The wind blew through the trees, and Serenya stood on the edge of the coven's compound, her cloak swirling around her. Her heart thudded in her chest as she took in the quiet of the night. The moon was high in the sky, casting a cold light over everything. Her journey was about to begin, and she couldn't shake the feeling that her world was changing forever.
Behind her, the heavy wooden door creaked open, and the familiar voice of her *aunt*, the head of the coven, pierced the silence.
"You leave today," the voice was cold, like the steel of a blade. "Are you prepared?"
Serenya stood still, not turning around. "I'm ready."
Her aunt stepped forward, her eyes sharp and calculating. The older witch studied her niece for a long moment, eyes narrowing. "Good. Remember, you are going there to *seduce him* and steal his power. Nothing more. He is a tool for the coven, nothing more."
Serenya felt the sting of her aunt's words, but she said nothing. Her aunt had always been like this—distant, calculating, and always looking at Serenya as a mere means to an end. She wasn't here to guide her, but to use her. It was the cold reality that Serenya had long accepted.
Her aunt's eyes flashed with a cold intensity. "Don't fail me. Remember, the *power* is what matters, not him."
"I understand," Serenya replied softly, though a twinge of unease spread through her chest. *But what if she couldn't follow through? What if the Prince's power was too strong?*
Before she could continue her thoughts, a soft voice reached her ear. "Serenya."
Turning, Serenya saw *Alaric*, the wizard she had known since childhood, standing nearby. His dark eyes held concern, but also something more, something she couldn't quite name.
"You're leaving?" His voice was soft, almost hesitant, like he didn't want to say the words.
Serenya nodded, her heart heavy. "I don't have a choice."
Alaric took a few steps closer, his hands trembling slightly as he reached into his robe. Serenya's breath caught as he held out a small, silver *pendant*. The charm was simple, a crescent moon with an emerald stone at its center. It was delicate, a symbol of something more than just magic.
"I made this for you," Alaric said quietly. "For protection. I know you're strong, but… I just want you to be safe."
Serenya hesitated, looking at the pendant in his hand. It was a small gesture, but it held so much meaning. She knew it was more than just a gift—it was his way of showing how much he cared.
She took it, her fingers brushing his. "Thank you, Alaric," she whispered, a soft smile tugging at her lips, but it quickly faded as she turned to face the road ahead.
"I'll be fine," she added, though deep down, she wasn't so sure.
Alaric lingered for a moment, his eyes full of unspoken feelings. He wanted to say more, but instead, he nodded quietly. "Just be careful," he said, before stepping back into the shadows.
Just as Serenya began to turn away, a familiar voice called out.
"*Serenya!*"
It was *Selene*, Alaric's twin sister. Her face was always brighter, softer compared to her brother's intensity, and it always made Serenya feel both comforted and unsettled. Selene had always been the more compassionate of the twins, always caring for Serenya in her own quiet way.
Selene stepped forward, a small but significant *ring* in her hand. The ring was made of delicate silver, with a gemstone at the center that shimmered like starlight. The way the ring caught the light made it appear almost otherworldly.
"Take this," Selene said, her voice gentle. "It's enchanted. A *protection ring*. It will help you stay clear of any temptation, especially from him."
Serenya took the ring, her fingers brushing against Selene's as she accepted it. The ring was warm against her skin, as if it was alive with a power of its own. She could feel the energy swirling within it.
"Thank you, Selene," Serenya said, her voice filled with gratitude. She could feel the weight of the ring in her hand, and for a moment, it felt like a promise—a reminder that there was still hope, even if her path was dark and uncertain.
Selene smiled softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "Just remember, not everything is as it seems. You may be sent to steal his power, but… don't forget yourself in the process."
Serenya nodded, unsure how to respond. She hadn't been the type to let emotions get in the way of a task, but her twin gifts, from both *Alaric* and *Selene*, had left an unexpected warmth in her heart. She knew it wasn't just about the gifts—they represented the connections she was leaving behind, the people who cared about her.
But she couldn't let that stop her. The mission was clear.
She would get to the palace. She would seduce the prince. And she would steal his power.
Her aunt had made it clear. There was no room for failure.
As Serenya walked toward the waiting carriage, she felt a sudden weight in her hands. The *dagger*, the tool of her power-stealing task, was now tattooed on her waist—an invisible mark. But she didn't need to see it. She could call it out with a thought, feeling the dagger materialize in her palm, cold and sharp, as though it had always been there. A secret weapon, always within her reach.
The *moonlight* cast long shadows across the ground as she climbed into the carriage, the door shutting softly behind her. As the horses began to pull the carriage toward the distant palace, Serenya felt the weight of the world upon her shoulders.
*Her mission had begun.*