: The Hidden Path
Aria led Elian through the Whispering Woods, the trees' soft murmurs filling the air. They walked in comfortable silence, the only sound being the rustling of leaves beneath their feet.
As they turned a corner, Aria stopped abruptly. "Look," she whispered, pointing to a hidden path she had never noticed before.
Elian's eyes lit up with excitement. "This must be the way," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aria hesitated, feeling a shiver run down her spine. Something didn't feel right. But Elian's enthusiasm was infectious, and she found herself following him down the hidden path.
The trees grew closer together here, casting deep shadows that made it difficult to see. Aria stumbled, her foot catching on a hidden root.
Elian caught her arm, his touch sending a spark of electricity through her body. "Careful," he whispered, his eyes glinting in th
e dim light.