Serena’s POV
The forest air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the sharp tang of fear as the ambush unfolded around us. My heart hammered against my ribs like a war drum, but I refused to freeze. The masked attackers moved with lethal intent, their blades flashing in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Alaric fought like a force of nature beside me, his sword a blur of deadly precision, while his guards formed a protective circle that was rapidly crumbling under the assault.
One of the attackers broke through the line, lunging directly toward me with his sword raised. Time seemed to slow. I could hear Gale shouting my name from somewhere behind, but he was engaged with two others. Alaric was occupied with the leader of the group, their blades clashing with spar
