STORMHAVEN CITY
The city was still quite noisy as Eden, Zara's uncle, led a cloaked man hurriedly through the narrow stone alleyway.
After some time, they reached a small hut that sat alone on the edge of the forest. Eden's hand trembled slightly as he knocked, his knuckles soft against the wood. "Zara, child… I am back," he murmured, forcing steadiness into his voice. He didn't wait long—his hand closed around the handle, and he pushed the door open.
When Eden stepped inside, the room was already smothered in shadow, lit only by the lonely torch burning against the left wall. Its glow cast long, shivering shapes across the stone. On the bed lay someone—no, something—still and waiting.