Seraphine's POV
The crushing despair that had consumed me just days before had lifted completely. Now my world felt bathed in golden light, every moment pulsing with possibility.
Energy coursed through my veins like electricity. I moved with renewed purpose, my steps lighter than they had been in weeks. Theodore had been hovering closer lately, his presence both protective and expectant. We were both dancing around something inevitable, and the anticipation was intoxicating.
He monitored everything I ate with the intensity of a hawk watching prey. Aleena had begun serving me strange-smelling herbal concoctions that made my nose wrinkle in protest.
"It will strengthen you," she explained with a knowing wink when I questioned the bitter liquid the following morning.
My eyebrows drew together in confusion, but she only chuckled. "Trust me, Luna Seraphine. Just drink."
