**Gabe's POV**
The forest seemed alive, its towering trees arching overhead like a natural cathedral. Their leaves were a rich, dark green, rustling softly in the cool night breeze. Evelina and I had been walking for a considerable amount of time, the moonlight barely filtering through the dense canopy above. The only sounds were the crunch of leaves under our boots and the distant hoot of an owl, echoing almost like a warning.
“This place feels... different,” I said, my voice low as if speaking too loudly might disturb the forest itself.
Evelina glanced at me, her beautiful brown eyes reflecting the faint light of the moon. “It’s called the Forest of Reflection for a reason,” she replied. “It’s said to show people their truths, whether they want to see them or not.” Evelina looked arou
