In the enchanting town of Rose Lake, nestled deep within a mysterious and impenetrable forest, lies a secret that only a few fortunate souls are privy to. Within its boundaries, supernatural beings coexist with the unsuspecting human world, hidden beneath a veil of enchantment. French architecture adorns the quaint streets, adding a touch of old-world charm to this extraordinary place.
After a decade of living with her father, Zephyr returns to her childhood home in Rose Lake, yearning to reconnect with her roots and the memories of a bygone era. As she steps foot onto the familiar cobblestone streets, a sense of nostalgia washes over her, and she eagerly seeks out her childhood friends, hoping to recapture the bonds they once shared.
Yet, as Zephyr settles back into the embrace of her beloved town, she realizes that strange occurrences plague her return. Mysterious happenings, as if tied to her very presence, unfold with an unsettling intensity. Shadows dance eerily, whispers echo through the night, and unexplained phenomena weave a web of uncertainty around her.
With each passing day, Zephyr unearths fragments of a forgotten family legacy. Buried deep within her bloodline lies a connection to a powerful spirit who has sworn to protect Rose Lake from all malevolent forces. Now, as the weight of her heritage descends upon her, Zephyr must embrace her newfound destiny and rise to the challenge of safeguarding her cherished home from a growing evil that lurks within its shadows.
As Zephyr delves into the depths of her own supernatural abilities, she uncovers long-buried secrets and uncanny alliances. Together with her childhood friends, each possessing their own unique gifts, she embarks on a perilous journey to unveil the source of the encroaching darkness. In a race against time, they must decipher cryptic prophecies, navigate treacherous paths, and confront their deepest fears.
Ella is falling apart trying to live a "perfect" high school life. Then she meets Ren, who can see past her scars. Suddenly perfection isn't her only option.
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Ella Volkov is a gifted music student, but she's depressed and starting to crack under the pressure of high school. Her overbearing father won't even let her choose what instrument she plays. Then she finds herself alone at a party with Ren, her best friend's crush. She'd always thought he was rude, but after that night he's all Ella can think about. Now she's trapped. If Ella dates Ren, it will ruin her friendship with Jenny. But if she stays true to Jenny, she's losing the one person who can see past her scars. It's up to Ella to decide if she will forge her own path, or stay in the "perfect" box designed for her...
Content and/or Trigger Warning: depression, anxiety, self-harm, violence, sexual assault.
[[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]