Whispers of the Shadow Part 1: An Unexpected Guest

The entrance to Willowbrook was marked by a towering willow tree, its branches swaying in the gentle breeze of the late afternoon. The sky was a deep orange as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the town. As they arrived, Eliana's face was clouded with sadness, her eyes downcast.

Eliana's voice trembled with sorrow as she whispered, "I am back." The weight of her words hung in the air, heavy and somber. But Sebastian was there, a steady presence by her side, his hand warm and protective against her back. 

"Don't fret, my dear," he reassured her, noticing the change in her demeanor as they entered the town. Despite the bustle of people and chatter around them, Eliana seemed lost, consumed by her own thoughts. But Sebastian was determined to be her anchor, to bring her back from whatever dark place she had been dwelling in.