low and rough, like the crackle of firewood in a hearth.
"And you should?" Seraphina shot back, clutching her satchel protectively. She knew immediately who he was. Damian Blackwood—a warlock from the Noctis Coven. The enemy.
Damian smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "I could ask you the same question, little witch. This side of the forest isn't for your kind."
Her pulse quickened, though she refused to show any fear. "I'm only here for moonflowers. If you'd rather argue than let me finish, then perhaps you're the one out of place."
His smirk faltered, replaced by a curious intensity. "Moonflowers bloom closer to the lake. You're far from that."
Seraphina hesitated, her mind racing. She couldn't reveal that her intuition had drawn her here, to the very heart of Noctis territory. "I'll manage," she said, lifting her chin defiantly.
Damian took a step closer, his boots crunching on fallen leaves. "Do you even know what you're risking by being here? The curse isn't just a story, you know. It's real. And it's waiting for someone foolish enough to trigger it."
"Perhaps you should take your own advice," she countered, her green eyes meeting his with a spark of defiance.
For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension between them as taut as a bowstring. Then Damian's expression softened, and he let out a quiet laugh. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But boldness won't save you if someone less… tolerant finds you here."
Seraphina swallowed hard, unsure if his words were a warning or a threat. "I can handle myself," she said firmly.
"I'm sure you can," Damian replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But if you value your life, little witch, you'll leave now."
As he turned to walk away, Seraphina felt an inexplicable pull. Something about him unsettled her—not fear, but a strange curiosity that left her wanting more. "Wait," she called, surprising herself.
Damian paused, glancing over his shoulder. "What?"
"Why did you warn me?"
For a moment, he didn't answer. Then he turned fully to face her, his expression unreadable. "Maybe I'm not as heartless as you've been told."
Before she could respond, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Seraphina alone under the watchful gaze of the moon.
Her heart was still racing as she turned back toward the Auria side of the forest, moonflowers forgotten. Damian Blackwood was dangerous, and yet… she couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting had been anything but chance.
For better or worse, her life had just changed forever.