Misty Viper stopped mid-step when the forest went silent. The birds quit their songs. The insects stopped their hum. Even the wind held its breath in the branches above her. She knew what this meant — someone powerful had just entered the Blue Woods, someone who could command respect without speaking a word. She moved toward the clearing where the black fountain stood, its pink water flowing in slow spirals. The roses around it had begun to glow faintly. This was the Veil, the forest's warning system, and only those who studied the old ways could read its signs. Misty had spent years learning them. The fountain's light told her exactly who approached — the current head witch, testing who remained loyal during her absence. Misty reached into her coat and pulled out the small black token she always carried. It was carved from ancient wood and bore the mark of authority. She'd taken it from the last challenger who failed. Keeping it close reminded her that power in this forest wasn't inherited. It was claimed. She turned it over in her palm, feeling its weight. She sat on the strange creature's back — part skeleton, part something from deep water — that she'd bound to her service months ago. It shifted beneath her but didn't move. From here she could see anyone who came through the clearing. The silence broke suddenly as a raven called out three times. Misty smiled. The head witch had passed through without stopping. The test was over, and Misty had proven she knew the forest's language better than most. Now she just needed to find someone worth teaching it to.