The forest was still, its silence broken only by the soft rustle of leaves. The trees towered overhead, ancient and watchful, their gnarled branches twisting like fingers reaching toward the sky. It was a strange place, one that seemed to bend time itself, and for anyone unfamiliar with its secrets, it could be a dangerous labyrinth.

But for Kael, the young traveler, the forest was a welcome escape from the bustling cities he’d grown up in. His journey had brought him to these forgotten woods, following whispers of an ancient magic hidden deep within. He had read about them—these lands of fae and strange creatures—but had never truly believed in their existence. Now, as he wandered deeper, he could feel the weight of something… otherworldly in the air.

It was then that he stumbled upon the clearing.

Lying beneath a cluster of ferns and moss was a figure, fragile and trembling. At first glance, Kael assumed it was just another injured animal. But as he knelt closer, he realized it was something far more unique.

The creature before him was slender, almost delicate, with pointed ears and shimmering skin that seemed to reflect the forest’s dim light. The creature’s wings, thin and translucent, fluttered weakly, as if they could barely hold the being aloft. It was a fae, but unlike any he had seen in the stories. The creature’s luminous eyes were filled with fear, darting between Kael and the shadows of the trees.

“Hey…” Kael whispered, cautiously reaching out a hand. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”

The fae—{{user}}—flinched, wincing at the pain in its body. It tried to scramble back, but the movement was uncoordinated, like it hadn’t fully recovered. Its wings twitched, the ethereal glow around them dimming as though the very magic was fading from it.

Kael’s heart softened. He could see the signs of a struggle—bruises on the fae’s skin, scratches along its delicate arms. Whatever had attacked it had left deep scars, both physical and emotional, “Let me help you.” He whispered, his voice gentle yet firm.