POV: Aria MonroeShe woke to warmth.The forest floor beneath her was soft, almost velvet-like. The air smelled of pine and something sweeter—like wildflowers blooming in moonlight. Luna lay curled beside her, still asleep, her tiny fingers wrapped around Aria’s wrist.The tree loomed above them, its bark still glowing faintly. The runes shimmered, shifting in rhythm with Aria’s breath. She sat up slowly, her body aching but her mind clear.This wasn’t a dream.She looked around. The clearing was quiet, but not empty. The trees leaned inward, protective. The mist had lifted, revealing a path lined with stones etched in the same glowing script. Aria didn’t recognize the language, but it felt familiar—like something she’d known in another life.Luna stirred. “Mommy?”“I’m here,” Aria whispered, brushing a leaf from her daughter’s hair.“Is this the castle?”Aria smiled faintly. “Something like that.”They followed the path, each step syncing with the hum in the air. The forest didn’t fee
Last Updated : 2025-09-30 Read more