SERENA'S POV

I and Kai walked down the hills together, my eyes searching around for nothing because I was a stranger to the woods. I looked around, sensing each environment that we stepped into. The woods were a perfect place if you knew around. Kai, who took me, was unsure of where he was good until we came to a spot and stopped. “I always used a flower to mark the road to Rasha's Temple,” he muttered, his voice low and almost a whisper. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“I am unsure of where we are right now because the flower I always used to get on the road to Rasha's Temple is gone. I can't find my way here,” he said. I was in a mix of feelings, unsure of what next reply or questions to ask. “Okay, what do we do now that we are lost here?” I asked.

“We would just have to keep moving forward. I think we will get to her temple,” he said. I looked at him in surprise. What was he even saying? “Are you the one talking right now, or is there anything inside you who is doing the talking?” I asked.

“What do you mean?” Kai asked.

“Because right now you are making no sense. You were the one who just told me that you'd lost your way to her. I mean, Rasha, you called her. And now you want us to keep going, having the impression that you would find your way to her,” I said in a harsh voice. “If you have enough courage to face it, you will get it,” he said. “What was that supposed to mean?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “It means that we are already there and we have found whom we are looking for; turn around and see for yourself,” he said. First I thought it was a trick—how could someone we are looking for come out of nowhere and find us? I slowly turned around and truly saw a lady in armor with a double sword hanging on her back, and it was obvious that she was a fighter. “Hey Rasha,” Kai said as they both exchanged pleasantries. “It's been a while now; how have you been keeping up?” Rasha said.

“You should already know that staying in the woods has to come with plenty of challenges, and we have to face them alone,” Kai replied. “But it's obvious to me that you are not alone right now. So tell me who she is.” Rasha asked.

“Well you still have a lot to learn about her but here isn't a better place because a rogue could be after her and I have to protect her. That's even the main reason for coming here. We need you to train her,” Kai said. I stood before Rasha, my trainer, in the rogue sanctuary, my determination burning brighter than ever. I had to be better, stronger, and faster. Furthermore, I had to win the Luna Trials and reclaim my place beside Draven. Rasha's eyes narrowed as she assessed me, her expression unreadable. “You're a quick learner, Serena,” she said, “but you have a long way to go.” I nodded; my focus sharpened.

“So tell me your story about your Luna world; you came here because you wanted to be strong to face your challenges as the Luna because some rivals of yours kicked you out because you are powerless.” Rasha asked.

“Yes,” I said, nodding my head in agreement.

“But the greatest thing you have to achieve with your stay here with me is to use your mind to control your feelings. You don't have to be just focused on surviving alone; you should be focused on getting what it takes to survive,” Rasha said.

“I didn't know what it takes to get what I need to survive because I want to survive and take back my place as Luna,” I said, my voice shivering.

“Like I said before, you still have a long way to go. I am only here to tell you what to do. You are the one teaching yourself. I want you to relax and remember what happened the night before you were kicked out as well,” Rasha said.

I stayed calm and closed my eyes, sensing the air coming through the windows. I had to focus on my mind, as she said I should do. I took turns getting myself free, and I started meditating on what happened the night of the accident. A few seconds after I couldn't get anything from it, I had to release myself immediately.

“You still have a long way to go in training yourself, okay, but it's a matter of time until you get what you want to achieve. I just hope you get to understand what you would face when you understand who you are,” Rasha said. “Your words are a bit confusing to me right now. I can't even understand you right now,” I said.

“Which is why I keep telling you. You don't have to understand me; you have to understand yourself because you become that which you want is left within you, so get yourself ready and don't look around for help,” Rasha said.

“I would just have to take it as a lesson for today; I just hope I get to learn this as fast as possible,” I said.

“You are the one to decide, but you should know that patience is the key to success,” Rasha said.

For weeks, I trained with Rasha, honing my combat skills, my agility, and my strength. She pushed me to my limits, testing my endurance and my will. I was a wolf on a mission, driven by my love for Lyra and my determination to reclaim my rightful place. With each passing day, I grew stronger and more confident. I was ready for the challenges ahead, ready to face whatever the Luna Trials threw my way. Rasha's approval was all I needed to know I was on the right path.