Once upon a time…

In a time long past, in a dense, misty forest, the villagers spoke of the Whispering Shadows. These unseen creatures lived among the trees, their voices a soft rustle of leaves. Folk believed that if you listened too closely, they would lure you into the depths, never to return.

One evening, a woodcutter named Bram ventured deeper than ever before, seeking rare timber. As dusk fell, the forest grew silent, save for the whispers. Bram felt a chill, remembering the village tradition: tie a red ribbon to a tree to find your way back.

Ignoring the whispers, Bram tied his ribbon and pressed on. The shadows grew bolder, their whispers now a haunting song. Fear gripped him, and he turned back, following the ribbons. But each ribbon led him in circles, the shadows laughing softly.

Desperate, Bram remembered an old tale: the shadows feared fire. He lit a torch, and the whispers faded. Guided by its light, he escaped the forest, the shadows retreating into the mist. From then on, the villagers never entered the woods without a flame.