While tossing hay one quiet afternoon, I noticed two deer stepping calmly out of the woods. Instead of running away like wild animals usually do, they stood watching me. The smaller deer slowly approached the fence, its eyes fixed on mine, as though it had come with a purpose. Then it dropped a small bundle wrapped in dark cloth at my feet before turning back toward the trees.

Curious, I opened the bundle and found a weathered wooden box. Inside rested a heavy silver locket engraved with strange symbols I had never seen before. A chill ran through me as I looked up. The deer had stopped at the edge of the forest, waiting. It seemed to be inviting me to follow. Against my better judgment, I stepped into the woods behind it, unaware that the path ahead would change everything.