The forest was alive with the sounds of spring.
Sunlight poured through the swaying green canopy, scattering warm golden patches across the mossy ground. Birds chirped overhead, flitting between branches, and the wind whistled softly through the leaves.
Flowers were blooming along the narrow path, their colours vibrant against the fresh grass. Somewhere in the distance, the playful rush of a stream echoed through the trees.
Cedric's boots crunched over twigs and fallen petals as he made his way deeper into the forest. Chasing after the dark figure. The wind blew across his face as it whistled its music across his ears.
The air was fresh, scented with damp earth and wild blossoms. The quiet energy of the woods was calming but Cedric wasn't here for peace.
He spotted the figure just ahead standing at the edge of the stream, cloak loose in the breeze, face turned away. They were still, too still. Something about them stirred an old memory Cedric couldn't quite name.
