"Some shadows are more than just the absence of light—they watch, they move, and sometimes, they help you find your way."
The King of Versimoil Kingdom, Lord Vincenzo Thornburn, had come to the Sicilian Empire to inspect the town of Windborn and attend the Board's meeting regarding its mysterious catastrophe. On his way back to the kingdom, he decided to take a detour and stop by the forest.
Lying leisurely on the branch of one of the many tall trees, hands resting behind his head, he was enjoying the silence when he heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching from afar.
Turning his head toward the sound, his sharp blood-red eyes—well accustomed to the dark—spotted a figure walking through the forest.
He observed the girl carefully. She wore brown muddy boots, her eyes narrowed as if trying to see through the darkness. The wind blew strands of her damp hair across her face, hiding most of it until she tucked them behind her ear. Her right hand held an umbrella, and her soaked dress clung to her body, subtly outlining her curves. Looking visibly troubled, she stopped right beneath the tree where he rested and leaned against its trunk before closing her eyes.
Vincenzo shifted and sat upright on the branch. Just as she slowly opened her eyes and looked up, her gaze landed on him. Her eyes widened in horror before she abruptly jumped away from the tree.
Narrowing his eyes, Vincenzo leapt down and landed silently on the forest floor.
Seeing the moving shadow, Ann panicked. She raised her umbrella, ready to swing it in defense—but the shadow quickly caught hold of it.
Irritated, a deep voice cut through the silence."What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Ann froze, blinking in shock."It's a person!" she realized and quickly stammered,"I'm so sorry! I couldn't see clearly in the dark—I panicked!"
Receiving no reply, she continued nervously,"I was on my way home when I got lost in the forest... I've been trying to find my way back for the past two hours."
Pursing her lips, she looked down and softly asked,"Could you please help me find the path to the town?"
There was still no reply.
When she looked up again, the man had already started walking. With no other choice, she followed him.
To ease the awkward silence, Ann introduced herself,"I'm Anneliese Levine."She waited, hoping he might return the courtesy—but he didn't. His silence only deepened the mystery surrounding him.
Without turning, Vincenzo noticed her slight shiver as she folded her arms across her chest for warmth. His gaze flicked over her soaked dress, then to the umbrella still in her hand.
Just as she was about to speak again, his voice rumbled low and dry,"You do know the purpose of carrying an umbrella, don't you, Miss Levine?"
It took her a moment to grasp what he meant. Looking down at herself, she realized—despite the umbrella—she was completely drenched.
Embarrassed, she fumbled,"Ah... that... It slipped from my hand, and I got soaked while trying to catch it!"
Trying to shift the attention away from herself, Ann asked,"What were you doing in the woods in this weather?"
For a moment, it seemed like he wouldn't answer. Then came a single word,"Resting."
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Ann stared at him, utterly dumbfounded.
Before she could retort, he said bluntly,"Walk ten steps straight and turn left. You'll see the town."
She took a step forward and turned to thank him,"Thank—"But the words froze on her lips.
The shadow man had already vanished.
Exhaling a long breath, she began walking as instructed, quietly counting each step. When she turned left, she saw the flickering lights of the town in the distance. A wave of relief washed over her, and she whispered into the night,"Thank you... Mr. Shadow Man."
As she neared her home, she spotted her father rushing out of the house—just about to leave.
The moment he saw her, he hurried toward her, shrugging off his coat.
Wrapping it around her shoulders, he exclaimed,"Oh, Ann! Where were you? We were all so worried! I was just on my way to Mr. Herondale's place!"He paused, scanning her drenched clothes."What took you so long? And why are you soaking wet?"
Ann hugged her father tightly."I'll tell you everything, Papa... Just let me hug you for a while."
Holding her close, Edmond gently asked,"Are you alright, Ann?"
"Hmm," she hummed softly.
Once home, Ann recounted the events in the forest—but left out the part about the shadow man.
Later that evening, she had dinner in the drawing room, curled up in front of the fireplace. Exhausted, she went straight to bed and fell into a deep sleep the moment her head hit the pillow.