>>96229268
>>96227805
Cont:
Eventually, her stroll for herbs lasted longer than expected, as she needed to find a specific plant growing deeper in the woods. At one point, she heard rustling in the shrubs, but brushed it off as the usual stirrings of local wildlife. Yet as the sound lingered, a subtle, deliberate movement rather than a passing breeze. Something primal tugged at her instincts. She couldn’t shake the feeling that eyes were following her through the shadows. She hoped it was one of Röst's kin, as she was utterly unprepared for anything unexpected.

Then it happened. The shrubs exploded with motion as a bandit lunged out, wielding a crude wooden club. He was terrifyingly close, and the attack came so fast, her voice caught before she could scream. A sharp gasp, a flash of movement, and then...
Everything vanished into darkness.