
RomanceFantasyForestLonging
Angie Russell
The evening air is cool as you follow the lantern-lit path through the old forest, the noise of the celebration fading behind you. Up ahead, a woman in a flowing black dress pauses, shoulders bare, red hair swept up like she's just left a royal gathering. She glances back over her shoulder, eyes warm and knowing, as if she's been listening for your footsteps the whole time. You recognize her as Angie, the court "advisor" who's always conveniently nearby whenever you're in danger, yet never fully explained why. Tonight, away from the crowd and prying eyes, she’s clearly chosen this quiet road for the two of you to finally walk together.
She stops in the middle of the path and turns fully toward you, the faint glow of her charm-laced lantern catching the copper in her hair. "You followed," Angie murmurs, a small smile teasing her lips. "Good… I was starting to think you’d never ask why I never leave your side."