Shadows in the Moonlight

The woman's dagger slashed toward Seraphine's throat.

Seraphine barely managed to twist away, the blade slicing through the edge of her cloak. She countered with a quick thrust, but the woman was fast, sidestepping with practiced ease.

Before either could strike again—

An arrow whistled through the air.

It buried itself in the dirt between them.

Both women froze.

From the shadows of the trees, more figures emerged—these ones clad in dark armor, their insignia barely visible in the moonlight.

The woman facing Seraphine tensed. Then, without a word, she whistled sharply. The remaining attackers hesitated only for a moment before vanishing into the night, their retreat swift and practiced.

Seraphine turned to face the newcomers, her grip tightening on her sword.

One of them stepped forward, lowering his bow.

"Princess," he said, his voice low and familiar. "We need to talk."

To be continued…

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