Mira stepped back.
The man in the dark cloak stood still, hidden in the shadows. She couldn't see his face, but she felt his eyes on her. The glowing leaf in her hand warmed again, as if warning her.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice steady.
The man didn't move.
"I came to protect you," he said. "Your father sent me."
Mira's breath caught in her throat.
"My father is dead."
"I know," he said. "But he left something behind… not just the gift, but a message."
Mira held the glowing leaf tighter. Her long hair blew gently in the wind. The moonlight fell on her soft brown skin, and her deep eyes, wide with fear and courage. She didn't know it, but she looked like a dream — even now, standing barefoot in the forest.
She was beautiful.
But her beauty was not just in her face — it was in her heart, her strength, her silence.
"What message?" she asked.
The man finally stepped forward. His face was still partly hidden, but Mira saw a deep scar across his jaw.
"Your father knew this day would come. He told me to find you when the gift awakens," he said. "He said you must learn to use it… or it will destroy you."
Mira frowned. "Destroy me?"
The man nodded. "Your power comes from the wind — but it's old, and strong. It can heal… or it can burn."
Mira looked down at the mark on her palm. It no longer glowed, but it still felt alive.
"Why now?" she asked. "Why didn't anyone tell me before?"
"Because Gorn is not just a cruel man," the stranger said. "He was sent to your house for a reason. He's looking for the power you carry."
Mira's heart dropped. "You mean… my mother let him in?"
"She doesn't know what he is," he replied. "But now, he knows you are the one."
The forest went quiet again. Mira looked back at the glowing tree. The light was fading. The night was growing cold.
"What do I do now?" she whispered.
The man held out his hand. "Come with me. There is a place where you can learn — where your father trained before you."
Mira looked at him, then at the path behind her. It was dark. And the house she had left behind no longer felt like home.
She took a deep breath.
And she reached for his hand.
At that moment, the wind rose gently, lifting her hair like it was saying goodbye — or maybe… welcome.
Mira didn't know where the road would lead.
But she was ready to follow it.