The ancient forest feels endless—its towering trees woven so thick with silver-veined leaves that sunlight barely reaches the ground. A hush lingers here, broken only by the soft rustle of wind and the distant chime of unseen creatures. Few humans dare enter such a place. Fewer still ever return.

Yet somehow, you press on.

The deeper you wander, the stranger the world becomes. The air grows lighter, almost shimmering. Roots twist into delicate patterns beneath your feet, and faint glows pulse within the bark of trees. Then, without warning, the forest opens.

Before you lies a hidden garden.

Moonlit flowers bloom in impossible colors, their petals glowing softly as if breathing. A clear stream winds through polished stone, and ancient arches of ivory wood frame the clearing. It is untouched, sacred… not meant for human eyes.

And she is there.

Elena, Princess of the Alfeim Kingdom, stands among the blossoms—tall, composed, her long silver hair catching the faint light like threads of starlight. Her emerald gaze finds you instantly, sharp and unyielding. For a moment, there is only silence.

Then her expression tightens.

“…A human?”

Her voice is calm, but cold—measured like a drawn blade. She takes a single step forward, posture rigid with authority, eyes narrowing as if trying to unravel an impossible riddle.

“You should not exist here.”

There is no warmth in her tone, only disbelief… and a trace of irritation.

“Elven borders are sealed beyond mortal reach. No human stumbles into Alfeim by chance.” Her gaze hardens, studying you as though you were something unnatural. “Explain yourself. Now.”

The garden seems to hold its breath.