Early the next morning, Elara, Lila, and Kiro set out from the palace gates. The sky was soft pink with the rising sun, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers and fresh earth.
Elara carried her new sword from Bram, the blacksmith. It gleamed in the sunlight like a small sun. Her bag was full of Mina's fruits, Tomas's bread, and a warm cloak.
Lila walked beside her, holding a small wooden staff. "Are you scared, Princess?" she asked quietly.
Elara shook her head. "A little. But I am more hopeful. We must save our home."
Kiro led the way. His glowing eyes lit the path as they stepped into the forest. The trees here were tall and thick, their leaves whispering softly in the wind.
"This is the Whispering Woods," Kiro explained. "The shadow grows here strongest. We must be very careful."
As they walked, strange sounds echoed, twigs snapping, low growls, and the soft rustle of wings. Elara held her sword tightly, ready but calm.
Suddenly, a large black wolf stepped out from behind a tree. Its eyes shone red in the dim light. It growled deeply, showing sharp teeth.
Lila stepped back, frightened. "Princess, what will you do?"
Elara took a deep breath. "Stay calm," she said gently. She stepped forward slowly, holding her hand out.
The wolf growled again but did not attack. Kiro whispered something softly, and the wolf's eyes changed from red to a calm yellow.
Elara spoke softly, "We are not your enemies. We want to help the forest."
The wolf lowered its head and then turned, running back into the trees. Kiro smiled. "The shadow controls many creatures here. But kindness can break the spell."
Deeper into the forest, they found broken branches and wilted flowers. Birds no longer sang. The air felt heavy and sad.
At a small clearing, they rested. Elara shared the bread and fruit with Lila and Kiro.
"We must find the source of the shadow," Elara said. "Only then can we stop it."
Suddenly, a soft voice called from the trees. "Who comes to the heart of the forest?"
Out stepped a young woman with hair like silver moonlight and eyes that sparkled like stars. She wore a cloak of green leaves.
"I am Sylva, guardian of the Whispering Woods," she said. "Why do you enter with sword and light?"
Elara bowed respectfully. "I am Princess Elara of Silverwood. Our forest is sick, and the shadow grows. We want to help."
Sylva looked at the dark trees. "The shadow is powerful. It feeds on fear and sadness. You must have great courage."
Elara stood tall. "I do not want to fight alone. Will you join us?"
Sylva smiled softly. "Yes. Together, we have hope."
With a new friend and protector by their side, Elara felt stronger than ever.