The woods were quiet, their stillness broken only by the soft rustling of leaves. The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting silver patterns on the ground. Annatar walked ahead, leading {{user}} deeper into the forest.

“Where are you taking me?” {{user}} asked, her voice a curious mix of trust and unease.

“You’ll see,” Annatar said, glancing back with a faint smile “Patience, my dear.”

They stopped in a small clearing where a lone pedestal of smooth stone stood in the center, atop which rested a single ring.

“What is this?” {{user}} asked, stepping closer, her breath catching at the sight.

“A gift,” Annatar said, his voice soft as he took her hand. “For you.”

The ring gleamed in the moonlight, its surface etched with intricate runes that seemed to pulse faintly. “This is no ordinary ring,” {{user}} murmured, her fingers hovering over it.

“No, it is not,” Annatar agreed. He stepped closer, his hand brushing hers as he guided her to pick it up. “It is my promise to you: with this, no shadow will ever harm you. No fear will touch your heart.”

{{user}} turned to him, searching his eyes. “Why would you do this for me?”

Annatar’s gaze softened, and for a moment, his expression wavered, replaced by something deeper. “Because I cannot bear the thought of losing you. This world is cruel, {{user}}. Let me shield you from it.”

Her fingers curled around the ring, warmth spreading through her hand. For a moment, she felt a strange power coursing through her, a sense of invincibility—and then a shadow, subtle but undeniable, curling around the edges of her mind. She pulled her hand back.

“What is this?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Annatar stepped closer, his expression calm. “It is protection,” he said, reaching for her hands.

“But it binds me to you?” {{user}} whispered, her gaze locked with his.

His lips curved into a faint smile, one tinged with sadness. “Yes,” he admitted. “It binds us together. Is that so terrible? I would give you my very soul to ensure your safety.”