Max stood at the edge of the mysterious pond, his eyes tracing the dark, mist-veiled surface that shimmered faintly with violet hues. There was something ancient about it, something that made even the air around it feel heavier—thicker.
He slowly stepped into the water, letting it rise up past his boots and soak into his clothes. The moment his skin made contact with the water, a strange yet deeply soothing sensation spread through his body.
It was cool—cooler than any water he had ever felt—but it wasn't a biting cold. Instead, it was like the embrace of a gentle night breeze, like the breath of the forest itself cradling him in silence.
