Clara Jenkins had always been different. From a young age, she could sense the emotions of those around her, a gift—or curse—that often left her overwhelmed. She had learned to navigate the world with this gift, using it to help others when she could, but it also made her wary of forming close relationships. Feeling the pain and sorrow of others as if they were her own was exhausting, and so she had built walls around her heart, keeping people at a distance.
Tonight, however, was unlike any other. As she walked along the edge of the Blackwood Forest, the air around her felt charged, humming with a strange energy that set her nerves on edge. Clara wasn't sure why she had decided to walk this path so late at night, but something had called her to this place.
She had been drawn to the forest for reasons she couldn't explain. Perhaps it was the beauty of the full moon, hanging low in the sky like a beacon. Or perhaps it was the sense of peace she found in the quiet darkness, away from the bustling emotions of the town. But now, standing on the edge of the forest, Clara felt a pull—stronger than anything she had ever felt before. It was as if something, or someone, was calling out to her.
As she moved deeper into the forest, the feeling intensified. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a strange mix of fear and excitement. She knew she wasn't alone. The presence she felt wasn't threatening, but it was powerful, almost overwhelming in its intensity.
Suddenly, the underbrush rustled, and Clara froze. Her eyes strained to see through the darkness, her senses on high alert. She could feel someone—or something—approaching. The emotions hit her like a wave, crashing over her and leaving her breathless. Love, longing, and something even deeper—a connection so profound it left her trembling.
Then, from the shadows, a man emerged. He was tall, with an air of authority that demanded respect. His silver eyes locked onto hers, and Clara felt a shock of recognition, though she was certain she had never seen him before.