It was one of those nights when the sky was so black that it seemed to be sucking in all the light around it, as if even the stars were afraid to shine. The wind howled like a hungry wolf, searching for something to devour. The air was cold and biting, making even the bravest of souls shiver uncontrollably.
In the heart of this desolate landscape, a small figure shuffled along, her arms wrapped tightly around her shoulders in a futile attempt to ward off the icy chill. She was dressed in tattered rags, her once-white dress now stained and dirty from God knows how long she had been wandering. Her long, dark hair whipped wildly around her face, obscuring it from view.
Her name was Lily, but that was all she could remember. She couldn't recall how she had ended up here, or where home was. All she knew was that she had to keep moving, to keep searching, in the hopes that she might find something - someone - who could help her.
As she trudged through the desolate landscape, her bare feet aching with every step, she caught a glimpse of a faint light flickering in the distance. Her heart leaped with hope, and she redoubled her efforts to reach it. The light grew brighter as she approached, revealing itself to be a crackling fire, its warmth beckoning to her like a beacon.
Lily drew closer, her weary body practically collapsing with relief as the heat enveloped her. Around the fire, she noticed a group of figures, their eyes gleaming with emotionless fury. They were dressed similarly to her mother, their robes embroidered with symbols of prestige and power. As she approached, they parted to make way for her, their expressions shifting from anger to curiosity and then back again.
"Who are you?" one of them demanded, her voice cold as ice. "And how did you find your way here?"
Lily looked up, meeting the woman's gaze. She was tall and regal, her hair a striking shade of silver that seemed to glow in the firelight. Even though she was old, Lily could sense an aura of power and authority emanating from her.
"My name is Lily," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the fire. "I... I don't remember how I got here. I just keep walking, hoping to find someone who can help me."
The leader of the group, an elderly woman with silver hair, cocked her head to the side. There was something about Lily's innocence and vulnerability that struck her as peculiar. Most people who stumbled upon their secretive society were either terrified or angry, but Lily seemed to feel neither emotion. She was simply confused and lost.
"Very well, Lily," the elderly woman said, her voice soft and gentle. "You have found your way to us. And now, it is our duty to help you find your way home."🔮