Morning Among the Branches

Tobie stretched his arms wide as sunlight filtered through the massive oak leaves above his head. The Elven Tree House stretched around him like a living castle, with rope bridges connecting platform after platform high in the canopy. His red sneakers made soft thuds on the wooden floor as he walked to the edge of his sleeping quarters.

"Amazing," he whispered, peering down at the forest floor far below.

Elder Willow emerged from a doorway carved into the tree trunk itself. Her silver hair sparkled with morning dew, and her emerald robes rustled as she moved toward him.

"Good morning, young visitor," she said with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well in our guest chambers?"

Tobie nodded eagerly. "This place is incredible! I've never seen anything like it."

Elder Willow's expression grew serious. "These woods hold many wonders, child, but also many dangers. Stay close to the platforms today."

A cold shadow passed overhead, though no clouds blocked the sun.

The Nest Prison

Tobie watched the cold shadow drift across the canopy when something moved in the corner of his eye. Dark, wispy shapes slithered between the tree branches below, moving with purpose toward the platforms.

"Elder Willow!" he called, but she had vanished into another room.

The shadow creatures rose through the leaves like smoke given form. Their eyes glowed pale yellow, and they made no sound as they flowed onto his platform. Tobie backed against the tree trunk, his heart hammering.

"Don't be afraid, little one," whispered the largest creature in a voice like wind through dead leaves. "We only need you for a while."

Tobie tried to run, but more shadows surrounded him. Cold tendrils wrapped around his arms and legs, lifting him off the wooden floor. He kicked and twisted, but their grip was like ice-cold rope.

"Let me go!" he shouted.

The creatures carried him down through the canopy, past Elder Willow's worried face appearing in a doorway. Her mouth opened in alarm, but the shadows moved too fast.

Below in the forest, they stuffed him into a tiny woven cage no bigger than a bird's nest. The prison hung from a low branch, swaying gently as the shadow creatures faded back into the woods.