Chapter 32: Shattered Alliances

The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of pine and earth, but there was something unsettling about the way the wind whispered through the trees. It was as if the forest itself was warning me of the storm to come.

My gut churned with unease, the sense of impending doom that had been gnawing at me since last night’s encounter with the mysterious figure refusing to fade.

The peace we had fought so hard to achieve was fragile, and deep down, I knew it was about to shatter.

“Sera!” Lysa’s voice broke through my thoughts as she approached me, her brow furrowed with concern. “You’re up early. Couldn’t sleep?”

I shook my head, my arms crossed tightly over my chest. “Something’s not right, Lysa. I can feel it.”

She looked around, as if expecting the source of my unease to reveal itself, but everything seemed quiet—too quiet. “What do you mean?”

“There’s a tension in the air,” I replied, my voice low. “Something’s coming, and I don’t think we’re ready for it.”

Lysa bit her lip,