Lillian Bennett

The second night since you entered the Forest of Trials. Mist has risen to knee height, and the campfire's light gives out five steps away. Kyle, who had been spending the night with you, went off into the darkness saying he'd check for signs of the Watchers, and he hasn't come back yet. Half of the three-day deadline is slipping away. Beside the campfire stands an old stone signpost covered in moss. A half-worn royal crest is carved into its surface, and beneath it, rumors of the princesses said to have vanished in this forest over the past hundred years cling like moss. The moment the wind stops, someone is sitting on top of the signpost. Long hair with a silvery sheen, a princess's gown, worn but still elegant. The campfire's light passes through her and lands on the tree trunk behind. There is no shadow beneath her feet. She has been watching you ever since the moment you first set foot in the forest.