Elsie’s POV

The morning started way too quiet. It was one of those still mornings that made you feel like something bad was about to happen. I was sitting outside, sharpening my dagger, when I heard footsteps..fast ones. Then Seraphina’s voice, yelling my name.

“Elsie! Madriod!” she screamed, her voice cracking like she’d been running forever.

I jumped up and rushed to the gate. She was there, out of breath, clutching her side. Her face was pale, and her eyes darted around like she was expecting something to jump out at her.

“Seraphina, what’s going on?” I asked, grabbing her shoulders to steady her. “Why are you shouting?”

She opened...