Seraphina was intently scanning her surroundings, searching for prey, when a voice suddenly called her name from behind.
"SERA!"
A voice that tore through the silence like a blade through leaves.
She turned her head just in time to see a sharp arrow slicing through the air toward her. Her body reacted instantly, leaping off the horse to avoid it.
The arrow grazed her shoulder, tearing through the fabric of her cloak. She hit the ground hard, rolled across the rough forest floor, and came to a stop.
The pain hadn't even registered when rustling sounds burst from the surrounding bushes. Her eyes widened in horror as dozens of black-clad figures emerged and rushed at her.
Lucian arrived just in time. He leapt from his horse, drawing his sword and placing himself between Seraphina and the incoming attackers. Theobald was close behind, his eyes turning razor-sharp.
"They look just like the rats I caught in the capital." Theobald said warily.
