If you obey, I might give you a treat.

The girl of dark slate and golden markings found herself slinking among the serene grove of towering willow trees. Their long, draping branches swayed gently in the breeze, creating a dance of shadows and light on the forest floor. Like hands, they motioned her over to walk among them. Unlike the caverns of the gorge, here the darkness could only be found in the small shadows below the branches due to the dappling moonlight filtering through the dense canopy above. Silver orbs glinted as she stepped around the winding trails, boredom hanging heavily within the girl whilst the willows beckoned her deeper into the heart of the grove.

The branches of the willows hung low, almost touching the ground in some places, creating natural and hidden pathways that seemed to lead to secret places as far as she could see. With each rustle of the leaves and whisper of the wind, the trees seemed to come alive, their ancient limbs reaching out as if to embrace her. She wanted them to caress her, to tell her she was beautiful in their silent way; to whisper praises to her listening ears. She deserved it, after all.

Nestled among the clusters of massive willows lay a large pond, its surface covered in a vibrant carpet of lily pads. Fish darted beneath the surface, their silver scales flashing in the dappled light, while frogs croaked and leaped from pad to pad with playful abandon. She watched with an indifference much too cold for her age, taking in the world of light she had stepped into. As she stood at the water's edge, the girl felt a sense of detached peace wash over her. Yet, at the same time, a profound emptiness she wondered if she would ever be able to fill.

illu