Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMPBDCVBGJFCT9Q4ZJ37RJ6

The crunch of gravel beneath Rory's boots was the only sound that broke the stillness of the night as she made her way through Richmond Park. The darkness seemed to swallow her whole, the only light coming from the faint moon overhead and the soft glow of her phone's screen, which she'd set to a dim red hue to preserve her night vision. According to her research, the Fae Grove was hidden somewhere within the park's boundaries, and she'd finally pinpointed its location after weeks of searching. Rory's eyes scanned the surroundings, the ancient oak standing stones that marked the boundary of the grove supposedly hidden just beyond the next copse of trees. She quickened her pace, a shiver running down her spine as the trees seemed to close in around her. Her hand instinctively rose to the Heartstone Pendant, the silver chain feeling cool against her skin, the deep crimson gemstone pulsing with a faint warmth. It had been behaving strangely all day, its gentle hum growing more insistent as the hours passed. As she pushed through the trees, the air seemed to thicken, like a palpable fog was rolling in. Rory's skin prickled, her bright blue eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. The trees loomed above her, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. She'd always loved the atmosphere of Richmond Park at night, but now it felt oppressive, as if the very forest was watching her. The sound of running water caught her attention, and Rory followed its gentle burble, her feet leading her toward a clearing. The trees parted, revealing a secluded glade, the wildflowers that bloomed year-round swaying gently in the breeze. The air was heavy with the scent of honeysuckle and something else, something sweetly decaying. Rory's nose wrinkled in distaste. In the center of the clearing stood a massive stone, its surface etched with ancient symbols that glowed with a faint, ethereal light. The Heartstone Pendant pulsed more rapidly now, as if it sensed something. Rory's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the implications. This was it – the Fae Grove. She'd finally found it. As she approached the stone, the sounds of the forest grew louder, the rustling of leaves, the snapping of twigs, and the distant hooting of an owl. But beneath it all, Rory detected a low, steady hum, like the quiet buzzing of a bee. It was a sound that didn't belong, a sound that made her skin crawl. She circled the stone, her eyes scanning the surrounding trees, but there was nothing. No sign of movement, no sign of life. The hum grew louder, more insistent, and Rory felt a creeping sense of unease. She'd been so focused on finding the grove that she'd never stopped to consider what might be waiting for her here. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves and sending the wildflowers swaying violently. The hum stopped, and an oppressive silence fell over the clearing. Rory's heart thudded in her chest as she realized she was not alone. She spun around, but there was nothing to see. "Aurora Carter," a low, raspy voice whispered, the sound seeming to come from all around her. Rory's eyes snapped toward the stone, her hand instinctively rising to the pendant. "Who's there?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady. The voice didn't respond, but the hum began again, this time louder, more menacing. The air seemed to vibrate with it, making Rory's teeth ache. She took a step back, her eyes darting toward the trees, but there was still nothing to see. Suddenly, the wind died, and the hum ceased. The silence was absolute, a heavy, suffocating blanket that pressed down on Rory. She felt like she was being watched, like unseen eyes were boring into her skin. The moon overhead seemed to dip, casting the clearing in an even darker shadow. Rory's heart was racing now, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. She knew she had to get out of there, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot. And then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw it. A movement, a flicker of something at the edge of her vision. Rory spun around, but there was nothing. The movement came again, this time closer, and she caught a glimpse of something pale, something that didn't belong in this world. The Heartstone Pendant pulsed wildly now, its warmth spreading through her chest. Rory knew she had to get out of the grove, to escape whatever horror was lurking just out of sight. She turned to run, but her feet seemed heavy, unresponsive. The pale thing moved again, closer this time, and Rory caught a glimpse of eyes, eyes that glowed with an otherworldly light. She tried to scream, but her voice was frozen in her throat. The darkness closed in around her, a suffocating, crushing weight that pressed down on her chest. Rory's vision began to blur, the last thing she saw the glowing eyes, watching her, waiting for her.