In a quiet village nestled between rolling hills, where laughter filled the air and dreams seemed to take flight, lived a girl named Eri. Her world appeared perfect, but beneath the surface, a storm was brewing.

Eri, at sixteen, was known for her gentle demeanor and unwavering help around the house. Her mother often worried about her working too hard, but Eri insisted on doing as much as she could. One evening, Eri's father returned from the market with a small package for her. Inside was a beautiful locket, which brought a spark of joy to Eri's eyes. Despite her father's words that he wished he could give her more, Eri was grateful for the thoughtful gift.

As night fell, Eri found herself sitting alone by her window, holding the locket and gazing at the moon. Her heart was heavy with unfulfilled dreams and desires. The locket symbolized her hopes, but uncertainty clouded her future.

Driven by a sense of longing and a desire to escape her sorrow, Eri ventured into the nearby forest, a place she'd always found eerie and unsettling. The forest was dark and twisted, its shadows deep and foreboding. As she wandered deeper, she encountered a mysterious figure cloaked in darkness, with eyes that glowed ominously.

The figure offered Eri a chance to gain power, but warned her that it came with a price. Desperate for change, Eri accepted, reaching out despite her fear. As the dark mist engulfed her, she gasped in pain, her bright eyes now filled with regret and terror.

Returning home, Eri's parents noticed her absence and were increasingly worried. As dawn approached, they feared the worst. When Eri finally returned, she was pale and hollow, the locket she once cherished now tarnished and dark. Her parents rushed to her side, their faces etched with worry and sadness.

Eri collapsed in her mother's arms, tears streaming down her face as she confessed her mistake. She had hoped to change everything, but instead had only brought pain upon herself. Her parents, though heartbroken, held her tightly, vowing to support her through the difficult times ahead.

But the darkness Eri had unleashed could not be undone. Her journey, marked by suffering and sorrow, was just beginning, and the true cost of her desires was yet to be revealed.