The morning light was spreading across the Serpentia sky,
but this light was not ordinary. It felt bright, rustling, and alive,
as if the sun itself was part of some great decision that day.
Elena's eyes opened, her heart filled with a strange unease.
She remembered the night forest, the shadows,
and the creature that the Seraph had wiped out.
"This wasn't a dream..." She said softly,"This is all real."
She got out of bed, went to the window, and looked out.
The entire palace was in motion. Magical guards were coming and going,
golden symbols were forming in the air, and the sounds of great horns were coming from afar.
Suddenly, a resounding voice echoed throughout the palace:
"Listen, all residents! Today, the trial of the ancient forest begins.
The chosen one will face his destiny."
Elena's heart stopped beating. "The chosen one...
It's me." The door opened. Seraph entered,
his face serious, his eyes filled with concern.
"You have to prepare," he said, "Today is not an easy day."
Elena asked nervously: "Trial? Of what?
I haven't done anything!" Seraph took a deep breath.
"This world never gives reasons, it just tests."
A few hours later, Elena stood outside the palace.
In front of her was a huge gate—made of trees, carved with serpents and stars.
Standing beside the gate was Zareen.
Her smile was dangerously calm. "Human girl," she said,
"This forest only gives you one chance."
Elena didn't look up. "I'm ready."
The Seraph took a step forward. "I'll be with him—"
Zareen raised her hand. "No. This trial will be alone."
A glint appeared in the Seraph's eyes, but he remained silent.
As Elena stepped in, the door slammed shut.
The world inside was even more dangerous.
The trees bent, the ground seemed to breathe,
And there were whispers in the air:
"Human… human… human..." Elena held herself together.
"I didn't come to be afraid," she said "I came to know the truth."
The ground cracked. Scenes from her past appeared before her.
Loneliness, pain, people's infidelities.
"This is your real weakness," a shadow said
"You are alone." Elena's tears began to flow
but she closed her eyes and said:
"I am not alone. I am still standing."
The shadow screamed and disappeared.
Suddenly, a wounded magical creature appeared.
"Save me..." it groaned, But it will cost you your power."
Elena thought. If it gave up its power,
then the journey ahead would be impossible.
Still, she held out her hand.
"Life is more precious than power."
Light spread. The creature was healed.
Somewhere far, the Seraph sensed the sight
and his heart filled. Suddenly,
a terrifying scream rang out. A huge monster
came, breaking through the trees.
Elena stepped back, but this time
no sound, no announcement—
just a snakelike energy slithering through the air.
The monster sank into the ground.
Elena looked up in shock.
"This... what was this?"
Far away in the darkness,
the Seraph stood,
his face wet with sweat.
"I promised..."
he whispered
"Even if it means breaking the law."
Zarin recited an ancient spell in the heart of the forest.
"If that girl knows the secret,
then everything will end..."
The ground trembled.
A sign appeared beneath Elena's feet—the sign of a snake.
She was terrified.
"This sign... I've seen it somewhere before..."
Suddenly,
the gleam of the seraph's eyes
and its power flashed through her mind.
Her heart pounded.
"No... This is not possible..."
The forest door slowly opened.
Elena came out
but her gaze. Fell on her hand.
The same mark was still shining.
She raised her head—
The Seraph was standing in front of her.
Their eyes met. Elena asked in a trembling voice:
"Seraph... Why does this mark look like your power?"
The Seraph's face turned white. At that moment, lightning struck the sky.
"If you're enjoying this journey, please consider adding the story to your library. Your support truly means a lot 🤍"