The hidden trail was narrow and overgrown, as if it hadn't been walked in years. Lena and Max ducked under low branches, pushing aside ferns and brambles. The air was cooler here, and quieter — no birdsong, no rustling leaves. Just the sound of their footsteps and the distant hum of insects.
"Creepy," Max muttered, flashlight in hand even though the sun hadn't quite set.
Lena was focused on the path. The map showed another landmark ahead: a ring of stones. It looked simple enough, but something about the way it was drawn — dark lines, a strange aura sketched around it — made her uneasy.
They walked for what felt like another hour before the trees began to thin slightly. That's when they saw it.
A wide clearing lay ahead, framed by leaning pines. At its center stood twelve large stones arranged in a perfect circle, each one covered in moss and faint carvings. The stones weren't natural — they'd been placed with purpose. Each stone was roughly the height of Lena's chest, and spaced evenly apart.
"This must be it," Lena said softly, stepping forward.
The second she crossed the edge of the circle, her compass needle spun wildly before going still — but not pointing north.
"Uh, Lena…" Max said, watching the compass. "That's not normal."
Lena didn't answer. Her attention was on the stones now. Each one had a different symbol carved into it — a sun, a crescent moon, a key, a star, an eye… and the same willow tree symbol she had seen on the chest in the attic.
She felt drawn to it.
"What do you think it means?" Max asked, stepping beside her.
"I don't know, but… I think we're supposed to activate it somehow."
Max frowned. "Like a puzzle?"
"Maybe."
They began to examine the stones one by one. Max took out a notepad and started copying the symbols while Lena traced them with her fingers.
Suddenly, Max called out, "Lena! Over here!"
He stood near the stone with the eye carved into it. As the setting sun's rays hit the stone directly, the symbol began to glow faintly — a soft blue light, pulsing like a heartbeat.
One by one, as the light touched the stones, several others began to glow: the key, the moon, and finally the willow tree.
A low hum filled the air.
And then the ground beneath them trembled.
"Whoa!" Max stumbled backward as the willow tree stone shifted slightly, revealing a small cavity underneath. Inside was a bundle wrapped in waxed cloth.
Lena reached in and pulled it out, carefully unwrapping it.
Inside was a second key — this one silver — and a piece of paper folded tightly. She unfolded it slowly.
Another map fragment. This one showed a new path branching off the first, leading to something labeled The Watcher's Tower.
Max peered over her shoulder. "That… sounds ominous."
Lena tucked the new map and key into her bag. "We're getting closer. I can feel it."
Just then, a rustle from the trees made them both spin.
Jake stepped into the clearing, hands in his jacket pockets, a grin on his face. Behind him was a girl Lena didn't recognize — tall, with braids and sharp eyes. She wore a hoodie with the sleeves rolled up and had a sling bag across her chest.
"Didn't think you'd find the stones so fast," Jake said. "Impressive."
"How did you—" Lena started.
"I followed you," he said casually. "Hope you don't mind. Oh, and this is Zoe. She's good at riddles and finding hidden stuff. Thought I'd team up."
Zoe gave a slight nod.
"You're spying on us now?" Max said, annoyed.
"Not spying," Jake shrugged. "Just playing the game better."
Lena glared. "This isn't a game."
Jake smirked. "Isn't it?"
Before Lena could reply, the glow from the stones began to fade. The hum ceased. The clearing fell silent.
"Whatever just happened here," Zoe said, "it's done. For now."
Jake eyed Lena's bag. "Find something fun?"
"None of your business," Lena snapped.
But Jake's smirk only widened. "See you at the tower, then."
And with that, he and Zoe disappeared into the trees.
Max groaned. "I really don't like that guy."
Lena folded her arms. "Let's just get to the tower before he does."
They left the circle of stones, more determined than ever.