In the Shadows

Chapter 01

The morning air carried a crisp chill as the pale sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, painting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.  At the edge of the forest stood a village. In that village was Xiao Zhan, a seventeen-year-old boy who possessed a rare beauty that seemed to radiate from within. With his delicate frame, long black hair flowing down to his middle back, and porcelain-like complexion, he captivated the eyes of those who beheld him. His rosy cheeks and lips, full and red, brought warmth and vitality to his delicate features. And beneath his lips, a solitary black mole added a touch of charm.

Living with him in their humble abode were his family—his father Fengmian, the village healer, his bratty but caring older brother Wanjin, and his sister Yanli, who had taken on the role of a mother figure since their own had passed away. Their small home nestled on the outskirts of the village, its only neighbor being the looming darkness of the forest.

Xiao Zhan, despite being blind from birth, possessed an intimate knowledge of the edge of the forest. It was a place he frequented, fearlessly venturing into the labyrinth of trees to gather herbs for his father's healing remedies. The villagers whispered tales of terrifying creatures that lurked within the forest's depths, especially after nightfall. According to their superstitions, anyone caught inside the forest after sunset was doomed to face a gruesome fate. But Xiao Zhan paid no heed to these stories, for he had learned to navigate the forest's edge with ease, relying on his other heightened senses to guide him.

On one cold morning, Fengmian, concerned for Yanli's worsening health, called upon Xiao Zhan to fetch the necessary herbs for a tonic. Wanjin, ever mischievous, couldn't resist teasing his younger brother about the forest's mysterious inhabitants. "Be careful of those scary beasts, Zhan. They might mistake you for a snack," he jokingly cautioned, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern.

Xiao Zhan's radiant smile lit up his face as he replied, "You know me, Wanjin. I'm not easily frightened."

Yanli, weakened by illness and confined to her bed, coughed from the nearby room. Alarmed, Xiao Zhan hurried to her side, his steps gentle and sure. Placing a comforting hand on her forehead, he vowed, "I'll gather the herbs quickly, Yanli. Father will brew a tonic, and you'll be well again soon."

Yanli managed a feeble smile and playfully flicked Xiao Zhan's nose, a tender gesture they shared since he was a baby. It was a simple act that conveyed the depth of their bond and brought solace to them both. Clutching his cloak tightly, Xiao Zhan prepared to embark on his journey into the cold and mysterious forest.

Wanjin's teasing demeanor softened, revealing his genuine concern. "Take care, little brother. We worry about you," he said, his voice tinged with affection for his family.

With a reassuring nod, Xiao Zhan gathered his basket that was ready to hold the precious herbs. His father had taught him to recognize plants by scent and texture, skills that compensated for his lack of sight. Guided by nature's aromatic symphony and the delicate textures beneath his fingertips, he stepped further into the forest's embrace.

The whispers of the forest enveloped Xiao Zhan, a melodic blend of rustling leaves and distant bird songs. He remained oblivious to the villagers' fears and superstitions—the tales of nameless creatures and the treacherous maze that lay hidden within the forest's depths. Deep in his heart, he held an unwavering belief that the forest held only beauty and healing.

As Xiao Zhan disappeared into the shadows of the forest, the villagers watched, their expressions filled with admiration and apprehension. They marveled at his courage and indomitable spirit yet feared what dangers he might encounter within the mysterious depths, especially since he was sightless.

As the day progressed, Xiao Zhan delved deeper into the forest, diligently gathering an assortment of herbs to replenish his father's pantry. The basket grew heavy with the weight of nature's treasures, including the much-needed remedies for Yanli's ailment. Fatigue settled upon him; a consequence of the sleepless night spent attending to his sister's needs. Seeking solace and a moment's respite, he sought refuge beneath the protective shade of a towering tree.

The dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, lulling Xiao Zhan into a deep slumber. Time slipped away unnoticed, and when he finally stirred awake, a sense of urgency gripped his heart. The vibrant hues of daylight had surrendered to the twilight's embrace, and the chorus of nocturnal creatures grew louder, announcing the arrival of night.

Realizing his predicament, Xiao Zhan's pulse quickened with a mix of panic and determination. He had to return home swiftly, for the villagers' tales of the dangers lurking within the forest after sunset echoed in his mind. Yet, just as he prepared to retrace his steps, a haunting melody reached his ears—an enchanting symphony that whispered through the trees, captivating his senses, and igniting an insatiable curiosity.

Intrigued and unable to resist the allure of the mysterious music, Xiao Zhan turned his head, yearning to uncover its source. Guided by the delicate notes that floated through the air, he embarked on an unexpected journey deeper into the heart of the forest. Each step was cautious, yet fueled by an indomitable spirit, as he followed the ethereal trail of melodies that beckoned him onward.

The forest seemed to come alive around him, its shadows swirling in an enigmatic dance. Xiao Zhan pressed forward, unwavering in his pursuit, his trust in his heightened senses serving as his guiding light through the unfamiliar terrain. The melodies grew stronger, resonating deep within his soul. And then just like it had started, it suddenly came to a halt.

The sudden absence of music snapped Xiao Zhan back to reality, reminding him of the pressing need to find his way out of the forest. But in his disoriented state, he had unwittingly strayed further from the familiar path. The nocturnal sounds intensified, their eerie chorus surrounding him as a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked in the darkness.

With a racing heart, Xiao Zhan sprinted through the dense undergrowth, desperate to escape the labyrinthine forest. But his haste proved costly as he tripped over a hidden tree root, crashing to the ground. Pain shot through his leg as the sharp root sliced his skin, leaving a deep, bleeding gash. Crying out in agony, his carefully gathered herbs scattered in disarray.

Clutching his wounded leg, tears threatened to spill from Xiao Zhan's eyes. The forest's gloom seemed to deepen, exacerbating his sense of helplessness. Unbeknownst to him, a pack of wolves, drawn by his distress, emerged from the shadows, their watchful eyes fixated on the injured boy.

Silently, the wolves encircled Xiao Zhan, their presence imposing yet strangely comforting. The alpha, a magnificent creature with a fiery orange coat, approached him and gently nudged his injured leg. Startled, Xiao Zhan paused, his fear giving way to curiosity. He whispered, "Please help me. My name is Xiao Zhan. I'm lost and hurt. I need to get back home. I need to take these herbs to heal my sister. I'm blind and don't know where I am. Please."

Responding to his plea, the wolves communicated among themselves through a language only they understood. Their decision was unanimous—to aid the young blind boy in his time of need. With a renewed sense of purpose, they encircled Xiao Zhan, nudging him forward, urging him to rise.

Trembling but resolute, Xiao Zhan found the strength to stand, leaning on the support offered by the wolves. Though fear still lingered, he sensed a glimmer of trust blossoming within him. The wolves, once daunting and mysterious, now radiated a protective aura, guiding him through the darkness.

Together, they embarked on a silent journey, with the wolves leading the way and Xiao Zhan following their every step. His injured leg protested, but his determination overshadowed the pain. Step by step, they weaved through the forest, illuminated by the moon's gentle glow.