Destiny tapped up the last box for her room to be officially packed. There had been no sign of the intruder since they invaded the house two months ago. The police had yet to receive any news regarding the stolen journal. Although she suspected, despite the detective's good intentions, the police had not even started looking for it.

She headed downstairs, finding her dad in the living room. "I've finished with my room, dad.'
'Good job. I need to get some more boxes from the attic,' Dad said standing, his bones popped at the joints and his shoulders slumped. He seemed so defeated after the intruder.

"Dad, let me get them. My legs could use a little exercise, anyway."
'But the ladder...'
'It's fine, I got it.' Destiny rolled her eyes and sprinted off before her dad could stop her. She climbed the ladder; the movement starched the tendons in the back of her legs.
She enjoyed the chance to snoop around the cluttered, dusty space. The house was full of secrets, most of which Destiny had yet to learn. But one time she found a magic wand in a cupboard. It was dead. Another time, there was a set of knucklebones behind the wood panelling, when she accidentally tripped and broken it.
'Oh boy, Selina had been mad about that one.' Destiny tried to feel bad, but the knucklebones had been so interesting she was kind of glad it happened. But today she wanted to see if she could find her father's field guide.

The first place she thought of looking was in the shoebox that was hidden away behind the dusty old paintings. In her mind, she could vividly picture the exact moment she stumbled upon the shoebox. Destiny had turned eight and had stolen cheder from the fridge, wanting to feed the tiny mouse family living in the attic.

With a careless move, she knocked over a stack of boxes with her butt. Knocking over the red shoebox covered in a thick layer of dust.
'How long has this been up here?
She opened the lid, photographs laid inside and nothing else. Destiny smiled. She had been a clumsy kid and not much had changed.

The aging photos were from when her father was younger. They all showed him to a young woman. Destiny had looked at the photos many times, wondering if the woman was her mother, but she had never dared bring the subject up. She carefully lifted the photos out of the box. Nothing underneath except old letters written in code. She'd long since given up trying to decipher them.

She replaced the photos and pushed the box back behind the paintings. While gathering the moving boxes, she accidentally stepped on a rotten floorboard, exposing a hidden wooden chest underneath. They made the chest of an unfamiliar dark wood, with a phoenix carved into the lid.

Destiny pulled up the surrounding floorboards and prepared to use all her strength to haul the chest out from its hiding place. To her surprise, she found it weighed nothing. Destiny attempted to open the lid, but she found it locked. Her dad might know where the key is, she would tell him later. She hid the chest near the paintings. She returned to the job at hand and gathered the storage boxes together, hauling them down to the kitchen.

'Thank you, Destiny. Take some to your father, would you?' Selina said, barely looking up. She spread the contents of the kitchen cupboards all over the table, the countertops, and the floor.

'Selina, I doubt you can fit all this in the moving van!' Destiny commented.

'I suppose I should part with some things,' Selina sighed wearily. Destiny placed the boxes in the doorway, not wanting to enter the cluttered kitchen, then headed to her father's study with more boxes. Alaric Morgan sat at his desk, going through his papers.
'Ah, just place the boxes in the space under my desk, sweetheart,' Alaric said.

He looked distracted. He finished going through the pile of papers and turned his attention to the books on the weathered bookcase at the back of the room.

Dad. It's my fault. He only found the journal because I revealed the location. I was careless,' Destiny admitted. She saw the disappointment in his dark eyes and looked away, ashamed.
'Destiny, I know you want to help...'

'I could help if you would trust me. I'm not a little girl anymore,' Destiny snapped in response.

'Endellion would be so proud of you. You are strong willed just like her,' he said fondly.
Alaric stroked his greying beard. He seemed older than forty-five. 'You're right, of course. You're not a little girl anymore.'
'I know you have questions, so I am going to answer them for you and put this to rest forever.'
'My line of work is extremely dangerous, and I will not have you constantly in jeopardy because of it.' 'After this conversation, no more asking to get involved. Do you understand?' Destiny nodded, grateful for the chance to find out more. This could be her first step to becoming a veil agent.

