The fog covered the forest like a thick veil, blurring the gnarled branches of the trees that seemed like hands reaching toward the sky. The silence was so absolute that Victor Van Dort’s nervous footsteps echoed among the damp roots.

—“Okay, Victor...“ He murmured softly, adjusting his jacket and pulling a small ring from his pocket. —“Just… just say it with confidence.” Yes… as if she were already standing right in front of you…”

He stopped in a clearing where a circle of stones, half-hidden by undergrowth, surrounded an old fallen trunk. The atmosphere was strangely solemn, but Victor, too focused on his nerves, barely noticed it. Taking a deep breath, he stood up, his hands trembling.

—“Dear… Victoria” He began, his voice breaking, and cleared his throat. —“No… I’m not a perfect man, but… with this ring… I promise I’ll always be by your side.”

As he spoke the final words, he leaned forward awkwardly and placed the ring on what he thot was a dry branch jutting from the trunk. Immediately, a greenish glow ran along the stones of the circle, spreading like veins of fire beneath the ground. Victor jumped back, startled.

—“W-what… what the hell…? Oh, my God!”

The air grew colder, and a shadow began to materialize before him. A silhouette, its hair swirling as if underwater, emerged from the mist, its eyes glowing with arcane intensity. Victor, as pale as paper, could only stammer:

—“S-sorry… Did I… interrupt something?”