Serena awoke in total darkness.

  Not the gentle dark of closed eyes at night, but something heavier, something that pressed against her from all sides. A suffocating void where even the sense of her own body felt distant, dulled, as though she no longer truly existed. She tried to move her fingers. Nothing answered.

  Her limbs remained unresponsive. In fact, it no longer felt as though she had a body at all. However, her hearing remained, and then, they came. Voices, drifting through the dark, muffled at first, distant yet uncomfortably close. Men speaking somewhere nearby, and yet impossibly far away.

  “Can you move your hands?” one asked, his voice deep and practiced.

  A brief pause followed.

  “Good,” the man murmured. “Now walk to our friend over there.”

  Who are you?

  Serena tried to speak, but no breath left her throat.

  “She seems to be doing fine. Excellent, in fact,” a woman said calmly.

  “The last one showed promise,” added a third voice, cold and clinical. “I believe the others will mature well. Their growth is… impressive.”

  “Let us hope so,” the first man muttered. “Our future depends on them.”

  A pulse of fear tightened around Serena’s chest. Where am I? What am I hearing?

  Then came another sound, something heavy, like stone shifting against stone.

  “Master,” the three voices said in unison.

  Footsteps echoed through the space. No one spoke again until they stopped.

  “How are you, little one?” asked a fourth voice. It was softer than the others, calm in a way that felt deliberate. “Do you have a name?”

  No response came.

  “She’s still learning to talk, Master,” one of the men said.

  “I see,” replied the fourth.

  “Would you like to see the rest of them?” the woman asked.

  “Yes,” the man said after a moment. “Let us meet them.”

  Their footsteps faded. Silence returned, then, an explosion.

  The blast tore through the quiet, followed by the shriek of rending metal. Glass shattered. Screams cut through the darkness as chaos swallowed the voices that had spoken so calmly moments before.

  “RUN!” a man shouted. “WE MUST—!”

  A second explosion silenced him. Serena’s heart thundered in her chest. Something was happening, something terrible.

  She forced her eyes open. Gradually, by sheer force of will, they obeyed. Her breath hitched as awareness returned. The darkness, the cramped space, the scent of bark and earth. She was crouched inside the hollow of a tree where Edmund hid her.

  Her thoughts raced. Are we still in the forest? Is the fight still happening? Her breathing grew uneven as her gaze fell on the ground. As she listened, an unsettling fact dawned on her. It’s quiet.

  There were no sounds of steel clashing, men screaming, no shouted orders from Edmund or Conrad. Nothing at all. Dread crept in far deeper than the memory of the ambush itself. Reluctantly, she placed her hands against the edges of the hollow trunk, hesitating before pulling herself out.

  Is everyone dead? Could they have all been—

  She forced herself to move. Stepping out of the tree, Serena kept her eyes lowered until she stood fully upright. When she finally looked around, the sight only deepened the unease.

  There was no one. The prince was nowhere to be seen. No soldiers, none of the assassins, their weapons, not even the corpses that she had feared to see. She took a step forward and realized the forest itself was still. No rustling leaves nor the distant calls of animals were to be heard. Darkness swallowed the trees beyond a short distance. Her body began to tremble as a chill crawled up her spine. Turning, she moved past the tree, desperate for any sign of another living soul.

  “Prince?!” she called. “Sir Conrad?! Gualter?!”

  Her voice shook as she shouted again, louder this time. No one answered.

  She drew her hands closer to herself, her voice cracking. “Is—is anyone—”

  Ssshhh…

  Her calls were cut short by an abrupt, low, quiet hush.

  Serena froze, her breath hitching. That sound could only have come from a person, but she was alone.

  She glanced to her side, searching for its source, hope flickering desperately in her chest. “Highness? Are you—are you there?”

  She took a step forward, lips parting to call again.

  Then a voice answered. A woman’s, low and raspy, like a serpent’s hiss.

  You are alone… as you always have been.

  Serena stopped in her tracks, her body rigid with fear. Behind her, from the hollowed trunk she was hiding in mere moments ago, a pale hand emerged. Its long fingers curled against the bark, followed by the soft crunch of leaves as something crawled free. She heard the breathing first, labored and uneven, worse than her own.

  Slowly, trembling, Serena turned her head. Her body followed, finding a shadowy figure behind her. A woman’s silhouette, emerging from behind the tree before rising to its full height. Darkness spilled outward, forming a wall of shadows between them. Yet Serena knew, with chilling certainty, that the woman was staring directly at her. Deep purple eyes gleamed within the shadow. The wall crept closer instantly. Serena took a step back, lips quivering. “S-stay back…”

  The shadows tightened, advancing faster now. She stumbled, dragging herself backward as the shadow closed in. It stopped only a few paces away. A pale hand stretched through the darkness, reaching for her. The voice returned.

