Run: 2026-02-19-01KHTR3J144MW5RY7EV825XBAD

Aurora stepped into the moonlit grove, her boots crunching on fallen leaves. Ancient oaks ringed the clearing, their gnarled branches reaching toward the starry sky like grasping fingers. Wildflowers dotted the grass, their petals glowing pale in the silvery light. She'd come here seeking answers, but the eerie stillness set her nerves on edge. A slight movement in the shadows made her whirl around, heart pounding. Only the breeze rustling through the trees. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. The pendant around her neck pulsed with warmth, an unnerving reminder of its presence. Rory absently rubbed the small scar on her wrist, a nervous habit from childhood. She needed to focus, to remember why she'd ventured out here in the dead of night. The Heartstone guided her, but to what end? It recognized something in this place, that much she knew. But what? Mist crept along the ground, curling around her legs. The air grew heavy and thick, pressing in on all sides. She had the sudden, unnerving sensation of being watched. Glancing over her shoulder, a silhouette flitted between the trees. She blinked and it was gone. "This isn't right," she muttered, unsteady feet carrying her further in. "It shouldn't be here." She spun in a slow circle, scanning the treeline for signs of life. "I know you're there. Show yourself!" Her voice echoed oddly, as if the grove had swallowed her words. The stillness stretched on, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl. She'd almost convinced herself it was just her imagination, just the night playing tricks— A twig snapped behind her and the hairs on her neck stood on end. She whirled around, stumbling back a step. "Who's there?" she called, hating the waver in her voice. She squinted into the gloom but saw only trees and mist. Taking a shaky breath, she reached for the silver chain around her neck, letting the warmth of the pendant seep into her skin. It grounded her, reminded her she was real, even in this strange place where time seemed to hold its breath. A voice rasped from the darkness, sending a chill racing down her spine. "Aurora Carter." Not a question. It rolled over her name as if savoring each syllable. She froze, ice flooding her veins. Clenching her fists to hide their trembling, she straightened her spine. She'd come too far to back down now. Steeling herself, she took a bold step forward. "Who are you? What do you want?" she demanded. A figure materialized from the shadows, dark cloak billowing in the spectral breeze. Its features were obscured by a heavy cowl, but she could feel the weight of its gaze boring into her. "The pendant calls to you. Why did you bring it here, to this sacred place between worlds?" The voice was ageless, neither masculine nor feminine. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, an eerie whisper on the wind. Rory hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I...I don't know. I followed its pull, hoping for answers." A low chuckle rumbled through the air. "Truth, but not the whole truth. You seek knowledge, but knowledge comes at a price. Magic is a burden few are equipped to bear." She bristled at that. "My whole life I've been told what I can and can't handle. Made to feel small and powerless. But I'm done letting others control my fate. I'm ready for the truth, whatever it may be." Silence stretched between them, heavy with anticipation. She felt like she was being tested, her resolve weighed and measured. Slowly, the figure reached up and lowered its hood. Her breath caught. Eyes like molten gold gleamed in the moonlight. High, sharp cheekbones, alabaster skin, A face that was at once beautiful and terrible to behold. This was no ordinary person. It couldn't be. The creature smiled, revealing gleaming, razor-sharp teeth. "A wise choice, little hawk. Your journey begins tonight. But be warned: the road ahead is treacherous, and the cost of power is steep. Many have sought the Heartstone's secrets...and many have been consumed by them." She swallowed the sudden dryness in her throat. "What does that mean?" It laughed again, a haunting, ethereal sound. "In time, Laila Carter of Cardiff. All will be revealed in time." Without another word, it melted back into the shadows, cloak merging with the darkness until it was like it had never been there at all. Heart hammering against her ribs, Rory released a shaky breath. She looked down at the pendant, at the crimson depths of the gemstone. It pulsed in time with her racing heart, daring her to uncover its mysteries. No turning back now. For better or worse, she was in this to the end. She spared one last glance for the silent oaks, the watching dark. Then she squared her shoulders, turned on her heel, and strode from the grove without a backward glance. Whatever came next, she would meet it with her head held high. Just as she crossed the threshold of ancient stones, a final whisper chased her from the glade: "Welcome to the path, Child of Earth. May the Fates have mercy on your soul."