I Wish...

A New Light

As they turned, the path shifted beneath their feet. The forest grew darker, the trees seeming to close in as if the world itself resisted their departure. A sharp, unnatural wind howled through the branches, carrying with it a low, guttural growl. Jenna stopped mid-step, gripping Samara's arm tightly.

"Don't tell me the shadows changed their mind," Jenna muttered.

Samara's eyes darted around the clearing, her pulse quickening. "No... this is something else."

Before they could react, another shadow materialized in their path, larger and more menacing than the ones before. Its form was more defined, with jagged edges and a swirling mass of dark energy in its chest. Unlike the others, it radiated malevolence, its hollow eyes fixed on them with a predatory hunger.

"It's not just angry," Samara whispered, her voice tight with fear. "It's feeding on the magic... and it's stronger."

Jenna took a step forward, surprising both herself and Samara. "We're not doing this again," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the tension in her shoulders. "If it wants a fight, we'll give it one."

Samara grabbed Jenna's arm, panic flashing in her eyes. "Jenna, you can't—"

But Jenna pulled free, her gaze locked on the shadow. She clenched her fists, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. It wasn't fear or anger—it was something deeper, something fierce and protective. Without fully understanding why, she stepped between Samara and the shadow.

The shadow lunged, its jagged form slicing through the air. Jenna raised her hands instinctively, and to her astonishment, a burst of light erupted from her palms. It wasn't blinding, but it was warm and pure, cutting through the shadow like a blade. The creature recoiled with an ear-piercing screech, its form flickering and fraying at the edges.

"What—what was that?" Jenna stammered, staring at her hands in disbelief.

Samara's eyes widened. "Jenna... you can fight them. You have light too."

The shadow hesitated, its movements slower now, as if uncertain. Jenna's shock gave way to determination. She stepped forward again, raising her hands as the light flared brighter. "I don't know what you are," she said, her voice steady, "but you don't get to control us. Not anymore."

With another burst of light, the shadow dissolved, its screech fading into the night. The oppressive weight lifted, and the clearing returned to an eerie stillness.

Jenna turned to Samara, her breathing ragged. "What just happened?"

Samara's mind raced. "The light... it's not just me. It's you too. Maybe it's not about the wishes I made—it's about the strength we have to undo them."

Jenna managed a weak smile, though her hands still trembled. "Well, at least we know I'm not completely useless."

Samara placed a hand on her shoulder, her expression serious. "You're not useless, Jenna. You're powerful. And if we're going to stop this, we'll need that strength."

The path ahead was still dark and foreboding, but now, it felt less impossible. With Jenna's newfound ability and Samara's resolve, they knew they had a fighting chance. Together, they set their sights on the well's dark history, prepared to face whatever shadows awaited them in the depths.

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The dense forest finally began to thin, the oppressive darkness giving way to a dimly lit glade. At its center stood Caden, leaning against an ancient oak tree. His silhouette was sharp against the faint, silvery light filtering through the canopy. He looked up as Samara and Jenna approached, his expression unreadable, but his piercing gaze seemed to analyze every detail.