The golden morning light filtered gently through the enchanted trees of Havenwood, casting shimmering reflections on the stream that ran beside the clearing. A breeze carried the scent of jasmine and wild mint, and in the center of the glade stood Anastasia, poised like a flame waiting to be stirred.
Across from her, the Seer stood in her flowing robe of moon-white silk, calm and radiant as always. Her serene expression hid the fierce purpose of the moment.
“Today’s lesson,” the Seer said gently, “is not about strength, but control—and speed. The kind of speed that saves lives.”
With a graceful sweep of her arm, she gestured to five enchanted illusions—each taking the form of a different person Anastasia loved: Valerian, Peter, Elder Jacob, Queen Selene, and even her adopted mother, Lyd
