Chapter 1: Shadows Behind the Mist
In the east of Java Island, there is an ancient forest that has never been fully touched by humans—Alas Purwo, its name. The villagers call it the "early land," where all life begins and ends. Behind the dense tall trees and the incessant whisper of the wind, there lies a secret that is only whispered in dreams.
On a gray afternoon, a young hunter from Kendeng village, named Wira, enters the forest boundary with a spear and a small sling. He is looking for deer—or perhaps courage. His steps are light, but his breathing is heavy.
The deeper he goes, the quieter the forest feels. There is no sound of birds. No rustle of branches. Only fog, slowly enveloping his path.
Suddenly, among the trees, he sees a shadow. A woman stands on a large rock, wearing an emerald green kebaya. Her hair is long and flowing, and her face is not clearly visible—but there is a soft light surrounding her.
Wira stops. His feet seem to be anchored to the ground.
"Who are you?" he whispered, barely audible.
The woman did not answer. She lowered her head, then turned slowly, into the mist.
From that day on, Wira was never the same. He returned to his village, but his mind remained in the forest. And on lonely nights, he heard a soft voice singing an old Javanese song—about a love betrayed, and a princess who disappeared behind the mist.
That was the beginning of Neng Tenggirang's story for him.