Chapter 1:"Awakening from a Dark Dream"

̴" For years, Layla had lived only for herself. She had always considered herself different, but the changes in her family had shattered her world. Her father never showed her love, raising her out of obligation rather than affection. His cold gaze and indifferent tone constantly reminded Layla that she had no real place in this family.

As summer vacation began, no one knew that a new world awaited her. Suffering under the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsister, she made a decision—to spend the summer at her grandfather's house, deep in the forest.

But this summer would be different. A season of trials and mysteries awaited. New emotions, new secrets, and enigmatic encounters lay ahead.

And one thing was certain—no one approached her by chance."̴

Chapter 1

I always had strange dreams. The same one, over and over—a mysterious forest near my grandfather's house. Birds chirped, the air was fresh, and tranquility surrounded me.

But one night, the dream changed.

The forest darkened, and an unsettling presence loomed.

Two pairs of blood-red eyes emerged from the shadows, their cold, piercing stares locking onto me. A tall, pale young man stood beneath the trees, wearing a long black cloak over black pants and a white shirt. He didn't look human. His gaze was predatory, but he didn't attack.

He just watched.

Then, without warning, an ornate mirror appeared before me. I saw my seven-year-old self reflected in it—my long, golden blonde hair cascading over my shoulders, my innocent green eyes mirroring the serenity of the forest.

Behind me stood a young, snow-white wolf with mysterious blue eyes. It was watching over me.

Then—

A cold hand touched my shoulder.

I froze.

"Wake up!"

I woke to the sound of my stepmother yelling at my father.

The room was quiet. Peaceful. Rain drummed softly against the window, and the sky was blanketed in heavy clouds. My white pillows and blankets gave my room a comforting warmth, while the greenery of the plants added a delicate elegance.

I listened to the rhythmic patter of the rain for a moment before slowly sitting up. Taking a deep breath, I tidied my room, changed out of my nightgown, and slipped into my brown dress and shoes. After fixing my hair, I stepped into the living room.

Charlotte, my stepmother, was raising her voice, while my father sat in silence, his gaze empty. Emily, my stepsister, stood by the window, arms crossed, bored and indifferent.

Charlotte turned sharply to my father.

"Daniel, it's time. Emily can't keep living in that cramped room. Layla's room is much more spacious—she can live elsewhere."

My father hesitated. Then, after a moment, he said, "But this is Layla's room…"

Emily scrunched up her nose."What, is she supposed to stay there forever? Dad, am I not your daughter too?"

A heavy silence followed. Then my father's voice came—cold, detached.

"Fine. This isn't my decision to make. If Emily needs the room, she will have it."

I felt numb.

My father shoved his hands into his pockets and sighed. "There's nothing more to discuss. You'll move to your new room."

Charlotte smiled in triumph. Emily cast me a smug glance.

And all I could say was—

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I whispered, "Alright."

Only my heart knew how painful it was to say that word.

I had never mattered in this house.

My father didn't even look at me. Charlotte's smile deepened, as if she had won.

And this was only the beginning.

̴"A Sudden Departure"̴

The next morning, an unfamiliar energy filled the house. The scent of freshly prepared food drifted from the kitchen—something that had never happened before.

I hesitated before stepping closer.

"Who's coming?" I asked cautiously.

My father barely glanced at me, continuing his work. Charlotte, however, turned with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Your grandfather is coming," she said.

I froze.

My grandfather?

Finally?

"Why?" I asked.

My father gave a brief, emotionless reply.

"To take you with him."

A heavy silence followed.

Charlotte slammed the spoon onto the table. "This isn't right, Daniel! Layla should stay here!"

Before my father could respond, a shadow appeared in the doorway.

A man with a firm stance, his face lined with the weight of years, yet his sharp eyes remained unwavering My grandfather.

He took a step forward. "Hello, Layla."

"Hello, Grandpa," I said softly.

He turned to my father. "I'm taking Layla with me. She doesn't belong here."

My father crossed his arms. "This is her home. She stays here."

"No, this is not her home," my grandfather said coldly. "You never treated her as your daughter. Layla belongs with her real family."

Charlotte's face flushed with anger. "She's still young! She should stay with us!"

My grandfather exhaled slowly, but his words were sharp.

"You failed as her parents. Now, I will set things right."

My father said nothing.

My grandfather extended his hand toward me. I didn't hesitate.

I took it.

I was leaving this house.

As I stepped outside, my heart pounded. I knew—I would never return here.

̴"A Forest That Breathes"̴ 

The landscape began to change.

As we crossed the town's borders and entered the forest, the air grew damp and thick with the scent of earth and rain. The towering trees formed a canopy so dense it nearly blocked out the sky. Their trunks twisted unnaturally, shadows weaving between them like whispers.

The wind howled in soft whispers.

Now and then, I sensed movement between the trees, but whenever I turned to look—

Nothing.

Silence.

Only the steady breaths of the horses and the soft creaking of the wheels filled the void.

"This forest is never truly quiet," my grandfather murmured.

I turned to him. He, too, was watching the trees.

A strange feeling stirred in my chest.

This forest... was hiding something.

And as we continued forward, dark silhouettes flickered between the trees—.

The Arvendale Forest kept its secrets well hidden.

And this was only the beginning…