Stone Forest - Prologue
On a summer night, laughter echoed over the rooftops of the old city, keeping time with the gentle rattle of the tiles. Five children, tails wagging, deftly overcame obstacles as they raced toward the cool, salty breeze. The one in the lead held a bottle of cola that everyone wanted.
“Tyris! Wait up!” a girl shouted from behind. “Just give it to me already!”
“Try and take it!” the boy smirked, jumping onto a downspout and sliding into an alley. He paused to catch his breath, preparing to run on, but stopped when he caught a grassy scent. Cat ears perked up, and his sharp gaze caught a movement around the corner. His siblings caught up and eagerly rushed to grab the bottle, but the oldest one stopped them, pointing into the dark alley.
Led by curiosity, the group went to investigate. A strange girl was sitting against the wall. Her ears were pointed, and instead of clothes, she wore leaves and vines that wrapped around her body. She was trembling, nervously shaking her head, and when she noticed the strangers, she jerked back and pressed herself against the wall. Her large green eyes radiated fear. The kittens smiled, raising their hands in a gesture of greeting. After a moment, the girl did the same, revealing that both of her wrists were bound by iron bracelets.
“P-please, h-help me,” she whispered. “I... I want to go home”.
