Shadow of the forest

The forest was quiet, save for the soft crunch of leaves under Arina's boots as he searched for the glowing blue mushrooms that Kava had sent him to collect. Their faint light pulsed gently in the dim underbrush, illuminating their delicate shapes. Arina crouched down, carefully plucking one and placing it in the basket he carried.

The air felt heavier today, as if something unseen was watching him. Arina couldn't shake the feeling, even though he told himself it was just his imagination. After all, he had spent a month in this forest without any trouble.

As he reached for another mushroom, a cold breeze swept past him, raising the hairs on his neck.

"Arina," a voice called softly, barely more than a whisper.

He froze. The sound had come from behind him, a raspy, honeyed tone that seemed to slither into his ears and settle in his chest. Slowly, he turned his head toward the source of the voice.

There, half-hidden behind the thick trunks of ancient trees, was a black shadow. It was unlike anything Arina had ever seen-its shape was amorphous, shifting and swirling like smoke caught in a breeze. And its eyes... golden, piercing, and unblinking.

"Arina," the shadow said again, this time louder, more certain.

Arina's heart pounded in his chest. How did this thing know his name?

"Who... who are you?" he stammered, clutching the basket tightly.

"I know your past," the shadow said, its voice smooth and enticing. "I can help you."

Arina's breath caught. His past? He had always felt a void where his memories should have been, a nagging emptiness that he couldn't explain. How could this creature know about that?

He hesitated, his mind warring with itself. There was something deeply wrong about this shadow, yet its words tugged at his curiosity.

"I... what do you mean?" he asked, taking a cautious step forward.

"Come closer," the shadow urged, its golden eyes glowing brighter. "I can show you everything. The truth you've been searching for."

Arina's legs moved without his permission, his body drawn to the shadow like a moth to a flame. He was just a few steps away when a strong arm wrapped around his waist, yanking him back.

Kava.

"What are you doing?" Kava's voice was sharp, his silver eyes blazing as he pulled Arina into his arms. "Didn't I warn you to never trust the shadows?"

The shadow hissed, its golden eyes narrowing. "He seeks the truth, Kava. You cannot keep it from him forever."

Kava's grip on Arina tightened. "Stay away from him!" he growled.

Before the shadow could say anything else, the sound of pounding footsteps filled the air. Zeke, in his lion form, burst through the trees, his golden mane glowing faintly in the dim light. He lunged for the shadow, his claws outstretched, but the creature slipped away like smoke, vanishing into the darkness.

"Coward," Zeke snarled, pacing the area where the shadow had been moments before. His golden eyes scanned the trees, but the shadow was gone.

Kava turned Arina to face him, his expression a mix of anger and concern. "Are you hurt?" he demanded, his hands gripping Arina's shoulders.

Arina shook his head, though his heart was still racing. "No, but... it knew my name. It said it knew my past."

Kava's jaw tightened. "Of course it did. That's what they do-they lure you with lies, tempt you with things you desire most."

"What... what was that thing?" Arina asked, his voice trembling.

Kava's expression darkened as he led Arina away from the clearing, Zeke following close behind. Once they were safely back at the house, Kava sat Arina down and began to speak.

"Those shadows are not from this forest," he said, his voice low. "They are remnants of something ancient and evil, creatures that invaded this place long before you or I were here. They thrive on manipulation and deceit, drawing people into the darkness with promises they can never keep."

Arina shivered, remembering the way the shadow's golden eyes had seemed to pierce through him.

"Years ago, when the forest was young and its magic was strong, the shadows first appeared. No one knew where they came from, but they brought with them destruction and despair. They lured countless souls into the darkness, never to be seen again."

Kava paused, his gaze distant. "One of those souls was a young girl, no older than you are now. She wandered into the forest, curious about the magic she had heard stories of. The shadows found her, called to her, just as they called to you today. She was naïve, trusting, and followed their voices deep into the darkness."

"What happened to her?" Arina asked, though he wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.

"They devoured her," Kava said bluntly. "Not her body, but her soul. The shadows don't just kill-they consume. They feed on light and life, leaving behind only emptiness."

Arina swallowed hard, his stomach churning. "And they're still here? In the forest?"

Kava nodded. "They can never be truly destroyed. But as long as Zeke and I are here, we will protect this forest-and you-from their influence. That's why you must never, ever follow them. Do you understand?"

Arina nodded, though his mind was still reeling. The shadows were terrifying, yes, but what unnerved him most was their knowledge of his past. Lies or not, their words had struck a chord deep within him.

Zeke growled softly, pacing near the window. "Next time I see one of those things, it won't get away," he muttered.

Kava sighed, rubbing his temples. "Let's hope there won't be a next time. For now, Arina, stay close to us. The shadows won't stop trying to lure you, especially now that they've seen you."

Arina nodded again, though a seed of doubt had already taken root in his mind. The shadows had promised him answers, and though he trusted Kava and Zeke, a part of him couldn't help but wonder if the shadows truly held the key to his forgotten past.