Chapter 3 : A Visitor In The Night

Elena set out from the Baba Yaga's hut with a heavy heart. The task she had been given seemed impossible, and the weight of the Baba Yaga's warning hung heavily on her mind. But she knew that she had to be brave and keep moving forward, for the sake of her sister.

As she walked through the forest, she felt as though she was being watched. The trees seemed to loom over her, their branches reaching out to snag at her clothes. The wind whispered in her ear, and she heard strange noises coming from the shadows.

She clutched the map tightly in her hand and pressed on, trying to ignore the sense of unease that was creeping over her. But just as the Baba Yaga had warned her, the forest was full of dangers.

Suddenly, Elena heard a rustling in the bushes. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and she wondered if it was the witch that the Baba Yaga had warned her about.

But instead of a witch, a figure stepped out of the shadows. It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a shock of black hair and piercing blue eyes.

Elena felt a surge of relief flood through her. "Who are you?" she asked, taking a step back.

The man smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "I am Nikolai," he said. "And I could not help but notice that you are traveling alone through the forest. It is dangerous for a young woman to be out here all by herself."

Elena felt a flush rise to her cheeks. She had been so focused on her mission that she had forgotten how vulnerable she was. "I am on a quest," she said. "I have been sent to deal with a rival witch who has been causing trouble for the Baba Yaga."

Nikolai raised an eyebrow. "The Baba Yaga?" he repeated. "You must be brave to cross her. Tell me, why would you risk your life for the sake of a witch?"

Elena hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much she should reveal. But something in Nikolai's eyes made her trust him. "My sister is gravely ill," she said. "The Baba Yaga has promised to heal her, but only if I complete this task."

Nikolai nodded thoughtfully. "I see," he said. "And do you have any idea where this rival witch might be?"

Elena produced the map that the Baba Yaga had given her and unrolled it. She pointed to a spot deep in the forest. "According to this, her lair is here," she said.

Nikolai studied the map for a moment, then looked up at Elena. "I will accompany you," he said. "The forest is full of dangers, and you will need someone to watch your back."

Elena felt a surge of gratitude. She had been so worried about facing the witch alone, and the prospect of having a companion was a great relief. "Thank you," she said. "I appreciate your help."

Nikolai smiled again, and Elena felt a flutter in her stomach. There was something about him that made her feel safe, despite the danger they were facing.

Together, they set out into the forest, following the map as best they could. The journey was long and treacherous, and they encountered many obstacles along the way. But with Nikolai by her side, Elena felt that she could face anything.

As night fell, they set up camp in a clearing. Elena was exhausted, but she found it difficult to sleep. The forest was so quiet, and yet she felt as though she was being watched. She kept seeing strange shapes