Run: 2026-02-17-01KHNFWXE5MFE5677CK01558SQ

The Heartstone pulsed faintly against Aurora’s chest as she stepped through the shimmering rift in Richmond Park. The distortion in the air tugged at her skin, warm and cold all at once, like stepping into a static-charged mist. Her breath caught in her throat as she emerged on the other side. The forest was alive in ways she couldn’t describe. The trees towered above her, their bark smooth and silver, leaves shimmering with an unearthly luminescence. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and honey, and the ground beneath her boots was soft, cushioned by moss that glowed faintly in the twilight. It was twilight, wasn’t it? Aurora glanced up and frowned. The sky was a muted lavender, streaked with streaks of gold, but there was no sun, no moon—just an ambient light that seemed to emanate from everything around her. “Isolde’s grove,” Nyx murmured behind her, their voice a whisper that seemed to blend with the rustling leaves. Aurora turned to see the shade solidifying into their humanoid form, their silhouette coalescing from the shadows. Their violet eyes glowed faintly, reflecting the eerie light of the grove. “Strange,” they added, their tone both curious and wary. “It’s been centuries since I’ve felt the touch of Faerie.” Aurora swallowed, her hand instinctively reaching for the Fae-Forged Blade at her hip. The hilt was cool to the touch, even through the leather of her glove. She glanced at Nyx. “You’ve been here before?” “Once,” they replied, their gaze sweeping the clearing. “It was… different then. More alive. More dangerous.” Before Aurora could ask what they meant, a soft voice called out from deeper in the grove. It was melodic, lilting, and carried an undercurrent of something ancient and untouchable. “Welcome, seekers.” They turned in unison to see Isolde approaching. The Half-Fae seer moved with an otherworldly grace, her bare feet leaving no imprint on the glowing moss. Her silver hair flowed like water, and her pale lavender eyes seemed to pierce through Aurora’s very soul. She wore a gown of woven vines and flowers, and her presence carried a weight that made the air hum. “You’re late,” Isolde said, her voice tinged with amusement. “The grove has been waiting.” Aurora blinked. “Late? We came as soon as you told us to.” Isolde tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “Time moves differently here, mortal. An hour within the grove can be but a moment in your world, or a lifetime. It is as the grove wills it.” Nyx shifted beside Aurora, their form flickering faintly. “We’re here for the prophecy, Isolde. Not riddles.” The seer’s smile deepened, though there was no warmth in it. “Prophecies *are* riddles, Shade. But very well. Follow me.” She turned and glided deeper into the grove, leaving them no choice but to follow. The path ahead was narrow, winding between the silver-barked trees. The underbrush was thick with flowers in colors Aurora couldn’t name—shades that seemed to shift and shimmer as she passed. She reached out to touch one, but Isolde’s voice stopped her. “Do not touch what you do not understand,” the seer warned. “The grove’s flora is not like your earthly plants. Some are harmless. Others… less so.” Aurora withdrew her hand quickly, her heart racing. She glanced at Nyx, who gave her a subtle nod of affirmation. “Best to listen to her,” they murmured. “Fae magic is unpredictable.” They walked in silence for a while, the unnatural twilight casting long shadows across the path. The air grew denser, the scent of honey thickening until it was almost overwhelming. Aurora’s pulse quickened as they approached a clearing dominated by a circle of ancient oak standing stones. Each stone was carved with intricate runes that glowed faintly, pulsing in rhythm with the Heartstone around her neck. In the center of the circle stood a pool of crystal-clear water, its surface perfectly still. Isolde gestured toward it. “The Pool of Visions,” she said. “Approach, and the grove will grant you the answers you seek.” Aurora hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to be cautious. She glanced at Nyx, who remained at her side, their violet eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What’s the catch?” Aurora asked, her voice steady despite the unease twisting in her gut. Isolde smiled, her expression enigmatic. “There is always a price, mortal. But the grove will decide what that is.” Aurora exchanged a glance with Nyx, who nodded once. “We’ve come this far,” they said softly. “Best to see it through.” Taking a deep breath, Aurora stepped into the circle of stones. The moment her boots touched the moss within the boundary, the runes on the stones flared brighter, their glow intensifying until it was almost blinding. The Pool of Visions rippled violently, though there was no wind. Isolde’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. “Look into the water, Aurora Carter. See what lies ahead.” Aurora knelt beside the pool, her reflection staring back at her. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, as if a stone had been dropped into its depths, the surface churned violently, and her reflection dissolved into a swirl of colors. Images began to form—a city engulfed in flames, streets filled with panicked crowds, a figure cloaked in shadow, their eyes glowing red. She felt a wave of dread crash over her, cold and suffocating. “What is this?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “The future,” Isolde replied. “A possibility. A warning. The path ahead is fraught with danger, and the choices you make will shape what comes to pass.” Aurora tore her gaze away from the pool, her heart pounding. “How do I stop it? How do I prevent this?” Isolde’s expression softened, though her eyes remained distant. “The grove does not offer solutions, only visions. The rest is up to you.” Nyx stepped forward, their form flickering with agitation. “That’s not good enough. You brought us here for answers, not more questions.” Isolde turned to them, her gaze piercing. “The grove has spoken, Shade. The rest is not mine to give.” Aurora stood, her mind reeling. The images from the pool lingered in her thoughts, haunting and vivid. She tightened her grip on the Fae-Forged Blade, the cool metal grounding her. “We need to leave,” she said, her voice firm. “There’s nothing more for us here.” Isolde inclined her head. “As you wish. But remember, Aurora Carter—the grove has shown you what it will. Whether you heed its warning is your choice.” As they turned to leave, the light in the grove dimmed, the once-glowing moss fading into shadows. The path back was darker, the trees closing in around them. Aurora’s unease grew with every step, the Heartstone pulsing faintly against her chest. She glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting to see Isolde watching them, but the seer was gone. When they finally stepped back through the rift, emerging into the crisp night air of Richmond Park, Aurora felt a wave of relief wash over her. The stars above were familiar, grounding, and the faint hum of the grove was replaced by the distant sound of traffic. Nyx solidified beside her, their violet eyes gleaming in the darkness. “Well,” they said, their tone dry. “That was… illuminating.” Aurora let out a shaky laugh, her nerves slowly unraveling. “Illuminating doesn’t even begin to cover it.” She touched the Heartstone pendant, its warmth a reassuring presence. “We’ve got work to do.” Nyx nodded, their expression serious. “Indeed. But for now, let’s get out of here. This place still smells too much like Faerie for my liking.” As they walked away, Aurora couldn’t shake the feeling that the grove’s eyes were still on her, watching, waiting. The Pool of Visions had shown her a path fraught with danger, but she knew one thing for certain—there was no turning back now.