The forest was quiet after the battle. The hunters' campfire had burned out, leaving only smoke curling into the dawn sky. Seraphina stood with Dorian close beside her, the necklace warm against her chest.
Luna twirled her sword, grinning. "Well, that was fun! Now what? We should travel together! Four is better than two — and besides, we're all kind of weird. We'd make a great team."
Adrian smirked faintly, his crimson eyes steady on Seraphina. "The world is cruel to those like us. We survive best when we stand together. You know this."
For a long time, Seraphina said nothing. Her serpents shifted uneasily, mirroring her heart. She looked at Luna's eager smile, at Adrian's calm confidence… then down at Dorian, who held her hand quietly, waiting.
Finally, she shook her head. "No. I can't."
Luna blinked. "Can't? Why not?"
"I've been hunted all my life," Seraphina said softly. "If I walk beside you, I'll only drag you into my curse. You saved us, and I'm grateful. But I have to find my own path… one step at a time."
Dorian squeezed her hand gently. "We'll walk it together. That's enough for us."
Luna's smile faltered, but she nodded slowly. "If that's what you want… then okay. Just promise we'll meet again. I like you."
Adrian inclined his head. "Fate crosses paths more than once. When the time comes, we will see you again."
Seraphina bowed her head in thanks. "Until then."
And so, as the sun rose over the trees, the two pairs parted — Seraphina and Dorian walking one way, Luna and Adrian vanishing into the mist the other.
Their stories were not over. Only separated.