Chapter 2 The Forest of Secrets

Seraphina followed Ravyn into the dark forest.

The trees were tall and thick, and the moonlight barely touched the ground.

"Where are we going?" Seraphina asked, her voice trembling.

"To a safe place," Ravyn replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the trees. Seraphina froze.

"What's that?" she whispered.

Ravyn stepped in front of her. "Stay behind me," he instructed.

From the shadows, a large creature emerged. It had glowing eyes and sharp teeth.

"Seraphina," the creature spoke, its voice deep and rumbling. "You cannot escape your destiny."

Seraphina's eyes widened. "Who... what are you?"

"I am the guardian of the truth," the creature replied. "Your journey begins now."

Ravyn growled, ready to defend Seraphina. "Stay back," he warned.

The creature laughed. "You cannot protect her from what lies ahead."

Suddenly, the ground beneath them shook. Trees swayed, and leaves fell.

"What's happening?" Seraphina cried.

The creature vanished into the shadows, leaving behind a whisper, "The truth will find you."

Seraphina turned to Ravyn. "What does he mean?"

Ravyn looked serious. "It means we have to move quickly. There's much you need to learn."

They continued deeper into the forest. The path was narrow, and strange sounds surrounded them.

"Are we being followed?" Seraphina asked.

"Possibly," Ravyn replied. "But we must keep going."

As they walked, Seraphina noticed glowing symbols on the trees.

"What are those?" she asked, pointing.

"Old magic," Ravyn explained. "We're close to the Moon Temple."

"The Moon Temple?" Seraphina echoed.

"Yes," Ravyn nodded. "It's where you'll discover the truth about your past."

They reached a clearing where an ancient temple stood, covered in vines and moss.

"This is it," Ravyn said. "The Moon Temple."

Seraphina stepped forward, feeling a strange pull.

Suddenly, a voice echoed, "Welcome, Seraphina."

She turned, but no one was there.

"Did you hear that?" she asked Ravyn.

He nodded. "The temple is speaking to you."

Seraphina entered the temple. Inside, the air was thick with magic. Symbols glowed on the walls.

In the center, a pedestal held a glowing orb.

"Touch it," the voice urged.

Seraphina reached out and placed her hand on the orb.

Visions flooded her mind: a woman with silver hair, a battle, a hidden power.

She gasped and pulled back.

"What did you see?" Ravyn asked.

"My mother," Seraphina whispered. "She was a witch."

Ravyn nodded. "Your mother was powerful. She sealed your abilities to protect you."

"Why?" Seraphina questioned.

"Because others feared your power," Ravyn explained.

Suddenly, the temple shook. The orb cracked, and a bright light filled the room.

A figure appeared in the light. It was the woman from Seraphina's vision.

"Mother?" Seraphina called.

"Seraphina," the figure spoke. "Your journey is just beginning."

The light faded, and the figure vanished.

Seraphina turned to Ravyn. "What does this mean?"

"It means you have a destiny to fulfill," he replied.

As they exited the temple, the forest was silent.

But in the distance, eyes watched them, and a voice whispered, "She has awakened."

Suddenly, a howl pierced the night, followed by another, and then another.

The forest echoed with the sounds of wolves.

Ravyn's eyes narrowed. "They're coming."

"Who?" Seraphina asked, fear creeping into her voice.

"The Nightveil Pack," Ravyn replied. "They've found us."

Seraphina's heart pounded. "What do we do?"

Ravyn looked at her, his expression serious. "We fight."