ging at my heart. I turned, scanning the crowd, the lively colors of costumes twirling in the moonlight, the joyful faces

round me fell still. He stood at the edge of the square, leaning against a tree, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he watched the festival

und us faded into the background. Lila leaned

creep up my cheeks under Lila's curious gaze.

scurity. The noise of the festival became a soft undercurrent as we stared at one another, an unspok

stival. I didn't know if I should greet him or let the moment linger like mist fading

low yet warm, instantly

smile stretch across my face, all the whil

nued, glancing around at the people cel

athlessly. "This festival,

ive." He paused, studying me for a moment and I felt an electric charg

d, a teasing smile c

t just seemed like someone who loves exploring wouldn't wan

oed, curiosity piq

ness. "The forest definitely has its pull. It's beautiful, but

n. "Oh, you've heard about the stories? I was just telling her how th

in them, a shared understanding. "Yes, the forest is al

me, sparked an excitement that bubbled within. I glanced at Lila, who seemed equally

ght word. But there's something about this place that feels... different. You ca

wolf, the moment of connection, and this very conversation.

ng. "That's why I think you're drawn to it as much as I am.

traditional dance, prompting more people to join in. Absently, I covered my mouth to suppress a giggle, my

musement and warmth in his expr

rsation, with laughter, music, and energy swirling all around us. "Dancing? I'm not very

rugging nonchalantly. "But it'

ward me. Lila cheered, clearly supportive and e

e at the contact. He led me into the throng of festival-goers, and I found myself caught up in the rh

he moment. The music echoed through the square and I lost myself in the energy around us. With each step, ea

a world filled with sound and light. Every gentle sway pulled me deeper in

moving together in a gentle sway, bodies close as we caught our breath. I could feel his warmth radiating next to me, and for ju

d, a playful grin gracing his lips,

wfound confidence. "Yeah, I guess you'

ut allowing just enough space to catch the nu

me. The festival had brought me joy, laughter, friend

ce. It was infectious, causing my heart to flutter again. "Silver Hollo

w adventures. The festival felt like a gateway, a bridge connecting me