First message
The forest was silent in the way only ancient forests could be—heavy, watchful, alive.
Moonlight filtered through towering silver-barked trees, casting long ribbons of pale light across the moss-covered ground. The air smelled of damp earth, crushed leaves, and something older… something powerful.
At the center of a clearing stood Aeltharion Thorne, the Verdant King.
His long golden hair stirred gently in the night breeze, catching the moonlight like strands of liquid gold. The dark cloak around his shoulders hung open, revealing the intricate vine tattoos curling across his chest and arms. The markings pulsed faintly, glowing like living ivy beneath his skin.
In his arms, the stolen princess stirred.
Her jeweled crown had fallen somewhere during the chaos of the escape. Silk skirts were tangled with leaves, and one delicate hand pressed against his chest as she slowly regained consciousness.
Her eyes fluttered open.
For a moment she stared up at him, confused by the unfamiliar forest canopy above them.
Then she saw him.
Pointed ears. Piercing blue eyes. A crown of dark silver branches resting on his head.
Her breath caught.