CHAPTER 7: INTO THE BLOOD FOREST
557 Words
The first rays of dawn painted the Crimson Palace in shades of gold and scarlet.
Hundreds of vampires gathered in the royal courtyard.
Nobles, knights, servants, and even children had come to witness the beginning of the Royal Trial.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"She won't survive."
"A human has never entered the Blood Forest and returned alive."
"It's a waste of time."
Seraphina ignored them.
She stood at the palace gate dressed in a black leather hunting outfit tailored for her during the night. A crimson cloak rested over her shoulders, and Lucien's silver pendant hung around her neck.
She took a deep breath.
Today would determine her future.
Commander Kael approached, dressed in gleaming black armor with a sword strapped to his waist.
"Are you ready, Lady Seraphina?"
She nodded.
"As ready as I'll ever be."
A horn echoed across the valley.
The massive palace gates slowly opened.
Beyond them lay a forest unlike any Seraphina had ever seen.
The trees were enormous, their crimson leaves glowing beneath the morning light. Thick red mist curled around twisted roots, and strange flowers bloomed from black soil.
The forest looked beautiful...
Yet terrifying.
Lord Cassius stepped forward.
"The trial begins now."
"You have until sunset."
"Retrieve the Blood Moon Lily and return before the palace gates close."
"If you fail..."
"You forfeit your right to become queen."
Seraphina looked at Lucien.
He walked toward her without saying a word.
Stopping before her, he gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
His touch was surprisingly gentle.
"You don't have to prove anything to anyone."
"I know."
She smiled softly.
"But I want to."
Lucien sighed.
"Then come back to me."
Her cheeks warmed.
"I will."
Without thinking, Lucien leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.
Gasps erupted throughout the courtyard.
"The King kissed her..."
"I've never seen His Majesty show affection."
Lady Evelynn clenched her fists.
Jealousy burned inside her.
'Enjoy this while you can.'
'You'll never leave that forest alive.'
Seraphina turned and stepped into the Blood Forest.
Commander Kael followed a few steps behind.
The moment they crossed the ancient stone archway...
Everything changed.
The cheerful sounds of birds vanished.
The air became unnaturally cold.
Even the sunlight struggled to reach the forest floor.
Kael frowned.
"Stay close."
"This place feeds on fear."
Seraphina tightened her grip on the small dagger Kael had given her.
They walked for nearly an hour.
Nothing happened.
No monsters.
No whispers.
Only silence.
Almost too much silence.
Then...
Crunch.
Seraphina froze.
"Did you hear that?"
Kael slowly reached for his sword.
"I did."
Another crunch echoed behind them.
Then another.
And another.
Something was circling them.
Low growls filled the air.
Red eyes began appearing between the trees.
One pair.
Then five.
Then dozens.
Huge wolf-like creatures stepped out of the shadows.
Their black fur seemed to absorb the light, and crimson saliva dripped from razor-sharp fangs.
Kael's expression hardened.
"Blood Wolves..."
"They hunt in packs."
The largest wolf growled, revealing teeth as long as daggers.
Seraphina instinctively stepped back.
"There are too many..."
Kael drew his sword.
Its silver blade burst into blue flames.
"Run when I tell you."
The wolves crouched low.
Ready to attack.
The largest one let out a deafening howl.
In the next instant—
The entire pack charged.
- Writer
