The evening air had cooled, but Mira's chest felt tight with restless excitement.
She watched Yurim pack her small bag, guilt and hope twisting together.
If she goes home tonight, Mira thought, everything goes back to normal.
"Yurim," she said softly.
"Come with me for a moment."
Yurim looked up.
"There's a faster path to the portal," Mira continued.
"If you leave tonight, you won't have to face the city monsters tomorrow."
"Tonight?" Yurim frowned.
"But Rian said—"
"Rian worries too much," Mira smiled gently.
"The Tree already accepted you. It spoke to you, didn't it?"
Yurim hesitated.
"That means it won't hurt you," Mira added.
"One short walk… and you'll wake up in your own bed."
Why is she rushing me? Yurim wondered.
"I can't leave without saying goodbye," she said, placing a hand on Mira's shoulder.
"We'll talk later."
---
The sun dipped behind the mountains, painting the porch in gold.
"Mira, Yurim!" Grandfather called.
"Before dark, gather some moon-blossoms. Rian and I need to get the transport back from the shop."
Rian glanced at Yurim and gave a tired nod.
"Don't wander far," he warned.
"We won't!" Mira replied quickly, already pulling Yurim along.
---
Once they were out of sight, Mira's steps slowed.
"They'll be busy for a while," she said, lifting two shawls.
"Let's go to the ridge. The valley glows before the moon rises."
"Rian said to stay inside," Yurim murmured.
Mira laughed softly.
"He's just being cautious. We won't go far."
She pointed ahead. "That side of the village glows beautifully as the sun sets. It's peaceful… you'll like it."
Yurim stiffened. "But that way…" she whispered. "It's close to the soul-sucking tree."
Mira met her gaze, eyes gentle. "You said the Tree spoke to you calmly, didn't you? That means it won't hurt you."
She hesitated, then added softly, "I've never been there. Not since I was a child. Won't you trust me, Yurim?"
Yurim forced a small smile.
She feels like the friend who dies first in horror stories… and takes everyone else with her, Yurim thought, unease crawling up her spine.
"…Okay," she said at last. "But we'll come back before it gets dark."
Fear lingered in her eyes—far stronger than excitement.
They stepped off the porch together.
Forgive me, Yurim, Mira thought.
The Tree asked for something you cannot give.
This is the only way you can go back.
The sky deepened into bruised violet as Mira led the way, her heartbeat racing.
---
Mira and Yurim climbed higher until the valley opened before them.
The land below glowed faintly, washed in silver and gold as the last light of the sun faded.
Mira stopped, breathless, eyes shining.
"Look," she said softly. "Isn't it beautiful when the valley glows?"
Yurim stared.
Her chest tightened.
Her body began to tremble, an icy thought crawling through her mind.
If we die… will our bodies glow here too?
Her breath hitched.
"I—I think we should go back," Yurim whispered, panic rising. "Let's watch it next time."
Her hands shook as she reached for Mira's shoulder.
Mira turned. "No, next—"
Suddenly she froze.
"Oh! That's a hare!" Mira gasped, pointing excitedly toward the trees.
Yurim's eyes followed her finger.
"Y-Yes," she replied weakly. "A hare…"
But her gaze lingered on the forest—too dark, too quiet.
Then—
"Mira!"
Yurim screamed.
The hare darted forward.
Mira laughed and ran after it, her footsteps light and careless.
"Mira—wait!"
Yurim's blood turned cold.
Her legs froze where she stood.
"Mira!" she shouted again.
But Mira was already disappearing between the trees, swallowed by shadows.
"No…" Yurim whispered.
She tried to move—but fear chained her to the ground.
Her thoughts spiraled.
Why did I come here?
Why didn't I stop her?
I was so afraid… I didn't even follow.
Guilt crushed her chest.
Then—
"YURIM!!!"
A scream tore through the forest.
Yurim's eyes widened.
"Mira…" her voice broke.
Her legs trembled, fear screaming at her to stay—
"YURIM!!"
The cry came again. Louder. Desperate.
"No," Yurim whispered, tears spilling freely. "I won't leave you alone."
Fear shattered.
She ran.
Her feet pounded against the earth as she rushed into the forest, swallowed by darkness.