Serene's Pov.
She ran. I dashed after her, furled by my hatred and anger. I could barely see straight. My eyes were hazy and red with rage.
I would get her. Even if it was the last thing I did.
Behind me, I could hear my name being called — by Ollie or Sebastian — I didn't care which.
In front, I lost sight of Ianthe and came to a stop, my heart beating wildly.
Where was she? The question echoed continuously in my head.
The trees around me were thick, cloaked in shadow despite the midday sun. The forest breathed around me as I spun, scanning every root, every flicker of movement, but Ianthe was gone.
“Ianthe!” I screamed, voice ragged from running. “You can’t run forever!”
A whisper of laughter answered me from the trees. Soft, mocking, slithering through the leaves like wind.
“C
