gh the trees above them. They had been coming here for weeks now, Aria teaching

he crystal's power, and their weekly trips to the woods had become a ritual. But today, something felt different. The trees seemed to loom over

at her with wide eyes. "What's wrong, Mother

ks on me." But she knew better. She had lived in these woods all her life and kn

e knew they were being watched, and she needed to get Elara to safety. She quickened their pace, her mind rac

were being watched. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see

it. A shadow, tall and imposing, standing just beyond the treeline.

o," Aria said,

onfused. "But Mother, I w

arms, her heart racing. "No

em, its presence growing stronger with every step. She knew then that th

, expecting the shadows to strike at any moment. She knew that she had to

not just a physical presence. They were also a metaphor for the darknes

t also about the power of courage and love. She showed her how t

n't shake off the feeling that they were being watched. At first, it was

Leaves rustled and whispered secrets to each other, making Elara glance aro

on, the whispers grew louder, more urgent. They seemed to come from all around them, y

Mother?" she asked,

. "It's just the wind, dear. Th

ords that only she could hear. Faintly, she made out phrases like "Turn b

wayed, as if something invisible was moving through the trees. Elara gasped

ere trying to warn them, but of what? She glanced arou

aves fell silent. The woods were quiet once mor

knew the woods held secrets, and she was determined to uncover them, no matter the cost. But she also kne

mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of his wife and daughter. He couldn't shak

didn't understand why she insisted on teaching Elara about the heritage, and he worried about the potential

frustration. He felt helpless, unable to protect his family from what he saw as a threat. The

Aria and Elara, wondering what they were doing at his absence, if they were safe. He felt a

rries. He rode his horse back to the cottage, his thoughts still lingering on his family