A burst of sparkling light illuminated the forest, and the pack shielded their eyes. When the light faded, a tiny, mischievous creature stood before them.
It was a sprite, no bigger than a thumb, with wings that shimmered like iridescent glass. The sprite grinned, its eyes twinkling with mirth.
"Hello, adventurers!" it said in a voice like a gentle breeze. "I've been waiting for you. My name is Glimmer, and I know the way to the artifact."
Glimmer fluttered around the pack, its wings leaving trails of sparkling dust. "Follow me, and I'll lead you to the treasure!"
The pack followed Glimmer, who led them through a winding path of glittering fairy lights and hidden clearings. As they walked, Glimmer told them tales of the ancient forest and its secrets.
The sprite's guidance proved inva
