In a quiet town called Eldridge, there was a legend about a shadow that whispered in the dark. The townsfolk whispered about it in hushed voices, warning children to never wander alone at night. However, curiosity often got the better of young minds, and one such mind belonged to a girl named Lily.

Lily was thirteen and loved adventures. Unlike her friends, who were afraid of the shadow, she was intrigued. She had heard stories about how the shadow would visit the lonely and the curious. It promised answers to questions that had long gone unasked. One evening, while her friends gathered to play games, Lily decided to explore the woods behind her house.

The woods were dark and thick, filled with ancient trees that whispered secrets of their own. The sun had just set, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves. Lily’s heart raced with excitement and fear. She took a deep breath and stepped into the shadows.

As she walked deeper into the woods, she felt the temperature drop. The air turned dense and electric. Suddenly, she heard a soft whisper, like a gentle breeze tickling her ear. “Lily,” it called, a smooth voice wrapped in mystery. She stopped in her tracks, her breath caught in her throat.

“Who’s there?” Lily asked, trying to sound brave.

The shadow flickered between the...