And then she saw it a flicker of movement between the branches. Not an animal. Not quite.
Something or someone was watching her.
Tari's breath caught. The wind swirled around her, whispering one word:
Run!!
But it was too late.
Tari froze. The figure between the trees stepped forward, and the dappled sunlight revealed a boy—no, not quite a boy. His ears were slightly pointed, his eyes a shimmering green like sunlight through leaves. He wore a cloak woven from vines and moss, and his bare feet made no sound as he moved.
"You shouldn't be here," he said, his voice low but not unkind.
The wind still swirled around Tari, restless. She swallowed hard. "I_I heard something. A song.
The boy studied her, his gaze sharp. Humans don't hear the songs of the woods."
Tari lifted her chin. I'm not like other humans.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face. Then, slowly, he tilted his head. "No. You're not." He took a step closer. My name is Kael. I'm a guardian of these woods."
Tari's pulse raced. Guardians were only spoken of in village legends spirits of the forest, protectors of secrets. "Why did the wind bring me here? she asked.
Kael's expression darkened. Because the woods are in danger. And for some reason, the wind chose you to help.
Before Tari could respond, a deep, guttural growl rumbled through the trees. The ground trembled, and the birds fell silent. Kael's eyes widened.
Run!! Now!!
Tari turned, but it was too late a monstrous shadow loomed between the trees. Its eyes glowed like embers, and its breath reeked of rotting earth.
A hollow.
Kael grabbed her wrist. "Don't look into its eyes! He yanked her behind him, raising his free hand. Vines erupted from the earth, tangling around the creature's legs.
Tari's heart hammered. She had never seen magic like this.
The Hollow snarled, snapping the vines like twigs. Kael cursed under his breath. We can't fight it here. Follow me!
He pulled her deeper into the forest, leaping over roots and ducking under low branches. The Hollow gave chase, its footsteps shaking the ground.
Tari's lungs burned, but she forced herself to keep up. The wind howled around her, urging her forward.
Then a cliff.
They skidded to a stop at the edge of a steep drop, the river roaring far below. The Hollow emerged from the trees, saliva dripping from its jagged teeth.
Kael's grip on Tari's hand tightened. "Do you trust me?
She didn't hesitate. "Yes.
With a sharp breath, he pulled her over the edge.
They fell.
(To be continued...)