Destiny sat on the worn leather couch. While her dad sat beside her. His grey eyes observing the boxes cluttering his workspace. 'As you know, my work has me travelling to different locations around Australia investigating paranormal sightings.'
'Such as here in the Adelaide Hills, and places like Violet Springs?' Destiny asked. Her thoughts racing with curiosity.
"Yes, there is a network of paranormal hotspots. The Adelaide Hills are no exception. With sightings of mythical deer, they say these creatures guide people in their dreams. Some places are more active than others," He explained.

"There are beings in this world who would not hesitate to harm you Destiny, which is why the nature of my work is dangerous, there are rules and customs, I must follow, when dealing with these beings, because they may look human, but they are more intelligent than humans."

"What about Andreal? When I read your journal, it sounded like a fantastical load of bullshit." She spoke.
Her dad laughed. "To anyone who is a sceptic of the paranormal, it would be, but Andreal is real Destiny, just difficult to access unless you know how. You might just need to witness some events for yourself, so you to truly believe. Now please, no more questions."

"Dad, I found a chest in the attic with a phoenix carved into the lid. Any idea where the key might be?" Destiny asked.
He frowned. "I forgot I placed thing up there, no idea where the key has gotten to, it's been years."

Alaric pulled her into a hug. Destiny hugged back as her father affectionately stroked her hair.

'You can go now, my girl. I have things to do." He began shuffling through his papers again. Destiny smiled and left the room, her head buzzing with a million thoughts. She headed back down to the kitchen, where Selina was humming a strange hypnotic tune as she packed the contents of the cupboards into the boxes.

Destiny knew the forest was dangerous at night. The articles of disappearing people floated around the internet constantly, rumours of children vanishing at the wooden bridge during the misty nights or being lured away with the promise of food. Because of this, the forest's reputation grew. The children who were found spoke of a mystical grove. Nothing but local urban legends.
She grabbed her leather jacket and her backpack, shoved her phone in her pocket, and closed the front door behind her.

As Destiny headed into the forest, the mists grew thicker, clouding the pathway until she could barely see her hand in front of her face. The air was chilly and filled with a heavy silence. The mists moved in slow motion, and shadowy silhouettes danced around her. Footsteps crunched softly on the leaves that littered the forest floor and Destiny froze in place as strange voices filled the space, overlapping each other in argument. Slowly, the figures came closer, circling her. Destiny's breathing became shallow, and her chest tightened with fear. 'She is the veil agent's daughter. The girl could be useful to us. Bring her,'
'Wait, the girl mustn't see our true forms. We must bewitch her,'
'Take to the Grove.' Another voice suggested, overlapping the others.

Their icy hands held her down. She struggled against their watery touch; her legs began spasming, she shuttered, rubbing her numbing hands, lashing out in a frantic, desperate panic, her limbs immobilised with ice. The figures lifted her from the ground. She inhaled, shaking her layers of clothing, doing nothing to keep her warm.
The creatures walked, the mists moved with them; they spoke with serpent tongues, some mentioned her, others mentioned creating a portal. 'Are these the brings mentioned in the article? Oh shit? I'm in trouble.'

They waved their hands; the mists swirled at their command; surrounding them, the white pure mists froze in mid-air. Vapour clouds came out with each exhale. Dew drops floated between them, orbs of golden light, surrounded the group. The beings holding Destiny captive became uneasy. Anxiously telling the others to hurry. The sound of hooves filled the forest, charging towards the mists.

A massive silhouette of a stag appeared within the mists. Her kidnappers dropped Destiny on the muddy ground out of fear, the golden orbs of light blinded her. She shut her eyes against the harsh light. Sunlight pierced through the clouds. Breaking the being's illusion, she rubbed her legs as the sunlight melted the ice that trapped her limbs. Warming the chill within her bones. The birds began chirping. She inhaled, relieved, her heart pounding in her ears.