  Take… my hand…

  Serena shook her head, teeth clenched, her body trembling. “N-no… get away…”

  Let… the night… fall…

  The hand reached for her still, straining against the wall of shadow that restrained it. It stretched further, only inches away from Serena when suddenly, and then time stopped. Everything stilled. The darkness collapsed in on itself, swallowing sound, motion, and thought alike. In an instant, it was gone.

  A soft golden light bloomed into her vision. Her sight cleared, focusing on a chandelier overhead, its crystal ornaments shimmering like captured sunlight. She turned her head, trying to make out where she was. To her left, sheer curtains billowed in the breeze from an open window, a lone dove perched on it. It flew away as soon as it noticed Serena was looking at it. To her right, a washbasin and neatly folded cloths sat upon a polished wooden table. Lavender scented the air, gentle and calming. Everything felt warm and real.

  She was awake, truly this time.

  Where…?

  Serena looked down. Her left arm was wrapped in fresh bandages, skin beneath tight and aching. Her whole body felt… hollowed out, as though something had drained every drop of strength she had.

  She paused, then memory struck.

  The hunt.

  The ambush.

  The monster.

  Edmund.

  Serena shot upright, breath catching. The image of the prince, exhausted, bleeding, and facing death burned behind her eyes.

  Is he all right? Did… did he survive?

  Ignoring the pain flaring through her limbs, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and slipped into the sandals waiting there. Her knees wobbled once, but fear steadied her.

  She rushed to the door and pulled it open.

  A corridor stretched out before her.

  Long, sunlit, its marble floors reflecting bright morning. Through the glass windows, she saw rolling green fields and distant gardens.

  She froze.

  The architecture. The light. The scent of polished stone and fresh herbs.

  The palace, she realized.

  Her pulse quickened.

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  If she was here…

  then the prince must be here too.

  She pressed a hand to her chest, not to calm herself, but to keep moving forward.

  She had to find him.

  Walking down the hall, Serena almost collided with a young maid carrying folded linens.

  “Serena!” the girl gasped, eyes brightening. “You’re awake!”

  Serena blinked at her, head tilting slightly.

  “…Margot?”

  “Yes!” Margot set the linens aside and pressed a hand to her chest. “Thank goodness. We were all so worried.”

  Serena’s voice slipped out before she could think:

  “His… Highness. Is he… safe?”

  Margot’s concern melted into a relieved smile.

  “Yes, he’s safe,” she assured. “The prince is fine and already complaining about being stuck indoors.”

  Serena’s knees softened, a heavy breath leaving her all at once. Warm relief flooded through her like light finding its way into a dark room.

  Margot stepped closer. “Would you like to see him?”

  Serena hesitated only a heartbeat, then nodded. “Yes.”

  They set off together down the corridor. Servants they passed stopped in their tracks, offering grateful smiles, murmuring thanks for her bravery, bowing slightly in respect. Serena lowered her gaze, uncertain how to respond to praise she didn’t know how to accept.

  “Let’s see…” Margot murmured as they turned a corner, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “The prince should still be in his reading room, going over the guest list for the royal feast.”

  “Guest list?” Serena echoed.

  “For his birthday,” Margot said, brightening at the topic. “Ambassadors and nobles from every corner of the realm are attending, and you know how he is.” She gave a small, playful roll of her eyes. “He wants to be sure he knows who’s who before he greets them.”

  Serena stopped mid-step, brows drawing together. She had nearly forgotten the occasion. His birthday… After everything, the thought felt strangely distant.

  Margot caught her expression and softened. “Don’t blame yourself. Anyone would forget after what you went through.”

  Her warm smile eased the knot in Serena’s chest.

  “His Highness himself rested for two whole days. Thankfully Miss Idun was here to tend both your wounds.”

  “…Two days?” Serena breathed.

  Margot blinked before lifting both brows in apology. “Oh! Right. I forgot to say. You slept for two days straight, completely out.”

  Serena stared ahead, trying to grasp that lost time.

  “His Highness and Leif never left your side,” Margot continued, tone turning quieter, sincere. “Not until Miss Idun assured them you were out of danger.”

  Serena’s breath caught, realizing the depth of their worry.

  Margot noticed the faraway look in her eyes and nudged her gently. “Come. He’ll be so happy to see you awake.”

  Serena managed a soft nod and followed, heart fluttering like a trembling wing.

  “Leif… Mother Idun… I want to see them too,” Serena murmured.

  Margot’s smile brightened again. “Then we’d better not keep them waiting.”

  They continued down the corridor until they reached the prince’s reading room, a tall oak door flanked by two knights in full armor.

  Serena slowed, blinking. “Are those… knights?”

  Margot nodded. “Since the attack, His Majesty ordered constant protection. The prince is not to be left unattended. There’s even one inside.”

  Serena swallowed. The armored guards brought it all back.

