Chapter 2 The Call of the Shadows

Author: Yusluvpro

The Call of the Shadows*

Night had fallen, and the village was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns. Lena sat by the fire in Elwyn cottage, trying to focus on her book, but her mind wandered. The Shadows seemed to be calling to her, their presence a gentle whisper in the darkness.

She pushed aside her book and stood up, stretching her tired muscles. "I'm going for a walk, Elwyn," she said, trying to sound casual.

Elwyn looked up from her needlework, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Be careful, child. The night is not a time for wandering."

Lena nodded, but she knew she wouldn't be careful. She'd follow the call of the Shadows, no matter where it led. She slipped out of the cottage and into the night, the cool air enveloping her like a shroud.

The village was quiet, the only sound the distant hooting of owls. Lena walked toward the forest, feeling the Shadows stir around her. They seemed to be watching her, their presence a gentle caress on her skin.

As she reached the forest's edge, a figure stepped out of the darkness. Tall and imposing, it loomed over her, its features obscured by the shadows.

Lena's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't feel fear. Instead, she felt a sense of recognition, as if she'd known this figure all her life.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The figure didn't respond, but instead beckoned her deeper into the woods. Lena hesitated for a moment, then followed, the Shadows swirling around her like a dark mist.

The trees seemed to close in around her, their branches tangling overhead like skeletal fingers. Lena felt a shiver run down her spine, but she pressed on, drawn by the mysterious figure.

The darkness deepened, and the silence grew thicker, until Lena felt like she was walking through a living, breathing entity. She knew she was being led somewhere, but she had no idea where.