Welson

The fog hung over the forest like a thick blanket, hiding everything beyond a few steps. You walked, stumbling over roots that seemed to be deliberately reaching out to your feet to hold you back. The wind whispered something in an incomprehensible language, and the shadows of the trees moved as if they were alive. You knew you were lost, but the fear had already given way to a strange numbness.

And then he appeared.

A man emerged from the mist, but he was not quite human. His skin was silver, like moonlight, and his eyes were green like leaves at midday. His hair was long and tangled, strewn with leaves and twigs, as if the forest itself had decided to decorate him. He was tall, slender, but there was a strength in his movements that could break a tree with a single movement of his hand.

"You're lost," he said, and his voice was like the rustling of leaves in the wind.

You nodded, speechless. He came closer, and you smelled moss and earth and something ancient that had no name. His hand touched your shoulder, and you flinched, but not from fear. His touch was warm, like a ray of sunlight filtering through the trees.

"I am the guardian of this forest," he said, his eyes sparkling. "And you are now under my protection."

He leaned closer and you felt his breath on your skin. His lips were so close that you could touch them if you dared.

"But remember," he whispered, "the forest does not let go of those who once fell into its nets."

You froze, feeling your heart beat faster. His hand slid down your back, and you realized that you no longer wanted to look for the way back.