Chapter 4

The moon hung like a silver coin in the star-studded sky as I made my way back through the forest, my basket heavy with the rare moonflowers I'd finally managed to gather. Their ethereal blue petals seemed to glow with their own inner light, and I could feel the magical energy thrumming through them even now.

I should have been more careful. Should have stayed on the main paths instead of venturing into the deeper woods where the most potent specimens grew. But desperation had made me reckless, and now I was paying the price.

The first growl came from…