Chapter 8
Chapter 8: Whispering Forest
The forest thickened again, trees bending overhead as if whispering secrets. Moss covered twisted roots, and luminescent flowers pulsed softly with the rhythm of Lyra's heartbeat.
"This forest has a mind of its own," Kaelen warned. "It tests travelers, revealing their fears."
Shadows curled along the paths, forming shapes of monstrous creatures. Lyra clutched her shard, feeling its warmth pulse. Slowly, almost instinctively, she lifted her hand. The shard glowed, illuminating a narrow path and warning of dangers ahead.
Suddenly, a creature of shadow and fire leapt from the trees. Its eyes blazed red, and smoke curled from its nostrils. Mira's flames erupted, meeting the shadow in a fiery clash, while Kaelen darted to flank it.
Lyra hesitated, fear prickling, then remembered the village. She wasn't powerless. She thrust her palms forward, sending a beam of white light through the air. The creature screeched, retreating into the mist, leaving scorched leaves and singed roots behind.
For the first time, she realized the shard responded to her will and courage.
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