Page 194 of Daughter of the Serpent

All knew the danger they were about to face.

The sea beyond yawned wide and infinite. Revered and feared in equal measure, she was no gentle mother. She was wild. She was merciless. She was fate. And fate did not bend.

This was the way of her people. To face the unknown with blade and bone and heart. Warriors. Sailors. Raiders. Dreamers. The sea made them, tested them, claimed them.

And now it would beherturn to brave that untamed embrace.

Her pulse quickened. Her palms turned slick with sweat.

As she passed the gathered villagers, she could feel their stares like hot brands on her skin - curious, judgmental, afraid. What would they whisper now? What stories had Rederick spun in the dark corners of their homes, poisoning them against her?

It didn’t matter. She let them talk.

She was about to do the impossible.

She scanned the ships, trying to etch every detail into memory - the curve of the hulls, the salt - glazed ropes coiled like serpents, the mingled scent of brine, pine, and smoke. If this was the last thing she ever saw, let it be this.

Let it be this moment - the one where she stepped into her fate.

A voice rose above the wind, familiar.

"Sylvie."

She turned, her heart lurching. The shore was a flurry of movement - farewells, prayers, provisions - but one figure stood still among the noise.

Godvick.

He stepped forward, his weathered face softening. His presence, like the first fire after a long winter, wrapped her in wordless comfort. His fingers found her arm with a certain gentleness.

"I’ve been looking for you," he said, his voice low. "You never came back."

She stepped into his arms, sinking into the familiarity of him. A strange warmth curled through her, a reprieve from the ache she’d been carrying. Her heart felt lighter - even if only for a breath.

“I’m sorry, Godvick,” she said against his chest. “I needed to be alone.”

He pulled back slightly to look into her face, concern etched in his features, as his eyes searched hers.

"How do you feel?"

She let out a weary breath.

"Like I’m standing in two worlds. One that made me, and one that might unmake me." she admitted. “I thought this moment would be different somehow - but now that it’s here I don’t know how to feel.”

Godvick nodded, the corners of his eyes creased with understanding. "That’s how we all feel in such moments. You stand at the edge of something that will change your fate forever. It’s only normal to hesitate, to fear. You are human.” He told her. “But today marks your passage. From daughter of light to warrior of Mardova. Feel your fear, but do not deny yourself the pride. This is a moment to celebrate."

A faint smile tugged at her lips, weary but real.

“Have you seen Haldor?”

Godvick's face sobered. “He never returned last night.”

She glanced to the horizon, a muscle tightening in her jaw. “I don’t know where we stand anymore.”

Godvick took her hand, his grip warm and sure. “He’ll be there when it matters most. But speak to him, before the trials begin. It is best not to leave anything unsaid.”

She nodded, swallowing hard. “I should help prepare. The ships will be leaving soon.”

“Not without this first.”