The Road to Betrayal

The night air was cold as Seraphine rode through the dense forest, her cloak pulled tightly around her. The message from Kaelith remained untouched beneath her armor, a silent burden pressing against her ribs.

The western outpost was still half a day's ride away when she felt it—

The sensation of being watched.

Seraphine's grip tightened on the reins. She did not slow, but her gaze flickered to the trees lining the road.

Then—

A sudden movement. The sharp whistle of an arrow cutting through the air.

Seraphine yanked the reins, her horse rearing as the arrow struck the dirt mere inches from its hooves.

Before she could react, figures emerged from the darkness, their faces concealed beneath hoods.

"You shouldn't be here, Princess," one of them said, voice low and cold. "Turn back now, and we'll let you live."

Seraphine's pulse pounded. She did not know who they were—or if they knew about the message she carried.

But one thing was clear.

This was no mere robbery.

This was a warning.

To be continued…

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