The Keeper of the Quill
Aria watched as the stranger continued to browse, his eyes scanning the shelves with an intensity that made her wonder what he was searching for. Mrs. Jenkins, the bookstore owner, seemed to sense her curiosity and leaned in close.
"That's Elian," she whispered. "He arrived in town yesterday, asking questions about the Whispering Woods."
Aria's heart skipped a beat. "What kind of questions?"
Mrs. Jenkins glanced around the store, ensuring they were out of earshot. "He asked about the old stories, the ones passed down through generations. And he seemed particularly interested in the Keeper of the Quill."
Aria's mind raced. The Keeper of the Quill was a legend, a mysterious figure said to possess the secrets of Ravenswood.
As if sensing her thoughts, Elian turned, his eyes locking onto Aria's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken questions.
Then, Elian smiled and approached her. "You're Aria, aren't you? I've heard a lot about you."
Aria's cheeks flushed. "What do you want to know?"
Elian's eyes glinted with curiosity. "I want to know about the Whispering Woods. And the Keeper of the Quill.