The forest was still, too still.
Elara felt it in her bones—the quiet tension that came before something unexpected. She had been on her way to the village, trying to clear her mind, when the rustling started behind her.
She spun quickly, her hand glowing with soft magic. "Show yourself."
A boy stepped out from the trees, blinking in surprise. His dark hair was tousled, his clothes slightly torn as if he'd wandered far from wherever he belonged. He raised both hands quickly. "Hey—calm down. I'm not here to cause trouble."
Her eyes narrowed immediately. Something about him felt wrong. Not dangerous, exactly—just… unfamiliar. Out of place. His energy didn't belong in these woods, and she knew every pulse of magic around here.
"You're human," she said coldly. "And lost."
He gave a small shrug. "Technically, yes. I took a wrong turn."
She didn't move. "And what were you looking for in the north woods? No one comes here without a reason."
He paused. "I don't know. I just… felt drawn."
The way he said it made something twist in her chest. Familiar words. A familiar kind of lie.
She stepped back, not bothering to hide the edge in her voice. "Whatever you're looking for, you won't find it here."
"Wait, I didn't catch your name—"
"I didn't offer it."
Rafe blinked at her, taken aback. He had no idea what he'd done to earn that glare—but Elara already felt uneasy. There was something behind his eyes. Something quiet. Something hidden.
And her magic whispered a warning:
This boy's past is tied to yours.
You just don't know how yet.