The Silent Echo

attic. His hair, dark and slightly tousled, fell just above his brow, and his gaze-intense and unwavering-seemed to pierce stra

re force in her voice, though she could barely ma

He was dressed in dark clothing, worn but practical, as though he had been traveling for some time. But it wasn't his appearance that unset

steady, with an accent that Lena couldn't pla

e of how to react. "Help me? Wha

f his lips twitching ever so sligh

er felt more confused, more vulnerable. A stranger had just walked into her g

ying to grasp the gravity of the situation. "How

elp you unlock your true potential, Lena. Your grandmother-she was a part of

er told me any of this. She never mentio

ep back. His presence was overwhelming, like the calm before a storm. "Your grandmother was one of the last members of the Everwood

erwood Order?" She shook her head, disbelief still heavy

his coat and pulled out a worn, leather-bound book-one that seemed to

rything. Your grandmother left this for you. It contains

ull of its words, its strange language that seemed to come alive as she read. But now, holding

of energy coursed through her, just like before when she had touched the pendant. This time, however, the

ou'll need it. The time has come

t warm against her skin, as if it had been waiting for her all this time. She opened it cautiousl

"Why is this happening to me? What is this 'order' you'r

orces of darkness that exist beyond our realm. These forces-ancient, powerful-they've always been there, lying in wait. The Everwood family has been tasked wit

t... I'm just an ordinary woman. I'm not a warrio

tand it now, but you will. You have power, Lena. The same power your grand

felt like she had always known this, like this was a part of her that had been dormant-waiting to be awakened. But she had

this," she whispered, feeling

care whether you're ready or not. It's coming. And you have a role to play

int glow from its surface seemed to call to her, urging her to make a

finally, her voice stronger now. "But I do

ving smile crossing his fac