Twilight of Shadow Weaver

1.The Dawn of Shadows

Chapter One: The Dawn of Shadows

The morning of Helen Scarlett's twenty-first birthday dawned unusually vibrant, with the sun casting long shadows that danced on the ground as if aware of the day’s significance. She woke to the familiar scent of pine and earth, the smells of Greywood, her sleepy hometown nestled on the edge of a vast, ancient forest. Today was the day everything would change, though she had yet to realize the extent of her destiny.

Helen rolled out of bed, her feet sinking into the soft, worn rug by her bedside. She glanced at the clock—7:00 AM. The town would be waking soon, the streets filling with the quiet bustle of people going about their day. Yet, an inexplicable restlessness gnawed at her, a sense of anticipation she couldn’t shake.

“Hera’s probably already up,” Helen muttered, smiling at the thought of her best friend. Hera Wynters was an early riser, her fiery spirit as constant as the dawn. They had plans to spend the day together, celebrating with a picnic by the lake, their favorite spot since childhood.

Dressed and ready, Helen headed downstairs. The house was quiet, her parents already at work in the local diner. A note on the kitchen table, written in her mother’s neat script, wished her a happy birthday and promised a special dinner that evening. Helen felt a pang of longing for the simplicity of past birthdays, but she quickly shook it off. Today, she was determined to embrace whatever the day brought.

Stepping outside, Helen breathed in the crisp morning air, the faint scent of blooming flowers mixing with the earthy aroma of the forest. She made her way to Hera’s house, just a short walk away. As she approached, she could hear the soft strains of music and the sound of laughter.

“Helen!” Hera called out, waving enthusiastically from the porch. She was dressed in a vibrant red dress that matched her spirited personality, her long, dark hair cascading in waves over her shoulders. Beside her, Michael stood, his calm presence a comforting contrast to Hera’s energy.

“Happy birthday!” Hera exclaimed, pulling Helen into a tight hug. “Ready for our adventure?”

Helen laughed, the earlier restlessness easing in the warmth of her friends’ company. “Absolutely. Let’s make it a day to remember.”

The three of them set off towards the lake, the path winding through the forest. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the ground. As they walked, Helen couldn’t shake the feeling that the forest was more alive than usual, the shadows seeming to pulse with an unseen energy.

When they reached the lake, the water sparkled under the sun, the surface calm and inviting. They spread out a blanket and settled down, unpacking the picnic basket Hera had prepared. As they ate and chatted, the tension Helen had felt earlier began to fade, replaced by a sense of contentment.

“Helen,” Michael said suddenly, his gaze serious. “Have you felt anything strange today? Any… changes?”

Helen frowned, the question catching her off guard. “I don’t know. Maybe? I’ve been feeling a bit restless, like something’s about to happen.”

Hera exchanged a look with Michael, her expression unreadable. “There’s something we need to tell you,” she began slowly. “Something we’ve been waiting for the right moment to share.”

Before Helen could respond, the sky darkened abruptly, the sun obscured by thick, swirling clouds. A chill ran down her spine as the air grew heavy with tension. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the forest—a tall, imposing woman with eyes like liquid silver.

~ Tales From The Moon