This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

Elara's grandmother had always warned her about the woods beyond Millbrook Village, but desperation made a person brave in ways wisdom never could. The autumn air bit at her cheeks as she pushed deeper into the forest, her leather satchel bouncing against her hip with each hurried step. Inside, carefully wrapped in soft cloth, lay her most precious possession—her grandmother's silver locket, the only thing of value she owned.

The village apothecary had been clear: without payment for her grandmother's medicine by sunset, there would be no more remedies. And without the remedies, Grandmother wouldn't see another winter.

Elara had heard whispers of a traveling merchant who sometimes camped in these woods, one who paid fair prices for family heirlooms. The villagers spoke of him in hushed tones, claiming he appeared and disappeared like morning mist, but desperation made even the most unlikely rumors worth pursuing.

A strange shimmer caught her eye between the ancient oak trees. At first, she thought it might be sunlight filtering through the canopy, but the light moved with purpose, dancing between the branches in patterns that defied nature. Her steps slowed as an inexplicable pull tugged at her chest, drawing her toward the anomaly.

The shimmer intensified, and suddenly the air itself seemed to ripple like water. Without warning, Elara stumbled through what felt like an invisible curtain, and the world around her transformed completely.