The Demon's Hostage

Chapter 1: Encounter

A young elven girl made her way through the forest, picking herbs that grew in its depths. Her basket, woven from reeds, hung lightly from her elbow as she carefully rearranged the contents within, making room for the plants she had gathered.

Sunlight filtered through gaps between the trees above, casting a soft beam of light across her face, illuminating her eyes with a hue of blue—a color that mirrored the sky on a clear day.

She was far too pale and thin for a girl her age. She was almost fragile. To cover herself, she wore a dress woven from gray fabric, more suited for a day in the village than foraging in the wilderness. Her studies had brought her on an adventure to seek a rare medicinal herb, yet it was never her intention to venture so deep, to a place where she was warned never to enter.

She was proud of herself, and rightfully so. Her mastery over ice magic was unparalleled, even among her elders. It was said that she was destined to become a mage of great power—at least, that's what her mother had always told her.

A cold breeze swept through the forest, gently lifting her silver hair as if the wind itself paid homage to her presence.

She took a deep breath, a smile on her face, as she gazed into her basket.

There it was, nestled among the other herbs—the Flourim Loue. This rare plant was famed for its ability to heal scars and enhance magical concoctions, a true gem for any skilled mage. Yet, Alice knew its value extended beyond her own needs. Flourim Loue was also a favored food of unicorns, creatures if not rarer than the plant itself. She had been careful, taking only what she needed, leaving enough behind to ensure the unicorns would not be deprived of their meal.

The sun began to set. The dense foliage overhead made it difficult to gauge the time of day, but Alice knew it was growing late. She'd been wandering the forest for nearly four days, sustained only by the forest's abundance. Her quick reflexes and sharp mind had kept her safe, but now, with her basket full and her mission complete, she knew it was time to return home.

Alice made her way toward a tree where she had carved a subtle marking to guide her back—a precaution to avoid getting lost in the woods. As she approached, a soft whisper escaped her lips, a habit of speaking her thoughts aloud when alone. "Hm..."

Something was wrong with the tree. The familiar markings were there, but the tree itself seemed restless. As an elf, Alice possessed a unique connection with nature, able to communicate with plants, albeit in a limited way. The tree before her, ancient and wise, seemed troubled.

She placed a gentle hand on its rough bark, closing her eyes, "Please, tell me what causes you such distress, Ancient One."

Referring to the tree as "Ancient One" was a mark of respect, especially for a tree of such age. The tree responded, its voice resonating within her subconscious, "You... must leave... this forest. There is... a presence... watching you."

Alice's eyes remained closed, yet her breath caught at the tree's warning. She looked around. Who could possibly be watching her? Her heart quickened as she realized that, for the first time since entering the forest, she was not alone.

Alice slowly withdrew her hand from the tree's bark, her senses heightened as she looked to her surroundings. The dense bushes and towering trees blocked her view in every direction.

The tree's warning lingered in her mind. She closed her eyes to concentrate.

She could feel a presence nearby...

A tall bush quivered, drawing her gaze. Her heart skipped a beat as she fixated on the movement, her breath hitching in her throat. Before she could call out, a figure emerged, standing just a few feet away.