The next day, I told my father about my dream. He was alarmed, and he warned me to be careful. 'You must

for his next trip, and then I snuck out of the house and made my way to the woods. It was a dark and misty night, and the trees loomed over me like giants

for you,' it said. 'You are ready to face your challenge.' I didn't kn

lright," Daniel said. "I'll tell you the end of the story, but first I need to ask you a question." The girl nodded, eager to hear what he had t

The boy, whom we shall call Daniel, faced his challenge and emerged victorious. He had faced his fears, and he had come out stronger on the other side. And the wolf, whom we shall cal

housand years. She looked at the rose on her nightstand and noticed somet

eard a knock at the door. "Mary, are you awake?" a voice called. It was Daniel, and he

l. His eyes were glowing, and his teeth were sharp and pointed.

nting in the light. "I have a secr

tated, but something about Daniel's smile

e," she stammered. "I've never heard of such a thing." Daniel smiled again, his eyes full of understanding. "It's true, though. I know it's hard to believe, but

that you know the truth about me now." Mary took a deep breath and looked into Daniel's eyes. "I believe you," she said. "I'm not sure how,

s waning, my power fades. The rose reflects that cycle. That's why it wilted overnight." Mary's mind was spinning as she tried to make sense of everything she had just he

o," Daniel said. "But only if you want me to. It's a gift that I can give you if you choose to accept it." Mary was stunned. She had never considered such a po

course," Daniel said. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here when you're ready." And with that, he turned and left. Mary stood there, s