Talia’s POV
Jackson and I don’t bother looking back to see whose voice we hear. “One, two, three… run,” I say, and we both start running toward the house.
“Why are you running, cowards?” the feminine voice calls from behind us, following quickly. Is that a lady Sentinel? Or someone assigned to stop unwanted guests like us from entering the ritual area? The voice sounds familiar.
“Wait up, Talia,” the voice calls again during the chase. I recognize it this time and stop. “Wait, Jackson, it’s Serena,” I say after confirming.
He slows down beside me.
“What are you doing here, Serena?” I ask. “Why did you scare us like that? I nearly ran mad from fear, you know.”
Serena bends slightly, gasping for air. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I only wanted to make my presence known. I didn’t expect
