Seraphina’s heart was pounding as she ventured deeper into the forest. The silence that surrounded her seemed to press in on all sides, suffocating her thoughts. She had been searching for hours, calling out for Gideon, but there had been no sign of him. The others were nowhere to be seen either.As she moved, her boots crunching on the forest floor, a sudden noise made her freeze in her tracks. The sound was faint at first, like a whisper carried on the wind. But then it grew louder, more distinct. It was a voice, one she recognized.“Seraphina…”Her breath caught in her throat. She turned slowly, her eyes scanning the trees around her. There, standing under a tall oak tree, was a figure she had not seen in years. Her father.“Father?” she whispered, taking a hesitant step toward him.He stood tall, his arms crossed over his chest, a disappointed look on his face. “I can’t believe you chose this path,” he said, his voice cold. “The Knights, Seraphina? You were meant for more than thi