Shadow of the forest

The sun was dipping beneath the treetops when Arina and Zeke finally reached the edge of the centaur village. The air shifted as if stepping into another world—warmer, calmer, alive. Massive trees loomed above them like watchful guardians, their branches adorned with hanging lanterns glowing with soft, golden light. Homes carved into the trees and the ground seemed to merge with nature, their walls entwined with ivy and faintly glowing runes. The village itself hummed with a quiet, magical energy.

Arina's eyes widened as he took it all in. "It's... beautiful," he whispered, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the illusion.

"Yeah, sure," Zeke grumbled, brushing past him. "Just don't stare too much, kid. These guys don't take kindly to gawking."

Several centaurs turned their heads toward them as they entered. Their gazes were wary and sharp, lingering on Zeke with clear distrust but softening slightly when they landed on Arina. Kara led them deeper into the village, his hooves thudding rhythmically against the soft earth.

"Zeke," Kara said without turning back, "try not to cause trouble. We're still repairing that barn you kicked in last time."

"That was years ago!" Zeke snapped defensively, though Arina shot him an incredulous look.

Kara chuckled. "Years or days, trouble follows you like a shadow."

The three stopped before a large, open grove where a circle of stones surrounded a massive tree. At its base, sitting on a carved wooden throne, was a centaur with silver hair cascading over her shoulders and runes glowing faintly along her arms. Her face was ageless, her eyes like twin pools of moonlight. She was the Oracle of the Centaurs.

"Zeke," she said softly, her voice carrying like the wind, "you return to us with more burdens."

Zeke huffed but bowed his head slightly. "Lady Miren. Always a pleasure."

The oracle's gaze settled on Arina, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "So... this is Kava's student."

Arina stiffened under her gaze but nodded politely. "I am, ma'am. It's an honor."

She gestured for them to sit by the fire. As the flames crackled, Lady Miren began to speak. "The shadows plague us all. They are no longer content to linger in the forgotten places. They are hunting."

Arina frowned. "Hunting what?"

"Life," she replied simply. "The forest's creatures, the magic that binds this place together. And perhaps... something more."

Zeke shifted uncomfortably, and Arina noticed it.

"Do you know how to kill them?" Arina asked eagerly.

The oracle studied him for a long moment before answering. "The shadows are ancient. They are born from betrayal, grief, and hatred. They thrive where light is weakest." She leaned forward. "But they are not invincible. Light, fire, and courage—they weaken them. Still, to truly destroy them... you must sever their source."

Arina's pendant, the one Kava had given him, seemed to grow warmer against his chest. He touched it absently, and Lady Miren's gaze flickered to it.

"Your path will be difficult, Arina. You carry more than you realize."

Zeke stood abruptly. "Alright, enough riddles. We need a place to sleep, not more nightmares."

The oracle's lips curled into an amused smile, but she said no more.

As night settled over the village, Arina and Zeke sat near a roaring fire outside one of the tree homes. Centaurs moved quietly through the shadows, their forms blending seamlessly with the night. Arina held a bowl of steaming stew provided by Kara's family, but his appetite was gone.

"Zeke," he muttered, staring into the flames, "do you think the shadows can get here?"

Zeke, who was gnawing on a piece of meat, paused. "If they haven't yet, they will. Nowhere's safe forever, kid."

Kara suddenly appeared out of the darkness, his face grave. "Another hunter has gone missing."

Arina's head snapped up. "Another one?!"

Kara nodded grimly. "We've lost three in the past week. They go hunting at night and never return."

"We're being hunted," Zeke muttered, his golden eyes narrowing. "The shadows are testing your borders."

Kara glanced at Arina. "I've gathered a patrol. We're leaving soon to investigate. You're welcome to join us."

Arina's eyes lit up. "Yes! I'll come!"

Zeke groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why am I not surprised?"

Later that night, Arina stood with Zeke and a group of centaur hunters at the village's edge. The forest loomed dark and silent, as if holding its breath. Kara led the way, his bow slung across his back, his every step measured and quiet.

"Stay close," Zeke whispered to Arina, his tone unusually serious. "Don't wander off. If you see anything—anything—tell me."

Arina nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the weight of the pendant around his neck, as if it were alive, urging him forward.

They moved deeper into the woods, the lanterns they carried casting pools of flickering light. Every crack of a branch, every rustle of leaves, made Arina's skin crawl. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Suddenly, one of the centaurs froze. "Something's here," he whispered.

The group stopped. Zeke's ears twitched, his golden eyes scanning the darkness.

From the shadows ahead, a low, guttural sound echoed. A shape moved—tall, black, and shifting, like smoke made solid. Arina felt his blood freeze.

"The shadows..." Kara whispered, his voice barely audible.

The monster stepped forward, its hollow eyes glowing faintly. Arina gripped his pendant and whispered, "Not this time..."