Chapter Four: The Girl in the Water
Amanda's breath caught as she stared at the shimmering pool. The girl in the water was smiling at her, waiting. The forest seemed to lean closer, every branch and leaf holding its breath.
Amanda knelt down, her fingers hovering above the surface. The water felt alive, humming softly against her skin.
"If I touch it," Amanda whispered, "what will happen?"
The girl's golden eyes sparkled. "You will see what has been hidden. You will step where few dare to go."
Amanda's heart pounded. Part of her wanted to run back through the door, back to the safety of Grandma May's warm kitchen. But another part—the braver part—ached to know the truth.
She reached out.
The moment her fingertips touched the pool, the surface rippled like glass breaking. Light shot upward, wrapping around Amanda in a golden swirl. She gasped as the reflection rose out of the water, forming into the girl with braids, standing right before her.
The girl's smile was gentle but mysterious. "You brought me through."
Amanda stepped back. "But… who are you?"
The girl's eyes softened. "My name is Elira. I am part of this place, and now, part of you."
Before Amanda could ask what that meant, a sharp crack echoed through the forest. The butterflies scattered. The ground trembled beneath her feet.
Elira's smile faded. "We don't have much time. The forest has awakened more than just me."
Amanda's chest tightened. "What do you mean?"
From the shadows between the trees came a low growl—deep and ancient. The glow of the flowers dimmed, as if hiding from whatever approached.
Elira grabbed Amanda's hand. Her touch was warm, steady. "If you want to go back to your world safely, you must trust me."