Asren and Virgil whipped around to stare at the location of the mysterious voice. A girl was staring at them, her head slightly tilted to the left. She seemed to be about 15 or 16. They settled for a moment, until the implication of her words sunk in.

Virgil clung to Asren’s arm. “A ghost!” He squeaked.

Asren shook his head, his tail flicking. “Not a ghost.” He muttered to Virgil, before addressing the girl. “Who are you? And why does the forest seem to fear you?”

The girl hesitated, a look of worry crossing her face. “I’m Celpi. I was trapped here and cursed. Nobody wants to be my friend because of the curse; not even the animals.”

Virgil felt a pang of empathy for the girl, his posture softening. He knew all too well the feeling of being an outcast. Asren knew as well. As a memory crossed his mind he tensed, pushing it from his thoughts. There was no use remembering his trauma.

Virgil spoke first, “I know what it’s like to be outcasted for something you can’t control. If you want, we can try to break your curse.”

Asren nodded, “Yes, we can. But seeing as you’re restricted to this forest, and there’s no way of  bringing the artifact to you, I can grant you a wish so you may travel with us.”

Celpi paused, pondering the choice. “What artifact? And why can’t you bring it to me?”

Virgil chimed in, his lack of knowledge about the mirrorheart evident. “Yeah, why can’t we bring it to her? It’s just a heart shaped crystal.”

Asren sighed dramatically, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Because it must remain hidden to prevent misuse, thus, it has a spell placed by the god who created it, to keep it in the Mirrorstate.”

Virgil and Celpi both made a drawn out “Oh”. Then Celpi asked, “I’m still confused. What does the artifact do? And what’s the mirrorstate?”

Asren softened at Celpi’s question. “Right, you should know what it is if you want to be informed when making your decision.  The mirrorheart is an artifact created by the god Rosili, that can grant a single deep alteration to one’s fate. The mirrorstate is debated, nobody knows exactly what it is.”

Virgil’s eyes widened comically, his jaw dropping. “You never mentioned being in communication with a god!”

Asren raised an eyebrow. “I’m literally an angel. What did you expect?”

Celpi giggled. “He’s a morlak, Virgil. Morlaks communicate with the gods regularly."

Virgil grumbled loudly. “Yes, I’m aware he’s an angel. I just didn’t know that it meant he’s in communication with a god.”

Asren leaned down to Virgil’s height, patting his head. “Awe, poor little clueless man.”

Virgil swatted Asren’s hand away. “Condescending much?”

Asren laughed, his tail swishing. “Oh, my dear Virgil, I’m a villain. What did you expect?”

Virgil scoffed. “And what do you do that’s so villainous?”

Asren smirked. “You don’t want to know.”

Celpi watched the interaction between them, waiting for a chance to speak. When the opportunity presented itself, she asked, “How do you plan on helping me break the forest barrier?”

Asren straightened his posture, and put on a soft smile. “Simple, you make a wish, and I’ll grant it. However, it will come with a cost that I do not determine. Are you willing to take the gamble?”

Celpi hesitated once more, pondering the implications of his words. So he works like a gin.  She thought to herself.

Celpi looked Asren in the eye. “Angel Asren, I wish for the ability to travel beyond the Forest of Woes.”

Asren’s soft smile turned wider. He motioned for Virgil and Celpi to stand back, and began to weave an angelic symbol. He closed his eyes, and when they opened, they glowed an electric blue. Whispering an incantation in Divenli, he finished the wish. Celpi felt a weight settle in her chest.

Celpi spoke hesitantly, “How do I know if it worked?”

Asren put his hand on her shoulder. “Just trust. Have faith in an angel, will you?”

Celpi nodded. Asren turned to Virgil, muttering something under his breath as he felt a knot form in his chest. Last time he granted a wish, he regretted it sorely. Because he related to Virgil. But now he granted another wish, to a girl who he also relates to. His facade cracked for a moment before he slapped another smile on his face.

