As Jena and Malik emerged from the woods, the sunlight warmed their faces, and the world felt alive with possibility. ‘What do we do next?’ Malik asked, excitement shimmering in his eyes. Jena smiled, her heart pounding with anticipation. ‘We live,’ she replied, ‘and explore everything we now know.’ Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes nearby. They turned to see an old woman, her hair like silver streams, emerge from the foliage. ‘Not all futures are straight paths, young souls,’ she said softy. ‘Sometimes, they twist and turn like the roots of ancient trees.’ Jena and Malik exchanged curious glances. ‘Who are you?’ Jena asked. The woman smiled knowingly. ‘I am the Sage of the Woods. The spirits here guide me, and I can show you ways to uncover your destiny. But only if you dare to ask the right questions.’ Malik stepped forward, and serious curiosity colored his face. ‘What will we find if we follow those questions?’ ‘The truth hidden in your hearts,’ the Sage replied. Intrigued, Jena and Malik sat on the ground before her, eager to hear more. ‘What in your lives weighs you down? What do you fear?’ The question hung in the air, and Jena chewed on her lip. ‘I fear losing the person I am,’ she admitted. ‘And I fear not being enough.’ Malik nodded, ‘And I fear change, that everything we’ve known could disappear.’ The Sage watched them intently. ‘Voicing old fears is the start. Embrace those feelings; let them turn to strength.’ They felt empowered by her words. The Sage continued, ‘To find your answers, you must venture deeper into the woods. Each step reveals a piece of yourself waiting to be awoken.’ A chill of excitement raced through Malik. ‘What will we face?’ asked Jena apprehensively. ‘Only what you choose to confront,’ the Sage responded. The forest shifted and a path emerged, lined with vibrant flowers that pulsed with colors they never knew existed. With a firm squeeze of Jena’s hand, Malik took a breath. ‘Together?’ he asked. ‘Always,’ Jena promised. They followed the winding path, the air thick with magic as they ventured further into the mysterious heart of the woods. Strange echoes of laughter floated around them, creating a playful atmosphere. Flowers seemed to dance in response to their footsteps, drawing them further along. Suddenly, they halted in front of a magnificent tree with branches that reached for the sky, each decorated with sparkling lights. It radiated warmth and energy. ‘What do you wish to learn?’ a voice boomed from the tree. Jena hesitated, sharing a glance with Malik. ‘We want to know our true paths,’ she declared. The tree’s branches swayed, and its lights grew brighter. ‘Know that the answers lie within. But be prepared to face your desires.’ With one nod from each other, they stepped forward, hands entwined, and prepared to dive into the sacred knowledge beneath their own layers of fear and hope.