War Preparation.

Madeleine looked at her mother, her green eyes flickering with uncertainty. Seraphina's presence had always been serene, almost otherworldly, and despite her soft voice, there was an undeniable weight to her words.

Seraphina smiled gently, brushing a stray strand of red hair from Madeleine's face. "Come," she said, turning away, her long dress flowing behind her as if caught in an unseen current.

Madeleine hesitated only for a moment before following.

The path they walked was bathed in twilight hues, the moon's light casting long shadows through the towering trees. The leaves shimmered, whispering in a language only the ancients could understand.

After a few moments, they reached a secluded grove, untouched by time. In its center stood a small altar, old yet pristine, with strange runes carved into its surface, glowing faintly with silver light.

Madeleine's breath hitched.

She recognized those runes.

"Mother… this is…"