“Now my darlings, let’s leave this wretched forest. Something big is coming. Based on the timing it must have sensed my magic. Follow me.” He began walking, holding his tail close to his body.

Celpi and Virgil walked side by side behind him.

“He seems mean.” Celpi commented quietly.

Virgil sighed. “He’s not. Just… has some issues.”

Asren swallowed hard, overhearing their conversation. Virgil saw through him already? They’d known each other for only a day! But then again, I feel safe with him. I wonder if he feels that way too… Gods! I’m going delusional! Asren thought to himself.

Asren’s mind was racing, spiralling, until a voice brought him out of the fog.

“Hey, are you okay?”

It was Virgil. He was looking at him with a look of concern. Asren reminded himself to breathe, and he took a few deep breaths.Though the shakiness didn’t quite subside yet.

“I’m fine.” He responded, softer than either of them expected.

Virgil touched his shoulder, and Asren found himself relaxing into his touch. Perhaps having friends does have its benefits. Celpi watched the interaction, thinking they must have been friends for a while.

A loud roar could be heard from behind them. Celpi screamed, and the two turned to see a manticore running towards Celpi. Asren drew a quick symbol and shouted, “Shrilik Ronil!”

A large beam of light erupted from the floating circle of runes, blowing off one of its legs. Virgil stepped back, fear evident in his eyes, his mouth agape. The manticore reared, and swatted a giant paw at Celpi, who thrust her hand forward to meet the swat.

“Celpi!” Asren shouted, a surprising amount of fear in his voice.

When the manticore's paw met her hand, the creature decayed within seconds, falling into a heap of bones. Asren and Virgil froze at the scene, their eyes widening in horror.

“You’re… the one who kills immortals…” Virgil muttered, taking a step back.

Celpi’s eyes welled up with tears. “Please don’t leave me… I won’t hurt you, I promise!”

Asren walked towards Celpi, but Virgil stopped him.

“Are you an idiot? She’ll kill you too!” His voice was laced with fear.

Asren shook his head. “Her soul isn’t hostile or cruel in any way.”

Virgil paused. “So, she’s not… a  monster?”

Asren’s eyes narrowed. “No. She’s an innocent girl who was cursed.”

Asren walked over to Celpi, kneeling before her. “We would be honored if you would travel with us, so we can all fix our problems together.”

Celpi sobbed, hugging herself. “Thank you! You’re the first person to see past… this…”

Asren pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. She didn’t put her hands around him in return, fearing that she’d hurt him.

Asren held her for a few moments, before standing again. “Tell me the specifics of your curse.”

Celpi looked up at him, gratitude shining in her large heterochromatic eyes. “Whenever I touch something or someone living, they decay before my eyes. But they’re fine if they touch me.”

Asren thought for a moment, before Virgil chimed in. “I’ve heard of that curse. It’s called ‘Reaper’s Touch’. Gloves should work to conceal it.”

Celpi’s eyes lit up. “So when I find some money, I can buy gloves!”

Asren chuckled. “Lucky for you, I’m rich. I’ll buy you the finest pair of gloves and enchant them for extra protection."

Celpi jumped with joy. “Really?! I take it back, you’re not mean at all!”

Asren patted her head. “Alright, glad it’s settled. Welcome to the party, Celpi.”

The three friends set out to continue their quest. When night fell, Asren set out to hunt once more. This time, Virgil followed him while Celpi held down camp. Asren could sense Virgil’s heavy breathing, and decided to tease him.

“I told you, beings of darkness tend to crave more after their first taste of divine blood.” Asren smirked.

“What does that have to do with hunting?” Virgil asked defensively.

“Because I predict in a few seconds you won’t be able to hold back. You’re gonna pin me against a tree and drink my blood.” Asren giggled softly. “Honestly I wouldn’t mind it.”

Virgil’s face flushed at the last part. “You’re a freak.”, he commented. Then Virgil did exactly what Asren predicted.