CHAPTER 72: STAY

SERAPHINA’S POV

I have no recollection of how I got here, but suddenly I'm in the woods again, stranded in the middle of nowhere surrounded by towering trees.

The howling wind rustles the leaves, shaking the branches, and the moon shines brighter than I've ever seen, appearing twice its usual size.

Before I can ponder my whereabouts, I hear whispering in the shadows. It's almost inaudible, but my curiosity leads me closer, making the voice clearer.

"Sera," it says, yet I can't pinpoint its origin.

"Who are you?" I ask cautiously, hoping for some sort of clarification, but it only gets worse.

The whispers multiply, turning into a cacophony that feels like a thousand needles piercing through my mind excruciatingly—each strangled utterance resembling cries for help.

'Save me, please.'

'Help me.'

'Sera!'

I cover my ears to shield them from the sound, but it intensifies.

"What do you want from me?" I shout at the gathering voices that taunt me.

"Stop it!" I scream louder, u