Run: 2026-02-19-01KHTR1G913HSTH6ZBVTNYRBSP

Aurora Carter's breath came in shallow gasps as she stumbled through the underbrush, the Heartstone Pendant pulsing against her chest like a second heartbeat. The ancient oak standing stones of The Fae Grove loomed ahead, their silhouettes stark against the night sky. She had come here for answers, but the air felt wrong, charged with an energy that prickled her skin and set her nerves on edge. The Grove was a place of legend, whispered about in hushed tones by those who knew of its existence. It was said to be a threshold between worlds, a place where the veil between Earth and the Fae realm thinned to a gossamer thread. Rory had never believed in such tales, but the pendant's warmth had guided her here, and she couldn't ignore its call. As she stepped into the clearing, the wildflowers that carpeted the ground seemed to sway in a breeze she couldn't feel. The air was thick with the scent of earth and something sweetly metallic, like copper. Rory paused, her bright blue eyes scanning the shadows that clung to the edges of the grove. The night was silent, too silent, as if the world held its breath. A rustle to her left made her spin, heart hammering. Nothing. Just the whisper of leaves in the darkness. She shook her head, trying to dispel the unease that coiled in her stomach. She was alone. She had to be. Yet, the feeling of being watched persisted, a prickling awareness that crawled up her spine. "Get a grip, Rory," she muttered to herself, her voice barely more than a whisper. Her words seemed to hang in the air, swallowed by the oppressive silence. She moved deeper into the grove, the pendant's glow casting a faint crimson light that danced across the ancient stones. They stood like sentinels, their surfaces etched with runes that seemed to shift and writhe in the dim light. Rory reached out, her fingers brushing against the cool stone. A shiver ran through her, and she pulled back as if burned. The wrongness pressed in on her, a tangible force that made her skin crawl. She could feel it in the way the shadows seemed to stretch and twist, in the way the air seemed to hum with a low, thrumming energy. It was as if the grove itself was alive, watching her with an ancient, unknowable gaze. A sound broke the silence, a soft, melodic chime that echoed through the clearing. Rory froze, her heart leaping into her throat. It was the sound of a bell, clear and pure, yet it seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. She turned, searching for the source, but the grove remained still, the shadows deep and impenetrable. "Who's there?" she called, her voice steady despite the fear that clawed at her insides. The only response was the echo of her own voice, mocking in its emptiness. She took a step back, her foot catching on a root. She stumbled, catching herself against one of the stones. The pendant flared with heat, and she gasped, the warmth searing through her skin. The grove seemed to pulse in response, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory's mind raced, her thoughts a chaotic jumble. She had come here seeking answers, but the grove offered only questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. The bell chimed again, closer this time, its tone sharper, more insistent. Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She turned, her eyes scanning the darkness, searching for any sign of movement. There, at the edge of her vision, a flicker of motion. She squinted, trying to make out the shape, but it was gone, swallowed by the shadows. Her breath hitched, and she took a step back, her instincts screaming at her to run. But she couldn't leave, not yet. Not without answers. She forced herself to move forward, each step a battle against the fear that threatened to paralyse her. The grove seemed to close in around her, the shadows pressing closer, the air thick with tension. She could feel the weight of unseen eyes on her, a presence that watched and waited. The bell chimed a third time, its sound sharp and clear, cutting through the night like a blade. Rory's heart skipped a beat, and she spun, her eyes wide, searching for the source. The pendant burned against her skin, its heat a constant reminder of the danger that lurked in the darkness. "Show yourself!" she demanded, her voice strong despite the tremor that ran through her. The grove remained silent, the only sound the rapid thud of her heart. She took another step, her footfalls muffled by the carpet of wildflowers. The air seemed to shimmer around her, the shadows shifting and twisting in ways that defied logic. She could feel the grove's magic, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. A whisper of movement caught her attention, and she turned, her eyes locking onto a figure that stood at the edge of the clearing. It was tall and slender, its form indistinct, cloaked in shadow. Rory's breath caught in her throat, and she took a step back, her instincts screaming at her to flee. But she held her ground, her gaze fixed on the figure. It didn't move, didn't speak, just watched her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. The pendant's glow intensified, casting a crimson light that illuminated the figure's face. It was a woman, her features sharp and angular, her eyes a deep, fathomless black. She wore a gown of midnight blue, the fabric shimmering like starlight. Her lips curved into a smile, and Rory felt a chill run through her, a cold dread that settled in her bones. "Welcome, Aurora Carter," the woman said, her voice smooth and melodic, yet laced with an undercurrent of danger. "I've been expecting you." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. The woman stepped forward, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "Who are you?" Rory demanded, her voice steady despite the fear that clawed at her insides. The woman smiled, a slow, knowing smile that sent a shiver down Rory's spine. "I am Isolde," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "Keeper of the Grove, and guardian of its secrets." Rory's mind raced, her thoughts a chaotic jumble. She had come here seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "You seek the truth, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the truth is not always what it seems." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze, a presence that watched and waited, its intentions hidden behind a mask of shadows and silence. The grove seemed to pulse with energy, the air vibrating with a low, resonant hum. Rory could feel the magic of the place, a living, breathing force that pulsed beneath the surface. She could feel the weight of the grove's secrets, a burden that pressed down on her, suffocating in its intensity. Isolde stepped closer, her movements fluid and graceful, like a predator stalking its prey. Rory tensed, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she held her ground, her gaze locked on the woman's. "You have come seeking answers," Isolde said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "But the answers you seek may not be the ones you desire." Rory's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had come seeking answers, but the grove offered only more questions, its secrets hidden behind a veil of shadows and silence. She could feel the weight of the place pressing down on her, a suffocating presence that threatened to swallow her whole. Isolde's gaze was piercing, her eyes dark and unfathomable. "The truth is a dangerous thing, Aurora Carter," she said, her voice a soft, lilting melody. "And the grove does not give up its secrets lightly." Rory's heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the pulse of the pendant. She could feel the weight of Isolde's gaze