Darkness had long since covered the rooftops of the city when Lena and Michael crossed the gate of the Emerald Forest. It was no ordinary night - the air trembled with the quiet whispering of the leaves, as if the trees were having their own conversation above their heads. The ghostly light was accompanied by cloudy stars that reflected in puddles on the forest path. Lena, dressed in a warm cloak, clutched in her hand an old silver amulet that supposedly protected against the dangers of the trek. Michael was less cautious. He simply walked ahead, with a cigarette in his teeth and a growing excitement under his skin. They enjoyed such challenges - illegal walks in unfamiliar territory, the limits of reason and imagination. But this evening, everything was going to be different. Lena felt it from the first moment their torch flicked on and tiny blue sparks flashed around them. The deeper they plunged into the forest, the more unnatural the light became. Shadows took shape and the sounds became more and more melodic, as if someone was playing a harp hidden among the branches. Although it was already June, there was a barely perceptible chill and dampness all around. They stopped talking - they fell silent, listening to the melody swirling around. Lena still had the feeling that something was watching them from behind the swirling roots and mossy stones. Suddenly, they encountered something on their path that neither of them expected. There was a light flickering on the left side of the path, strangely familiar and alien at the same time. Michal cast a communicative glance at Lena. Wordlessly, they left the path, trudging through the wet grass. After a while, they found themselves in a small clearing where a single tree was growing. Its branches were twisted and powerful, and tiny, shining points sprouted from its bark - it looked as if the tree itself was alive with light. Under the tree, someone was standing. The figure was tall, wearing a dark cloak with a wide hood. It was impossible to see the face, but her hand was extended towards them. Lena felt her amulet begin to vibrate. The air vibrated around her, the wind wheezed, bringing with it the smell of ozone and something else - a hint of burnt leaves and incense. Michael took a step forward. - Who are you? - He asked quietly, though his voice trembled. The figure did not answer. Instead, it raised its other hand slowly. A bundle of green flames appeared within it, dancing to the rhythm of the melody coming from the trees. In that moment, time slowed down. Each second was like a separate thought. Lena felt something draw her towards the tree, and her amulet grew warmer and warmer. Michael stood still, gazing into the flames. The air thickened with magic, and swirling, colourful sparks began to rise above the clearing. Would they have enough courage to come closer? Would they recognise what was really going on in the Emerald Forest? Everything hung in the air as Lena and Michael stood facing the unfamiliar figure, feeling that everything they had known up to that point was about to change.