Chapter 7: The Heartstone's Secret
Following hints from the book, Amelia ventured further into the woods than she ever had before. The air grew cooler, and the whispers became clearer, like a chorus guiding her steps. Jake's ears twitched, but he remained at her side, his presence comforting.
After hours of searching, they stumbled upon a circle of ancient trees with twisted roots forming a natural archway. In the center lay a stone pedestal similar to the one in the grove, but this one held a glowing crystal. The heartstone pulsed with a gentle, rhythmic light.
Amelia hesitated, then stepped forward and placed her hands on the heartstone. A warm, vibrant energy coursed through her, and visions of the forest's history filled her mind: a time when the woods were wild and untamed, and the grove was a sanctuary for all creatures.
When the visions faded, the heartstone's glow dimmed, leaving a faint mark on her palm - a symbol of a leaf intertwined with a flame. The whispers quieted, replaced by a profound sense of peace.
As Amelia and Jake made their way back to the farm, she felt a deeper connection to the land. She knew her adventures were only beginning, and the mysteries of the Whispering Woods would forever be a part of her story.