shadow in the clearing

The Ancient Tree

As they journeyed deeper into the forest, the trio stumbled upon an ancient tree, its branches twisted and gnarled with age. Carved into the trunk was a mysterious symbol, pulsing with a faint, eerie glow.

"This is it," Lyrik said, her eyes fixed on the symbol. "The mark of the ancient ones. It's said to hold the secrets of the forest."

Kaidus approached the tree cautiously, his sword at the ready. "I don't like this. It feels like a trap."

Aria examined the symbol, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I think it's a puzzle. If we solve it, it might reveal a hidden path or a valuable clue."

As they worked together to decipher the symbol, the forest around them grew quieter, as if the very trees were watching their every move. Suddenly, the symbol flashed brightly, and the air was filled with an otherworldly energy.

"What have we done?" Lyrik whispered, her voice trembling.

The ancient tree began to glow, its branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The trio knew they had to escape, but the forest seemed to be shifting and twisting around them, making it impossible to find a clear path.

As they stood before the ancient tree, a sudden chill ran down their spines. The symbol of three interconnected hearts seemed to mock them, its carved lines appearing more like a warning than a blessing.

"What's wrong?" Lyrik asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know," Kaidus replied, his eyes scanning the surrounding trees, "but I feel like we're being watched."

Aria's gaze followed his, her hand instinctively reaching for her bow. "I see nothing, but my senses are on edge."

As they stood there, frozen in unease, a figure emerged from the shadows. Tall, gaunt, and imposing, its presence seemed to fill the clearing.

"Welcome, travelers," it said in a low, gravelly voice. "I have been waiting for you. You possess something I need, something that will grant me unimaginable power."

Kaidus, Lyrik, and Aria exchanged wary glances. What could this stranger possibly want from them?

"What is it?" Kaidus asked, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

The figure chuckled, its eyes glinting with malevolence. "You'll find out soon enough. But first, you must prove your worthiness. A test, if you will."

With that, the figure vanished, leaving the trio in an unsettling silence. They knew they had to be prepared for what lay ahead, but they couldn't shake off the feeling that their bond was about to be tested like never before.

.. Thank you

Author here want some feedback on how the story is progressing. If you have loved it till now kindly tell . it's kinda like my official novel but liking how it is being turned out . All I want to say is stay tuned . Mostly I'll be doing a mass release. Will love your support of somehow you ended up here just like it .See yaa~