Behind the First Light of Dawn

Cassie sought the place the figure had mentioned—a place where memories and shadows meet. Her steps were light but filled with apprehension, each inch of ground beneath her feet seeming to pull her closer to long-hidden answers.

She reached the edge of a forest filled with towering trees, standing silent like ancient guardians. Moonlight slipped between the branches, bathing the area in a soft, mysterious glow. Cassie gazed at the scene before her and felt certain that this was the place the cloaked figure had spoken of.

She approached a small circle of stones resembling an ancient altar. In the center was a cracked mirror lying upon a rock. Cassie felt drawn to gaze into the mirror, though part of her urged her to turn away.