The Shattered Constellations Between Stars

As she took her first hesitant step into the forest, something within her awakened—a pulse of energy that brought the world to life in a way she had never experienced before.

"What's happening?" she whispered, her voice small and filled with wonder. "I can feel everything around me."

She touched the air, as if she could grab the shapes in her mind. "The trees… I think I can see them! They're big and tall, all around me."

She took another little step, her heart fluttering with excitement. "Is this what seeing is like? It feels so… warm and bright."

She tilted her head, sensing something tiny and quick near her feet. "There's a little thing here, moving around. I can't see it with my eyes, but I can feel it! It's like the forest is talking to me, showing me where everything is."

A soft giggle bubbled up as she kept going, her nervousness turning into happiness. "I didn't know I could see like this. It's like the forest is telling me a story, and I'm learning all its secrets."

"This is magical Len." She said with tears down her face and a big smile.

"I'm so happy."

Len came to her with a broad smile on his face, he was also excited for her. Now they could finally play together in the forest and he could even introduce her to his friends.

Her heart raced as she slowly turned her head, marveling at the sensation of the forest unfolding around her. The ground beneath her feet felt alive with the subtle presence of roots and small creatures, their forms flickering like distant stars. She reached out her hand, and though she couldn't see in the traditional sense, she could sense the energy of a nearby tree, its rough bark outlined in a shimmering aura.

Every step she took revealed more of the forest's hidden life, from the faint outlines of magical creatures skittering in the underbrush to the gentle sway of enchanted flowers. It was overwhelming and exhilarating all at once—a world she had never known, suddenly made real in a way that transcended sight.

The forest, once an abstract idea, was now a vibrant, pulsing presence surrounding her, and for the first time, she felt truly connected to the world she had only imagined.

Nyx felt a flutter of excitement as she continued exploring the forest with Len by her side. The magic spirit had been there with her when she first discovered her ability to sense the world around her, and now, they played together in the bushes, enjoying every moment.

"Len, let's play hide and seek!" she suggested, her voice bubbling with joy. "I can find you now!"

Len chuckled softly, his light flickering with amusement. "Alright, Nyx, but remember, I'm very good at hiding," he teased.

Nyx giggled, her tiny hands reaching out to the bushes. "I'm ready! Start hiding!"

As Len floated away, with her closed eyes, she counted to ten, her voice filled with anticipation. "Ready or not, here I come!"

She opened her eyes, although her eyes didn't open physically she is able to use the echo vision skill very well and felt the shapes of the bushes and trees around her, sensing the gentle hum of magic that surrounded Len. "I think I know where you are!" she called out, her small feet stepping carefully through the underbrush.

Nyx brushed past a leafy bush, giggling as she felt the tickle of leaves against her skin. "You're over here!" she exclaimed, her hands reaching out to catch him.

Len dodged playfully, his laughter echoing in her ears. "Almost, but not quite, Nyx!"

She smiled, feeling the warm glow of happiness in her chest. The forest was alive around her, and she was discovering every bit of it with her best friend. They continued playing, with Nyx chasing Len through the bushes, her senses guiding her in a way she had never imagined.

As they played, Nyx couldn't help but marvel at how much fun she was having.

"Len, I love the forest," she said, her voice filled with contentment. "It's so big and full of surprises!"

Len hovered close, his light flickering warmly. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, Nyx. The forest is a wonderful place, especially when we can explore it together."

Nyx beamed, feeling the joy of their shared adventure. "Let's keep playing!" she declared, her voice bright with enthusiasm. And so they did, losing themselves in the magic of the forest as they played and explored, their laughter mingling with the rustling of leaves and the whispering breeze.

Because they were enjoying themselves and they didn't know that they were no longer in the dragon territory. They were now in the west side of the forest, in uncharted territory.

Len noticed but it was too late they were already too deep into the territory.

"Umm…Nyx, I think we should go back now." Len said in a weak tone. He was very scared.

He knew which territory he was in and he wasn't strong enough to protect himself and Nyx.

