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The last remnants of the evening's essence painted the sky in hues of lavender, casting a tranquil glow over everything. Serene, immersed in her own enchantment, decided to seek out Hazel before delving into the next round of spells. The anticipation of Zain's impending arrival spurred her urgency; she needed to ensure she and Hazel were adequately shielded.

As she ascended the stairs, a sense of unease settled within her. The house felt strangely quiet, and a hint of anxiety coiled in her chest. "Hazel?" she called out, descending quickly. Serene made her way to the kitchen, hoping to find Hazel engrossed in some task. The dim light revealed no sign of her. Panic gripped Serene's heart, and her footsteps quickened as she raced towards the garden, searching desperately for any trace of her.

The soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of crickets filled the air, but Hazel remained elusive. "Hazel!" Serene's voice quivered with worry, a knot tightening in her stomach. Her frantic gaze