  Steel clashing, bodies collapsing, her helplessness.

  As they approached, the knights straightened. Though their visors hid their expressions, one of them softened his voice when he spoke.

  “How can we help you today, little ones?”

  Margot gestured beside her. “Serena is awake. She just wanted to see His Highness to let him know.”

  The knight stared for a moment, then his posture eased with genuine relief.

  “Of course,” he replied. “Allow me to request his permission.”

  He turned toward the door and knocked twice, firm and respectful.

  “Sir Damien,” he called, “Serena is awake and wishes to see His Highness.”

  Suddenly, rapid footsteps answered from inside.

  Then the doors flew open so hard everyone flinched.

  “Serena!”

  She gasped, then smiled. “Highness.”

  Before she could speak again, Edmund swept her into a tight embrace, all the relief he’d been holding back pouring into that moment.

  “I’m so glad you’re awake,” he breathed against her hair.

  “And I’m glad… to see you safe,” she whispered back.

  Behind him, the knight, Sir Damien, appeared.

  “Your Highness,” he said, voice stiff, “please allow me to open the door in the future. I must ensure proper—”

  “Oh, hush, Damien. Let His Highness greet his friend,” a woman scolded from within.

  Edmund’s attendant stepped forward, brushing past the knight with an exasperated sigh. Her gray hair was pinned into a prim bun, glasses gleaming over sharp brown eyes. A blue blouse and long matching skirt made her every inch the embodiment of palace order.

  Except right now, warmth softened all the lines of her face.

  “But, Madame Grance,” Damien began.

  “No buts,” she snapped, folding her arms.

  While they bickered, Edmund gently released Serena, hands lingering a moment on her shoulders as he searched her face.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked quietly.

  “I’m doing… fine, Highness.” Her voice stayed soft, but there was a spark back in her eyes.

  “Good. I’m very glad.”

  Footsteps followed from the room, and another red-haired boy with clear blue eyes stepped out, dressed in a white doublet and brown trousers nearly identical to Edmund’s.

  “It’s great to see you awake,” he chimed in.

  “Prince Aristide…” Serena bowed politely.

  Aristide let out a light laugh. “Edmund was worried sick. I’ve never seen my brother bolt from a room like that.”

  “Aristide,” Edmund muttered, rubbing the back of his head, bashful.

  Serena, despite still being in pain, smiled a little brighter.

  Margot leaned toward Serena and whispered, “See? Told you he was worried.”

  Like the scent of freshly baked cake, news of Serena’s recovery spread swiftly through the palace, and soon, drew every familiar face to her.

  “Serena!” another voice called, brisk footsteps skidding across polished marble.

  A boy in a green tunic and black trousers sprinted toward them.

  Margot smirked knowingly. “Here comes the other one.”

  Leif nearly bowled Serena over as he embraced her.

  “Thank the gods you’re awake! Mother said you’d recover but I—I couldn’t sleep at all.”

  Serena smiled against his shoulder. “I’m happy… to see you… Leif.”

  His green eyes were bright with relief, and his light brown hair was untamed as ever. Like Serena, he was an alvarynn — her first friend in the palace along with Edmund.

  Their laughter echoed down the marble corridor — light, buoyant, chasing away the heaviness that had haunted the palace since the forest attack. For the first time in days, the place felt alive again.

  “It’s good to see the younger ones full of spirit,” Damien murmured.

  Madame Grance chuckled. “I told you. There’s a time for stiff backs and strict protocol.”

  Just as the joy crested, another set of footsteps approached. Steady. Heavy.

  The guards straightened instantly.

  Damien and Grance bowed before Serena even turned.

  Silence dropped like a curtain.

  “I see the girl is awake at last,” came a voice that resonated through the hall, steady, commanding and unmistakable.

  The youths spun and bowed low.

  “Your Majesty.”

  The king lifted a hand.

  “It’s all right. No need to pause your laughter on my account.”

  A small smile softened his features.

  “This palace has been cold enough these past two days. It could use more of that warmth, wouldn’t you agree, Minister Horace?”

  “Indeed, Your Majesty,” the minister beside him replied. “There is no better cure for gloom than joy.”

  Renault’s gaze drifted across the youths, then stopped on Serena.

  “I believe,” he said quietly, “that it is I who should bow.”

  He inclined his head to her.

  “Thank you, Serena… for saving my son’s life.”

  Serena froze. Her thoughts, her breath and her voice all tangled.

  “I saved… His Highness?”

  Images surged back into her mind —

  the roar of claws, blood on leaves,

  the burning light that had surged from her own hands.

  She stared at her bandages.

  “Please, Your Majesty… I only did… what I must. You shouldn’t… bow to me…”

  Renault straightened, shaking his head.

  “No, child. You did more than you know. Your courage drove the assailants away and held the monster long enough. Because of you, those who still draw breath were saved.”

