Elsie's POV

I stomped through the forest, my bracelet glowing like a tiny beacon on my wrist. It had never steered me wrong before, but tonight felt... different. The air was colder, heavier, and every crackle of a twig beneath my boots made me jump. The bracelet’s light seemed to pull me forward, like it was trying to guide me somewhere.

The trees loomed overhead, their branches like skeleton fingers against the moonlight. "This better not be another wild goose chase," I muttered, clutching my cloak tightly around me. My breath fogged in the chill as I glanced at the bracelet. Its glow was steady, unbothered by my nerves.

My...