The Hollow emerged from the trees, saliva dripping from its jagged teeth.
Kael's grip on Tari's hand tightened. "Do you trust me?"
She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
With a sharp breath, he pulled her over the edge.
They fell.
The wind screamed in Tari's ears as she and Kael plummeted from the cliff, the Hollow's monstrous shrieks fading above them. Her stomach lurched this was it. They were going to die.
But then the forest answered.
Vines, thick as serpents, shot out from the cliffside, wrapping around them in midair. Tari gasped as they were jerked to a sudden stop, the vines gently lowering them into the ravine below. The moment her feet touched the damp earth, the vines retreated, slithering back into the shadows like living things.
Kael groaned, pushing himself up. You've got to stop nearly getting us killed.
Tari ignored him, staring at her hands. That… that wasn't me. The forest saved us.
A deep, resonant hum filled the air, and the trees around them seemed to breathe. The leaves shivered, though there was no wind. Then a voice not in her ears, but in her mind.
"Child of the Verdant… you are needed."
Tari spun, searching for the source, but there was no one. Only the trees, their bark shimmering faintly with an eerie, green light.
Kael's face paled. You… you hear that too, right?
Before she could answer, the ground trembled. The roots beneath them twisted, forming a path leading deeper into the ravine a path that hadn't been there before.
Tari swallowed hard. The Hollows… the dying trees… it's all connected.
Kael gripped his dagger. And that voice just invited us further into the creepy magic woods. Perfect!
But Tari knew they had no choice. The forest had chosen her for a reason. And if she didn't follow, whatever darkness was spreading would consume everything including her village.
With a deep breath, she stepped forward. Let's find out what it wants.
The trees groaned in approval as the shadows swallowed them whole.
---
To Be Continued.