What the Shadows Tell

t her with more questions than answers, but it had also ignited a determination within her to uncover the fo

her greeted her with a warm s

he table. "I have something important to do t

know how dangerous that place can be. I've hear

d. "There's something in the forest that I ne

made up her mind. "Just promise me you'll be back before dark. And take y

the perfect contrast to her growing excitement. She walked briskly towards the forest, her thoughts consumed by the previous

e her, their whispers softer and more inviting. She made her way back to the clearing with the an

the tree and placed her hand on the bark, hoping to feel the same connection as before. To her disappoint

he murmured to herself, frust

l, translucent figure emerging from the shadows. It was a child, a young girl with

not wanting to frighten the

on thoughtful. "My name is Elara. I used to li

rn about the forest and the secrets it hold

! The forest is full of stories, and I can share the

eed without hesitatio

d with sadness. "We were separated a long time ago, and

rything I can to help you

a place deep in the forest where the veil between worlds is thin. If

ion renewed. "Lead the

he trees grew denser, their branches intertwining overhead to create a canopy that blocked out most of the light. Lila f

hick with a sense of ancient power, and Lila could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. In the cen

al that connects our world with the spirit realm. If w

ouched one of the carvings, feeling a warmth spread through her fingers. The shadows aro

ked, her voice a mix of e

breath and nodded

d Lila felt a strange sensation of weightlessness. When her vision cleared, she found herself standing in a pl

ned in this place. "This is the spirit realm," she sai

o come from the forest itself. As they walked, they encountered other spirits some curious, some wary, and others do

ouses were made of the same shimmering material as the Veil Arch, and spirits moved about

er voice trembling with emotion.

ith a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, but none offered any help. Lila was starting to lose hop

y home," sh

n and a man, their forms faint and flickering, sat by a fireplace that gave off

ped, rising to her fee

brace her. The two spirits collided, their f

y at the reunion. The man, Elara's fathe

us," he said, his voice filled with emotion

But I still have so many questions about the forest an

ts that protect it from harm. But there are also dark forces that seek to exploit its power. You m

"Remember, Lila, the forest chose you for a reason. Trust

ng about the spirit realm and the history of the forest. When i

yes shining with gratitude. "I'll ne

ad I could help. And thank you, Elara, for guiding me. I

est. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the ground. She fel

atching over her, whispering secrets that only she could understand. She knew there were m