Chapter 2 The Vanishing Act

Ellie returned to the village, her mind swirling with questions. The image of the silver-eyed child lingered in her thoughts, their ethereal presence impossible to forget. She needed answers, but where to start? The villagers were her first hope. She approached Mrs. Hargrove, the baker, who was known for her knowledge of local gossip and legends.

"Mrs. Hargrove, have you ever heard of a child with silver eyes in the woods?" Ellie asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The baker's face paled, and she glanced around as if someone might overhear. "Best not to wander those woods, child," she said, her tone stern. "There are things there that shouldn't be tampered"

Ellie pressed further, but Mrs. Hargrove refused to say more, only muttering about old legends and the dangers of meddling with the unknown. Frustrated but undeterred, Ellie decided to seek out Old Man Grady, the village historian. If anyone knew about the silver-eyed child, it would be him.

That night, Ellie's dreams were filled with visions of the woods. She saw the silver-eyed child standing in a clearing, surrounded by fireflies. The child reached out, their hand trembling, as if begging for help. Ellie woke with a start, her heart pounding. She knew then that this was no ordinary encounter. The child needed her. But why? And what secrets did the woods hold?

The next morning, Ellie set out for Old Man Grady's cottage. The historian was a recluse, rarely seen in the village, but Ellie had heard stories of his vast knowledge of Black Hollow's past. She knocked on his door, her heart drumming with anticipation. When he opened the door, his eyes narrowed as he studied her.

"What do you want, child?" he asked, his voice gruff.

"I need to know about the silver-eyed child in the woods," Ellie said, her voice steady despite her nerves.

Old Man Grady's expression softened, and he gestured for her to come inside. His cottage was cluttered with dusty books and yellowed maps, the air thick with the scent of old paper. He led her to a table and motioned for her to sit.

"The Mystery Child," he said, his voice low. "A tale as old as Black Hollow itself." He began to tell her of a tragedy that had occurred a century ago-a young girl named Lila, who had vanished in the woods during a festival. Some said she was taken by spirits; others claimed she ran away. But no one ever found her.

Ellie's breath caught. Could the child she saw be Lila? And if so, why was she still here? The questions swirled in her mind, and she knew she had to find the answers. The woods held secrets, and Ellie was determined to uncover them, no matter the cost.