Chapter 22:The Arrival Of Tanvi

*Chapter 22: The Arrival of Tanvi*

The forest seemed to grow denser with each step they took. Seraphina could feel the weight of the Heartstone's magic surging through her, pulling her forward with an unyielding force. The dragon's presence lingered in the air like a shadow, its eyes never far from her. She had heard tales of such creatures, protectors bound to the Heartstone, but nothing could have prepared her for the reality of it.

As they continued on their path, the silence between the group felt heavy, every one of them lost in their own thoughts. The sense of impending danger loomed over them, but there was something else—something Seraphina couldn't quite place. A feeling that they weren't alone.

"Do you feel that?" Maria asked quietly, glancing around nervously.

Seraphina paused, her senses alert. "Yeah. Someone's out there."

Kael's hand instinctively went to his sword, his eyes scanning the trees. Iliana stood ready as well, her posture tense, prepared for anything.

It wasn't long before they found the source of the disturbance.

A figure emerged from the shadows of the trees, moving with a grace that made it impossible to tell whether she was human or something else entirely. She stepped into the moonlight, revealing a woman of striking presence. Her features were sharp, her eyes a deep shade of violet that seemed to shimmer with hidden power. She wore dark leather armor, intricately designed with markings that Seraphina didn't recognize. Her long, jet-black hair flowed behind her like a river, and there was a quiet but undeniable aura of strength around her.

Kael immediately tensed, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"

The woman's lips curled into a slight smirk. "You may call me Tanvi. I've been watching your little group for a while now."

Seraphina instinctively stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. "What do you want?"

Tanvi's gaze flicked over Seraphina, sizing her up in an instant. There was no fear in the woman's eyes, no uncertainty. She was confident, powerful, and in control.

"I'm here to help," Tanvi said simply. "I know what you're searching for, Seraphina."

Seraphina's brow furrowed, suspicion rising. "How do you know my name?"

Tanvi chuckled softly. "I know more than you think. I know about your father, the Heartstone, and the dangers that come with it. I've been tracking its power for years."

Maria stepped forward, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "How do we know we can trust you?"

Tanvi gave a small, amused shrug. "You don't. But right now, you don't have much of a choice. Your father's enforcers are closing in on you, and the Heartstone's power is growing. You need someone who can help you control it—or at the very least, keep you alive long enough to figure out what to do with it."

Seraphina could feel the weight of Tanvi's words, and a part of her knew that they were true. Her connection to the Heartstone was growing stronger, more unpredictable. The darkness within it was tempting, and she wasn't sure how long she could hold it back on her own. But she also didn't trust Tanvi—not yet.

"Why should we trust you?" Seraphina repeated, her voice steady despite the uncertainty she felt.

Tanvi stepped closer, her violet eyes locking onto Seraphina's. "Because I've fought the same fight you're fighting. I've seen the destruction your father is capable of. And I've been searching for someone with the strength to stop him. You're that person, Seraphina. Whether you believe it or not, you're the key to everything."

A silence fell over the group as Seraphina processed Tanvi's words. The weight of the prophecy—the one she had been running from, avoiding—came rushing back in. Was it possible? Was she really the one destined to stop her father?

Kael stepped forward, his expression still wary. "If you want to help, then prove it. We're not interested in games."

Tanvi's smirk didn't falter. "Fair enough. But remember, I didn't come here to play. I came here to fight."

With a fluid motion, Tanvi drew a pair of twin daggers from her waist. The blades shimmered with a faint, eerie glow, their edges sharp and deadly. She twirled them in her hands, a display of skill that left no doubt in anyone's mind that she was more than capable.

"Let me show you what I can do," Tanvi said, her voice cold and confident.

Before anyone could react, she disappeared into the shadows with a speed that made Seraphina's heart skip a beat. A moment later, there was a sharp cry, followed by the sound of something heavy hitting the ground.

Tanvi emerged from the shadows a few moments later, dragging a struggling figure by the collar. It was one of her father's enforcers.

"You see," Tanvi said, her voice still calm, "I can deal with these fools quickly."

The enforcer groaned, trying to break free, but Tanvi tightened her grip, her dagger pressing against his throat.

"I can teach you how to fight like this," Tanvi said to Seraphina, her eyes gleaming. "But you'll have to trust me. The Heartstone is a power that can either destroy you or elevate you. I can show you how to wield it, but it won't be easy."

Seraphina glanced at Kael and the others. She could sense the hesitation in their eyes, but also the flicker of hope. Tanvi was strong, yes, but she was also dangerous. And with the stakes growing higher, Seraphina knew she couldn't afford to let her pride stand in the way.

"What do you want in return?" Seraphina asked, her voice steady but wary.

Tanvi smiled, a small but knowing smile. "Nothing that you can't offer. The Heartstone isn't just about strength, Seraphina. It's about understanding your true purpose. And I'm here to help you find that."

Seraphina's mind whirled with questions, but one thing was clear—she had no other options. The Heartstone's power was calling to her, and if Tanvi could help her control it, then maybe, just maybe, she could face her father and end this nightmare once and for all.

"Alright," Seraphina said, her voice firm. "I'll trust you—for now."

Tanvi nodded. "Good. Then let's get to work."

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