In the quiet shadows of a small Virginia town, grief becomes a haunting companion for Athena, an only child grappling with the loss of both her parents. As she navigates the judgmental glances and whispered condolences of the townspeople, Athena seeks solace in the sanctuary of the forest, where ancient trees cradle the echoes of her sorrow.
One fateful evening, a mysterious stranger appears, his presence a soothing balm for Athena's wounded heart. Together, they share moments of vulnerability, forging a connection that transcends the ordinary boundaries of their world. In the heart of the woods, secrets unfold, and a bond is woven that defies the constraints of the human realm.
Unbeknownst to Athena, the enigmatic stranger harbors a supernatural nature, and as the moon paints silver strokes across the sky, their connection deepens. Each encounter becomes a dance between grief and resilience, a journey of self-discovery guided by the touch of an emotionally resonant bond.
In the small town's quietude, the transformative night unfolds, and as dawn breaks, Athena awakens with a newfound strength. The mysterious stranger becomes a guardian spirit in her dreams, and with the promise of a new day, Athena embarks on a captivating journey-one where love, loss, and the extraordinary intertwine.
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.
*****
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]]