The clash of steel and roar of magic filled the shadowed forest clearing as Seraphina and her allies battled fiercely against Evelyne's soldiers. The Divine Beast, towering and formidable, swiped its massive tail, scattering enemy ranks with devastating force. Sparks flew as Kaelen's dark-light blade met the enemy commander's steel, their duel a blur of precision and power.
Seraphina moved with practiced grace, white light radiating from her palms as she cast protective shields and blasts of energy. Yet, amid the frenzy, a chilling realization pierced her heart — someone close had betrayed her.
A sharp whistle cut through the chaos, and from behind, a piercing arrow struck Lucien's shoulder. He faltered, pain flashing across his usually stoic face, and collapsed to the ground. Seraphina's blood ran cold.
"Traitor!" she gasped, eyes darting to the source.
Emerging from the shadows was one of her own guards, a man she had trusted since childhood — Sir Roderic. His cold gaze betrayed no remorse as he raised his bow again.
Kaelen's eyes blazed. "You will pay for this."
But before he could react, Roderic vanished into the trees, melting away like a ghost. The betrayal cut deeper than any wound. Seraphina knelt beside Lucien, urgency fueling her magic as she sealed the arrow wound.
"This isn't over," she whispered, gritting her teeth. "If Evelyne's reach is this deep… the true war has only just begun."
The Divine Beast let out a mournful roar, sensing the disturbance, and the night air grew thick with tension.
Seraphina looked up, determination blazing brighter than ever in her eyes.
"I will uncover the traitors. I will protect this kingdom — no matter the cost."
The battle had revealed cracks in her fortress, but also forged an unbreakable resolve.
The path ahead was dangerous, but Seraphina was ready to walk it — through fire, shadow, and storm.
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