FADE IN:
EXT. DARK FOREST — NIGHT — YEARS AGO
The forest is alive with whispers. A storm howls through twisted branches. In the middle of the chaos, a WOMAN runs — cloak torn, boots splashing through mud. In her arms, a small CHILD with tangled black hair.
She stumbles, breathing hard. The child stirs but doesn't cry.
WOMAN
(urgent whisper)
Stay quiet, my little star.
A loud CRACK — something moving fast through the trees. The woman looks over her shoulder, terror in her eyes. She reaches a mossy stone circle, sets the child down gently.
The child's wrist glows faintly — a black mark shifting like liquid ink under the skin.
WOMAN
(firm, voice trembling)
You are more than they know. Live.
She pulls a silver chain from around her neck and slips it into the child's palm.
A SHADOW moves behind her. She turns — a FLASH of steel. The screen goes BLACK with the sound of her scream.
---
EXT. FOREST EDGE — DAWN
The storm has passed. A poor village woman, MARA (mid-40s, weathered but kind), walks with a woven basket. She hears a faint whimper.
She pushes through the brush and finds the little girl — pale, barefoot, clutching the silver chain. No one else in sight.
MARA
Oh, heavens…
She kneels, brushing hair from the child's face.
MARA
Who left you here, little one?
The child blinks awake, confused, but says nothing.
MARA
Alright then… you're coming home with me.
She lifts the girl, and together they walk toward the village as sunlight cuts through the mist.
FADE OUT.
---
TEXT ON SCREEN: Twelve years later…
---
EXT. VILLAGE MARKET — DAY
A young woman, LYRA (19, striking green eyes, long black hair), moves through the bustling market carrying a basket. She's graceful but carries herself with quiet caution. The black mark on her wrist is hidden by a leather bracelet.
Vendors shout, children run past, goats bleat.
VENDOR
Morning, Lyra!
LYRA
(smiling)
Morning, Herrick.
She pays for apples, slipping coins into the vendor's hand.
---
INT. MARA'S COTTAGE — LATER
The cottage is small but warm. Mara kneads bread at the table while Lyra sorts herbs.
MARA
You've been quiet today.
LYRA
Just tired.
MARA
(knowingly)
It's the dreams again, isn't it?
Lyra pauses, then nods.
LYRA
They're getting stronger. I hear… a woman's voice. And there's this circle of stones—
MARA
(quickly, almost sharply)
Stay away from that forest, Lyra.
LYRA
I wasn't planning to go in.
Mara softens, placing a hand over hers.
MARA
I only want you safe.
---
EXT. RIVERBANK — NIGHT
Lyra walks alone, moonlight on the water. The air feels charged. She kneels to fill a bucket, when suddenly — a splash.
A figure thrashes in the current — a MAN, struggling to keep his head above water.
Without hesitation, Lyra drops the bucket and dives in. The cold is shocking, but she pushes through, grabbing him and dragging him toward shore.
They collapse on the grass. Lyra coughs, dripping wet, and looks at him — ROWAN (mid-20s, golden eyes that seem to glow faintly in the moonlight).
LYRA
(catching breath)
Are you alright?
Rowan looks at her wrist — the bracelet has slipped, revealing the black shifting mark. His eyes widen.
ROWAN
(softly, almost to himself)
I found you…
Lyra frowns.
LYRA
What?
ROWAN
You're in danger.
FADE OUT.