OH Chapter 7
Chapter 7: The First Trial of the Guardian The palace grew quiet. Tom stood still. The words of Queen Lara echoed in his mind. “Because you always are.” He did not fully understand. But he felt something change inside him. “You must begin,” Queen Lara said gently. “The forest is already calling.” Qia Janami raised her hand. A path of light appeared before them. It led deep into the forest. “Follow it,” she said. “But be careful.” Tom nodded. “I will.” Howley Owl flew beside him. Bella walked close behind. The light slowly faded as they entered the forest again. At first, everything seemed normal. The trees stood tall. The wind moved softly. But after a while… Something felt wrong. “Howley,” Tom whispered, “do you feel that?” Howley’s wings tightened. “Yes,” he said. “The forest is too quiet.” Bella stopped walking. Her ears lifted. “There should be sounds,” she said. “Birds. Leaves. Life.” But there was nothing. No sound. No movement. Tom stepped forward carefully. The ground beneath h...