Chapter 1: chapter 1

Amelia! Amelia!" Her mother’s voice broke through her dreams, tugging her from the warmth of her sleep. "Wake up, Amy, it’s getting late!" Alexis's voice grew closer, muffled by the sound of rustling clothes. "Look outside, the weather is beautiful today. We’ve got plenty to do, so no more sleeping in. Your father’s already left for work, and here you are, still in bed!"Amelia groaned softly, burying her face in the pillow for one last moment of peace. She opened her eyes reluctantly and found her mother gathering a pile of dirty clothes. Through the small window, sunlight streamed into the room, reflecting off the snow-covered ground outside.It had been snowing for days, but today the sky was clear and bright, the kind of day that demanded activity. Amelia yawned, stretched, and finally dragged herself out of bed to freshen up.Their house was modest—a simple two-bedroom home with a dining area and a small kitchen. The toilet was outside, a chilly inconvenience in the freezing winters. But the view was a gentle poem written by the earth itself—breathtaking in its quiet beauty. Nestled on the edge of the village where the mountains began. A small stream ran near their house, its gentle gurgling a constant melody, and their front yard boasted a modest but colorful garden during the warmer months.After freshening up, Amelia joined her mother in the kitchen, where a steaming pot of oatmeal porridge awaited her. The smell of cinnamon and sugar comforted her, and she ate quickly, knowing the day ahead would be busy."Let’s get to work, Mama," Amelia said, helping her mother carry the pile of clothes to the nearby stream. The icy water numbed her hands as they scrubbed and wrung out each garment. Despite the cold, Amelia felt invigorated by the clear air and bright sun.As they worked, Amelia glanced at the forest in the distance. Snow still clung to the branches of the tall pines, and a faint mist lingered in the shadows. It looked both beautiful and mysterious."Mama," Amelia began hesitantly, "I’m going to the forest today. The weather’s good, and I might find some mushrooms or herbs to sell."Her mother looked up sharply, her brow furrowing. "The forest again? You know what people say about that place. It’s not safe, Amelia."Amelia waved her concern away. "Those are just stories, Mama. Nothing’s ever happened to me there. Besides, we could use the extra money."Alexis sighed. "Fine, but take your brother with you. I don’t want you wandering out there alone."Amelia groaned. "Mama, Adam will just slow me down! I’ll be careful, I promise."But Alexis shook her head firmly. "He goes, or you don’t. That’s final."Resigned, Amelia called for her younger brother. Adam, only eight, came running, his small boots clomping noisily across the wooden floor. "Are we going to the forest, Amy?" he asked excitedly."Yes, but you have to stay close and listen to me, okay?" she said sternly, handing him a small basket.Adam grinned, clearly thrilled to be included. "I will, I promise!"The two set off, taking the narrow path behind their house that led into the forest. The air grew colder as they ventured deeper, the sunlight dimming beneath the canopy of towering trees. The ground was still thick with snow, but patches of earth peeked through here and there, revealing frozen moss and brittle leaves."Stay close, Adam," Amelia reminded her brother as they began their search.Not long after, Adam let out a shout. "Amy! Look! Mushrooms!" He pointed to a cluster growing from the side of a fallen tree."Good job, Adam!" Amelia praised, kneeling beside him. "Let’s pick them quickly."As they worked, the forest grew unnaturally quiet. The usual sounds of birds and rustling leaves were absent, replaced by an eerie stillness. Then came the faint crunch of dry branches snapping underfoot."Did you hear that?" Adam whispered, his voice trembling slightly.Amelia glanced around, her heart beginning to race. "It’s probably just a deer," she said, trying to sound calm. "Keep picking; we’ll leave soon."But her eyes darted nervously toward the trees, scanning for movement. That’s when she saw it—a figure in the shadows, tall and still, half-hidden behind a tree trunk. She couldn’t make out the face, but something about the figure felt... off."Adam," she said softly, keeping her voice steady, "we need to go. Now."Adam obeyed without question, sensing her unease. As they hurried back toward the path, Amelia chanced a glance over her shoulder—and froze.A pair of Pale blue eyes stared back at her from above the tree branches, they glowed faintly, like ice catching the light of the moon. The figure didn’t move, but the intensity of its stare rooted her to the spot."Amelia?" Adam tugged at her hand, his voice breaking through her shock.She forced herself to look away. "Run," she whispered, gripping his hand tightly.They ran, the snow crunching beneath their boots as they made their way out of the forest. Amelia’s heart pounded in her chest, and she didn’t stop until they were back on the open trail near their home."What happened?" Adam asked, breathless and confused."Nothing," Amelia said quickly, her voice trembling. "Let’s just go home."But as they walked the final stretch, she couldn’t shake the image of those pale blue eyes. They weren’t human. She was certain of it.