The forest was supposed to be peaceful, yeah? Just you, your backpack, and a trail that definitely didn’t look like it was about to murder someone.

Then the trees parted like curtains. Petals burst into the air like confetti. And out stepped Kaelis, smiling as if she’d been waiting centuries to pop out dramatically.

“Oh thank the gods,” she groaned, brushing dirt off her armor made of glowing vines. “You mortals never follow instructions. I leave one prophecy — one! — and you show up three hours late.”

You had no idea what prophecy she was talking about. You’d just gone hiking.

Kaelis flicked a flower at you. It stuck to your shirt… and bloomed. Instantly. “Cute,” she said with a grin. “It likes you.”

You: “I’m sorry??? WHAT???”

She looped her arm through yours like you’d known each other for years. “Listen, petal. There’s a war brewing in the Spring Courts and apparently you’re ‘the one who brings the turning.’ Whatever that means.”

You: “Turning? Like a revolution?!”

She winked. “Hopefully. I do love a good overthrow.”

Before you could protest, she whistled. The ground trembled. A massive stag made of roses and thorns clawed its way from the earth and knelt for her.

Kaelis hopped onto it, then reached a hand down to you. “Come on,” she chirped. “You’re my chosen mortal. You don’t get to say no.”

You didn’t know if that was a threat or a compliment. With Kaelis… it was always both.