  He placed a hand over his heart.

  “For that, you have my deepest gratitude.”

  A bell chimed through the corridor, cutting through the quiet.

  Renault turned toward the sound.

  “That’s the mid-morning bell. Our duties are calling, whether we welcome them or not.”

  He turned back to Serena.

  “When our burdens lighten, I hope I may thank you properly.”

  Serena bowed her head, a shy smile forming.

  Renault looked to Edmund next.

  “Edmund, continue familiarizing yourself with our guests. We wouldn’t want you mistaking the Earl of Gaudinbourg for the ambassador from Remonbourg again.”

  A flush crept up Edmund’s neck.

  “Yes, Father,” he muttered.

  “Madame Grance, Aristide, assist him with his preparations.”

  Both bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  Then Renault faced the remaining pair.

  “Leif, you may accompany Serena home. She still needs rest. Margot, help her with whatever she requires.”

  The two bowed together. “As you command, Your Majesty.”

  The king’s voice gentled as he stepped back.

  “Thank you, all of you. It gladdens me to see life in these halls once more, and smiles on your faces.”

  With that, the king and his ministers departed down the corridor, their footsteps fading with the bell’s last echo.

  Edmund let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

  “Well… I suppose I’ll see you all later.”

  “He’s still got quite a list to get through,” Aristide said with a grin.

  Serena dipped her head. “I will… see you later.”

  “Good luck with your studies,” Leif added warmly. “You can do it.”

  “All the best, Your Highness,” Margot curtsied.

  Edmund gave them one last wave before Sir Damien closed the doors behind him.

  Quietness settled once more, but the warmth of laughter still lingered, like sunlight clinging to the stones.

  “Well,” Leif said, glancing at the two girls, “shall we go?”

  The three headed down the hallway toward the palace entrance.

  The alvarynn family’s home stood a short walk away within the walled royal grounds.

  A simple dwelling, humble in comparison to the palace’s grandeur.

  The palace itself felt renewed.

  Sunlight poured through tall windows, glimmering across polished marble floors.

  The scent of fresh pastries drifted from the kitchens below.

  Maids hurried past with folded linens while footmen carried trays of silver and fruit.

  Others paused to adjust a curtain or tend to the flowers blooming along the walls.

  Life, vivid and warm, had returned.

  Serena’s gaze fell to Leif’s trousers, streaked with mud up to the knee.

  “Oh, this?” Leif laughed when he noticed her glance. “I was helping in the central courtyard. Some plants were wilting and needed to be pulled out.”

  Margot perked up. “I can wash them later, if you like.”

  “Well…” Leif replied, suddenly shy. “If you’re offering.”

  Serena smiled to herself as she listened to them.

  That simple sound, light teasing between friends, felt more soothing than any medicine.

  After the screams and steel of the forest, this ordinary peace felt like a miracle.

  The three finally reached the outer yard and walked the garden path toward Idun’s cottage.

  Outside, Leif’s mother knelt among her herbs, sleeves rolled up, sunlight in her hair. When she saw them, her face lifted into a smile both warm and weary.

  Idun rushed forward to embrace Serena. “I knew you’d recover soon, dear.”

  “Thank you… Mother Idun.”

  “Any aches? Any pains?”

  Serena shook her head. “Only that… I feel a little weak.”

  “Nothing a good meal and rest can mend then,” Idun assured her, smoothing a hand through her hair.

  She glanced to the others. “Leif, help her inside to rest. Margot, come help me with lunch please. You may stay to eat with us, if you like.”

  “Of course! Your cooking’s the best, Miss Idun,” Margot beamed, then leaned closer to Leif and whispered behind her hand, “Don’t tell my mother I said that.”

  Inside, Serena was met with a familiar warmth. Herbs drying by the window, the glow of the hearth, flowers coloring every shelf.

  Safety, in every detail.

  Leif helped her to the sofa before hurrying off to prepare her room, fetch clean clothes and warm blankets. From the kitchen came laughter. Pots clinking, vegetables thumping with Idun’s and Margot’s voices rising like soft bells. The aroma of simmering broth filled every breath.

  When lunch was ready, the four of them sat together, sharing stories between spoonfuls of soup. No one asked about the forest. Not yet. There would be time for hard questions later.

  Afterward, Margot helped Serena wash and change before heading back to the palace.

  Serena lay in her bed, cocooned in fresh linens. The faint scent of lilac surrounded her.

  “Thank you… Margot,” she had said.

  “Anytime,” Margot said with a smile. “Rest well now,” she added before slipping out with a final thanks to Idun.

  Left to rest at last, Serena closed her eyes without fear.

  She remembered nothing of where she came from, but here, she felt she belonged.

  Wrapped in gentleness, she drifted into sleep, content, safe…

  …and unaware that this would be the last day she ever knew true quiet.