The one who watches

The silver-cloaked figure did not move.

They stood just beyond the tree line, their face hidden beneath a hood that caught the moonlight like polished steel.

April's pulse roared in her ears. She told herself to look away, to shut the window and call for Eldric — but her feet refused to obey. Something in the air… pulled her forward.

The wind grew still. Even the fire pit outside had gone cold.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice steadier than she felt.

The figure tilted their head, studying her. No answer.

"You've been watching me."

Still silence. Then…

"I've been waiting," they said at last, their voice low, almost melodic — and yet it carried a weight that pressed against her ribs. "Sixteen years."

April's brows knit. "For what?"

The hood shifted, and she caught a glimpse — just a glimpse — of eyes that shimmered silver, like liquid moonlight.

"For the flame to wake."

Her skin prickled. "You've got the wrong person."

"No," the figure said simply. "I have the only person."

The wind surged suddenly, rattling the wooden shutters. April's candle snuffed out.

Then —

From the figure's gloved hand, a small disc of glass caught the moonlight. She recognized it instantly.

The Mirror from her dreams.

Her breath caught. "How—"

"You've seen it," the stranger cut in. "That means you've felt her. The woman in flame."

April took an involuntary step forward. "Who is she?"

The figure lowered their voice until it was almost a whisper.

"Your mother."

April froze.

Before she could speak, the wind twisted violently, carrying with it the faint sound of hooves pounding against the dirt — fast, urgent. Torches flared in the distance.

The figure's head turned sharply toward the light. "Too soon," they muttered.

Then, they threw the glass disc toward April. She caught it instinctively — and the moment her fingers closed around it, heat surged up her arm like molten gold.

"Find the Fire Gate," the stranger hissed. "Before they do."

"Who are they—?"

But the words were swallowed by the night, because when April blinked… the figure was gone.

Only the cold wind remained. And the Mirror in her palm burned like it was alive.

🌒 Quote Teaser

"When the hunters arrive, the prey must decide — run, or set the forest on fire."