You don’t find the guardian of the Thornwood.

She finds you.

One moment you’re walking through the trees, following a path that seems to shift beneath your feet. The next, an arrow thuds into the trunk beside your head, and a figure drops from the branches above.

“Stop.”

She’s young—maybe a few years older than you—with wild hair braided with leaves and eyes the deep green of old forests. Her bow is already nocked with another arrow, aimed at your heart.

“No one enters the Thornwood uninvited. Speak. Why are you here?”

“I’m looking for Thornwen’s Grove. I need—”

“Thornwen’s Grove.” Her eyes narrow. “That name isn’t spoken outside these trees. How do you know it?”

“I was told. By Seraphine. In a vision.”

The arrow doesn’t waver, but something shifts in her expression. “Seraphine… the founder?”

“Yes.”

For a long moment, she’s silent. Then, slowly, she lowers the bow.

“My name is Wren. I am the last keeper of this forest. My family has guarded Thornwen’s legacy for generations—ever since the Binding took her from us.” She studies you with those ancient eyes. “You carry something. A light. I can see it.”

“The gem’s light. I was born with it.”

“Not just the gem.” Wren steps closer, peering at you as if she can see through your skin. “The founders’ light. All three of them. How is that possible?”

“I don’t know. But I need to find out. And I need Thornwen’s Seed to do it.”

Wren is quiet for a long time.

“The forest will test you,” she says finally. “Not me—the forest itself. Thornwen’s magic lives in these trees. If you’re worthy, it will guide you to the Grove. If not…” She gestures at the shadows between the trunks. “The Thornwood keeps what enters it.”

“I understand.”

“No. You don’t.” But she steps aside. “Follow the path. Or rather—let it follow you.”