Chapter Ten: The Gathering Storm

The air was charged with an eerie stillness as dawn broke over the Auria stronghold. Despite the preparations made through the night, Seraphina felt an undercurrent of dread, as if the calm were only the eye of a storm.

She stood at the battlements overlooking the forest. Damian was beside her, his amber eyes scanning the horizon for signs of movement. His silence was heavy, but it wasn't a discomforting one. It was the kind of quiet born from shared understanding—both of them knew the stakes, and both were bracing for what came next.

"They're late," Damian murmured.

"Or they're waiting for us to make the first move," Seraphina replied. She gripped the shard tighter, its faint light pulsating against her palm.

Below them, the Auria witches moved in organized formations, their magic crackling in the crisp morning air. Seraphina spotted Lysandra issuing orders near the front lines, her expression sharp and commanding. Despite their differences, Seraphina couldn't deny the woman's skill as a leader.

"Do you think they'll attack today?" Seraphina asked.

Damian's jaw tightened. "If Selene wants that shard badly enough, yes."

Seraphina sighed, turning her gaze back to the forest. "I hate waiting."

"You're not the only one," he said, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

The attack came just as the sun reached its zenith.

It began with a ripple of dark magic that surged through the forest, the air vibrating with an unnatural hum. Seraphina's chest tightened as she felt the oppressive energy, familiar yet more potent than before.

"Selene," Damian said grimly, his hand instinctively going to the dagger at his belt.

Seraphina nodded, her heart racing as she raised her hand, her magic sparking to life. "She's here."

From the shadows of the forest, the Noctis witches emerged, their dark robes flowing like liquid night. They moved with unsettling grace, their magic swirling around them in waves of shadow and flame.

At the head of the group was Selene, her presence commanding and terrifying. She radiated power, her black eyes glinting with malice as she surveyed the Auria defenses.

"Seraphina," Selene called, her voice carrying over the distance like a knife. "I believe you have something that belongs to me."

Seraphina stepped forward, her chin held high. "If you want it, come and get it."

Selene's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "As you wish."

With a flick of her wrist, the battle began.

The air erupted with magic as the two covens clashed. Bolts of light and shadow collided midair, the resulting explosions shaking the ground beneath their feet.

Seraphina moved with precision, her magic lashing out in arcs of shimmering gold that forced the Noctis witches back. Damian was a blur of movement beside her, his amber magic cutting through the chaos with lethal accuracy.

But Selene was relentless. She moved through the battlefield like a storm, her dark magic obliterating everything in her path. Seraphina tried to keep track of her, but the sheer intensity of the fight made it nearly impossible.

"Focus!" Damian shouted, pulling her out of her thoughts as he deflected an attack aimed at her back.

"Thanks," she said, throwing a blast of light at their assailant.

"Don't mention it," he replied, his tone grim.

The battle raged on, the Auria witches holding their ground despite the Noctis coven's relentless assault. Seraphina could feel her strength waning, but she refused to give in. The shard's light grew brighter with each spell she cast, its power bolstering her magic even as her body screamed in protest.

Suddenly, a burst of dark energy sent her sprawling to the ground. She looked up to see Selene standing over her, a triumphant gleam in her eyes.

"You've fought well," Selene said, her tone almost admiring. "But you can't win."

Seraphina gritted her teeth, forcing herself to her feet. "We'll see about that."

She raised her hand, but before she could cast another spell, Selene's magic lashed out, wrapping around her wrist like a vice.

"You don't understand, do you?" Selene said, stepping closer. "This isn't about you. It's about power. Control. The shards were never meant for someone like you."

Seraphina struggled against the binding spell, her magic flaring in desperation. "Then why are you so afraid to let me keep it?"

Selene's expression darkened. "Because you don't know what you're dealing with."

Before Seraphina could respond, a burst of amber light struck Selene, breaking her hold. Damian appeared at Seraphina's side, his expression cold and unyielding.

"Stay away from her," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Selene laughed, the sound sharp and cruel. "How noble of you, Damian. Protecting your little witch. Tell me, how long do you think she'll trust you when she learns the truth?"

Damian's eyes flickered, but he didn't respond.

Selene smirked. "Interesting."

With a wave of her hand, she disappeared into the shadows, her witches retreating with her.

The battlefield was silent in the aftermath, the Auria witches standing in stunned disbelief as the Noctis coven vanished.

Seraphina sank to the ground, her body trembling from exhaustion. Damian knelt beside her, his amber eyes scanning her for injuries.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

She nodded, though her hands were still shaking. "What did she mean, 'the truth'?"

Damian's expression tightened, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Not now."