💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

THE UNSPOKEN BONDS

💗CH-4💗

Magnus, Clary, and Simon had been living in Aetheria for a very long time, but the Aetherian Forest was a place they hadn't yet fully explored. The forest was known for its ancient magic, deep wisdom, and a serenity that was hard to find elsewhere in the realm. The three decided it was time to take a proper trip into the heart of the forest, not just to see it but to experience the magic it held.

As they entered the forest, the first thing they noticed was how the air changed. It became cooler, with a refreshing breeze that smelled of damp earth, pine, and something else-something like the scent of magic itself. The towering trees above them had bark that shimmered with faint silver veins, their leaves glowing softly in the dappled light of the forest floor.

Magnus led the way, his fae senses attuned to the magic surrounding them. He could feel the hum of energy running through the forest like a living heartbeat. Clary followed close behind, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the beauty of the towering trees and the strange, glowing flora that dotted their path. Simon trailed behind, more cautious, still adjusting to the overwhelming sensation of magic that clung to the forest.

"This place feels alive," Clary whispered, her voice almost reverent. She reached out to touch the bark of one of the trees, running her fingers over its smooth, cool surface.

Magnus nodded, glancing around as if he could see the pulse of magic in the air. "That's because it is. The trees here are ancient-older than Aetheria kingdom itself, some say. They hold the memory of everything that's ever happened in this forest. They've seen countless visitors, many of whom never truly understood the power they were in the presence of."

Simon, still a little uneasy, kicked at a rock. "Yeah, well, I just hope none of those memories involve people getting lost forever in here."

Magnus chuckled softly. "Don't worry. As long as you respect the forest, it will guide you, not trick you. It's when people come in with ill intentions that the paths start to twist and turn."

Clary, intrigued, moved ahead and paused by a cluster of glowing flowers. Their petals were a soft lavender, glowing faintly in the shade of the towering trees. She knelt down, touching one carefully. "I've never seen anything like this. It's like everything here has magic running through it."

"They do," Magnus said, stepping beside her. "These plants are infused with the magic of the forest. Everything here thrives on it. These flowers, in particular, are known for their healing properties. You can crush them into a paste and use them to heal wounds."

Clary smiled, carefully picking a few of the flowers and tucking them into her bag. "Good to know. Who knows when we'll need a little extra magic."

They continued walking, the forest deepening around them. The canopy above was so thick in places that only slivers of sunlight managed to break through, casting patches of golden light on the forest floor. The quiet here was different-alive, but peaceful, like the forest was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.

Eventually, they reached a small stream that wound its way through the forest, its water crystal clear and shimmering with tiny specks of light. It looked as though the water itself was infused with magic, and the sound of it gently flowing over rocks was calming, like a lullaby.

Magnus knelt by the stream, dipping his fingers into the water. "This stream is said to have healing properties as well. The magic here runs deep and pure, untouched by the outside world."

Simon, more relaxed now, sat on a nearby rock and dipped his hand into the cool water. "It feels different-like there's something extra in the water. It's not just water, is it?"