The forest was quiet, but not empty.
Mira moved between the tall trees, her feet bare on the cool ground. The light ahead floated slowly, waiting for her. It was soft and golden, like a star that had fallen from the sky.
As she got closer, the wind whispered again.
"Mira… you are ready."
She stopped. "Ready for what?" she asked, her voice shaking.
There was no answer — only the sound of leaves moving and the light dancing just beyond reach.
She kept walking.
The trees grew thicker. Shadows stretched like fingers. Still, she did not turn back. The cold bit her skin, but her heart felt warm — like something inside her was waking up.
Then, she saw it.
In the middle of a small clearing stood a tree unlike any other. Its trunk was silver. Its leaves glowed like moonlight. The light she had followed came from its branches.
She stepped into the clearing.
The wind grew still. Time seemed to pause.
Mira reached out and touched the tree.
In that moment, something rushed through her body — a wave of warmth, like sunlight, filled her chest. She gasped and fell to her knees. Her hands sparked with light, soft and golden, just like the one she had followed.
Images flashed in her mind.
Her father's face.
His voice:
"Mira, one day you'll understand. This gift runs in your blood."
Tears filled her eyes.
"This… was from you," she whispered.
The light in her hands faded, but a mark was left behind — a small symbol on her palm, shaped like a leaf.
She looked at it, breathing fast.
"What do I do now?"
The tree answered with a single falling leaf, glowing as it dropped into her hand. It was warm and pulsing with energy.
Behind her, the forest shifted.
She turned.
Standing at the edge of the trees was a figure in a dark cloak.
Mira stood slowly, her fingers wrapping around the glowing leaf.
The figure didn't move, but a deep voice spoke:
"She has awakened. We must move quickly before he finds her."
Mira's heart pounded.
He?
Who was coming for her?
She didn't know yet.
But one thing was clear.
Her life would never be the same again.