"Nyx come on…it's getting late." He complained louder. Trying to pull her out of that part of the forest.

It was already too late because the sun had hidden behind the clouds, and raindrops began to fall, lightly at first but quickly growing heavier.

Nyx paused, feeling the cool drops on her skin. "Len, it's raining!" she exclaimed, tilting her head up toward the sky.

"Oh no!"

"Come on, we can still make it." He reasoned. He knew that they couldn't.

"No Len we can't, let's find somewhere to shelter until it's done." She said to him while looking around trying to find shelter.

"Let's go over there in that cave." She said while pointing at it.

"No we can't, let's just go and you can tell Drac to come for us. Please!" He begged desperately trying to change her mind.

"Len, it's raining and I can get sick."

"You know what Drac says about me getting sick."

"If you get sick then you're irresponsible and if you're irresponsible then you're not ready to go in the forest." They both said, mocking his tone.

"Since I don't want to get sick and I want to continue coming to the forest then I'm getting out of this rain."

"So let's go." She continued while dragging Len to the cave. He did try his best to keep her away from this side but they just lost track of time.

His mind then went back to what Drac said to him before they went outside.

"I leave her in your care and if you make her go into the west part of the forest then I will eat you." Drac threatened.

He whimpered while Nyx dragged him to the mouth of the cave. It was huge.

The cave was a vast, ancient formation carved deep into the heart of a mountain.

The entrance, partially obscured by thick vines and moss-covered rocks, yawned like the mouth of some forgotten beast, wide and inviting yet shrouded in mystery. Inside, the walls were jagged and uneven, with veins of sparkling minerals glinting faintly in the dim light. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like the teeth of a giant, dripping water that echoed through the cavern with a rhythmic plink, plink, plink.

The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of stone and the faint, distant sound of underground streams trickling through hidden crevices. Deeper within, the cave opened into a larger chamber, its floor strewn with pebbles and patches of smooth, cold rock. Shadows clung to the corners, where the light barely reached, giving the space an eerie, almost sacred atmosphere. It felt like a place untouched by time, a silent witness to the secrets of the earth.

"Wow, it's so dark." She murmured.

" I would rather us not be in here Nyx, please." He begged while keeping his eyes open for him.

"Why not?" She asked.

"It would be better if Drac explained it to you." He whispered.

She continued looking around. It was the first time she had been to a different cave and she was fully intrigued.

As she was enjoying the scenery, taking in every single detail. She was using her skill to its full extent.

As much as Nyx was absorbing the calming atmosphere of the cave, her peace was abruptly shattered by a sudden, ominous force. The air around her grew thick, pressing down on her small frame, almost suffocating her. Her heart pounded in her chest as fear took hold, freezing her in place. She was terrified to turn around, too afraid to face whatever was behind her, exuding that dark, foreboding aura.

Her tiny hands began to tremble, and her breath quickened. "Len, are you there? Do you feel that?" she whispered, her voice quivering with fear.

Len's usually soothing presence seemed tense, his light flickering uncertainty beside her. "Len, what is that? I'm scared."

Len's voice was uncharacteristically sharp as he responded, "Whatever you do, don't turn around."

And then they heard it—a deep, guttural growl that reverberated through the cave, more ferocious and menacing than anything Nyx had ever imagined. It sent shivers down her spine, and her knees almost buckled under her.

"Gggrrr!"

The sound was loud, terrifying, and filled with an unmistakable threat.

"Get out!"

Len grabbed her hand and ran leaving no room for hesitation.

Without a second thought, they bolted from the cave, plunging into the rain-soaked forest.

Nyx ran as fast as her small legs could carry her, the cool rain pelting down on her, mixing with the tears she didn't even realize she was crying.

She didn't dare looking back, nor did Len, as they raced toward the north side of the forest, back to the dragon's territory, where they hoped to find safety.

They didn't spare a single glance behind them, their only thought to escape whatever terrifying force had lurked in that cave.