The sky above the forest was turning purple as the sun slowly slipped behind the hills. Long, sleepy shadows stretched across the ground, curling around roots and stones. Elarien walked beside the silver wolf. Neither of them spoke, but something warm and quiet was growing inside her, like a tiny flame that refused to go out.
They passed through a narrow path, where the trees stood tall and close together. The light grew softer, and the air felt thick with magic. Elarien held the ring on her necklace. It still felt warm, almost as if her mother's voice still echoed in it.
Soon the path opened into a wide clearing.
The trees formed a perfect circle around a flat stone floor. In the middle, smooth stones sat in a ring like seats. Though the fire pit at the center was cold, the ashes there still gave off a soft, sleepy glow.
Around the clearing stood six strange figures.
Elarien stared. She had never seen people like these before.
One was tall and glowing, her hair floating around her like soft clouds. Another had long, curled antlers and eyes the color of ocean water. A third wore feathers that shimmered with every tiny move.
They were quiet, watching her. They didn't feel scary. Just… ancient. Like the forest had put on clothes and come to stand before her.
The silver wolf walked forward.
This is the child of the lost name. She has awakened her voice.
The woman with the glowing hair stepped toward Elarien. Her eyes were full of stars.
"Elarien," she said gently. "The forest has whispered your name for a long time. We are the Circle of Shadows. We remember what others have forgotten."
Elarien stood still. Her voice was a little shaky.
"Why did you call me here?"
The one with antlers answered. His voice was deep and calm.
"Because the red moon rises once again. And the Guardian must return."
Elarien blinked.
"The Guardian?" she asked.
The silver wolf looked up at her.
Long ago, your mother stood in this circle. She was chosen. But she could not finish the path.
Elarien placed a hand over her heart, where the ring rested.
"She was supposed to be the Guardian," she whispered.
The glowing woman nodded slowly.
"But she left a part of her behind," she said. "You."
Elarien felt her breath catch. The air around her felt alive, like the forest was holding its breath.
"We do not ask more than you can give," said the feathered one. "But your voice carries something rare. Not just magic, but memory. Hope. The forest is changing. Something dark moves below the roots."
Elarien looked down at her hands. They looked like any other hands. She still felt like a quiet girl who had only just learned how to speak with her heart.
But deep inside, something was growing. Steady. Clear.
"I do not know how to be a Guardian," she said softly.
"You do not have to know yet," said the glowing woman. "You learn by walking. By listening. By choosing what is right."
The silver wolf stood by her side.
You are not alone.
Elarien looked at the faces around her. Strange, wild, beautiful. Each one was waiting, not with pressure, but with hope.
She took a deep breath.
"I am ready to begin."
The ashes in the fire pit glowed brighter for a moment.
The wind stirred through the trees.
And far below the roots, something in the forest began to wake.