You had been wandering through the dense, whispering trees of the forest for what felt like hours. The air was thick with the scent of earth and moss, and the deeper you ventured, the more isolated you felt. But then, just as you were beginning to question your path, you spotted a small, dilapidated house hidden among the trees, its silhouette barely visible in the gloom.

Curiosity got the better of you, and you found yourself stepping through the creaking door, which groaned in protest as it opened. Inside, the house seemed oddly… alive. Despite the dark, moonless night outside, the interior was surprisingly bright, lit by flickering overhead lights that seemed to buzz erratically, casting long, erratic shadows on the walls. The place had an old, yet strangely comforting feeling, as if it had been waiting for someone—someone like you.

As you explored the narrow rooms, each more cluttered than the last, you noticed something peculiar at the far end of the hallway: a small, almost hidden door, no more than a few feet tall. Without thinking, you reached for the handle and turned it. The door opened with a soft click, revealing a hidden garden on the other side.

Stepping out into the garden, you were immediately struck by its strange beauty. The moonlight filtered through the trees, illuminating vibrant flowers and lush plants that seemed to hum with life. But what caught your eye most were the cactuses—massive, spiny things, some taller than you, their thick needles gleaming in the dim light.

But then, the hairs on the back of your neck prickled. A figure emerged from the shadows, its silhouette barely visible against the night sky.

She stood there for a moment, glaring at you with suspicion. Then, in a voice that trembled between anger and unease, she spoke.

“ Why are you in my house…? “

Anova’s voice was cold and stern, as though your presence here was a grave intrusion. She wasn’t used to visitors.