'Where had the creatures gone? Could they only appear in the mists? What saved her? Maybe she should return home.' Destiny thought. She Shankly stood on numb limbs. Destiny walked with no direction in mind, lost in her own thoughts.
She trudged on through the forest. The hike to the crystal-clear lake drained her energy, but the refreshing water would return to life to her body.

She needed to rest and sat down in the soft grass in a small clearing. A stag appeared from among the trees, his golden-brown eyes meeting hers. He approached her and she gently petted his neck. She would miss interacting with the deer. They feared the hunters, but Destiny had treated many of their wounds. The scars remained, but they trusted her. She had always charmed animals. They never bit her or scratched her. The important thing was to show the animal they could trust her. She considered the stag to be the guardian of the forest.
She wondered if this had been the same stag who saved her from those creatures.

The stag's ears pricked up, and he listened intently. Destiny heard footsteps and whacked the deer on his flank, making him sprint away just as an arrow whistled out from amongst the trees. Destiny glimpsed a young hunter drawing back his bow, getting ready to release another arrow.

'Hey wait!' Destiny yelled.
The hunter's dark skin seemed out of place against the green of the undergrowth, and the dark blue tattoos that covered his arms seem to move in the sunlight. Destiny couldn't shake the sense that she'd seen him before. A heavy hood concealed his features. The hunter stared at her. He pulled his hood back.

'Destiny?' Destiny tilted her head. His white hair reminded her of the snowy mountains, and his ice-blue eyes sparked with magic. He pulled her into a tight warming hug.
'What the hell?' she thought, struggling to place him, and to release herself from his embrace.
'You haven't changed,' he chuckled. His sweet voice was so familiar, but couldn't remember why. He caressed her cheek, his intoxicating scent making her dizzy. She froze, transfixed, and then blinked, snapping out of the hypnotising spell.
'Destiny it's me– Hunter.

'My, you've grown,' He said, his eyes moved over her with obvious appreciation. She searched his face, biting her lip.
'I'm sorry, I don't remember you.'
He frowned. 'I know. It's been a long time since we last saw each other.'

'There is something so familiar about you, but my memories have been clouded for a long time now. I remember playing with a boy at the lake. But I cannot recall anything else,' Destiny explained.
'That boy was me,' Christos muttered.

Feeling lost in her clouded memories, Destiny pulled the conversation back to the safety of the present. 'Did you see anything strange this morning? When I entered the forest, I saw things in the mist.'
stared at Destiny for a few seconds before responding. 'No, sorry, I saw nothing like that.'

Destiny shrugged. 'I'm heading to the lake for the last time. We're moving to Violet Springs,'
Christos smiled, a small, sad smile. Destiny studied his face, but he was completely unreadable.

He shoved her out of the way, loading an arrow. It whizzed through the trees. The arrow hit its mark, striking the deer in the neck, and he fell.
The stag let out a sound of distress. Destiny cried out in rage, rushing in front of the wounded stag. Christos couldn't finish it with her standing in the way.

Destiny crouched down to stroke the frightened animal as his breathing became shallow and his body became limp. She closed his eyes, her heart filled with rage.

'Christos, you killed an innocent creature. Hunting for sheer pleasure. While the animal dies scared and alone, I cannot believe you.'

'I do not hunt for sport,' he hissed back. She turned and stormed off down the path towards the lake. Calling over her shoulder, 'I hope killing that beautiful deer was worth it.'

Christos inhaled deeply and watched her walk away before turning back to the deer, only to find that it had vanished. What trickery was this? He groaned inwardly before remembering the path that Destiny was following was blocked by a fallen tree. 'Hey Destiny!' he called after her. She turned around.
'That path is blocked.
Destiny rolled her eyes and turned around. It took her a minute to register what was wrong with the scene. There was Christos. There was the forest. But where was the deer?

'What stole the body? It was right there? Where did the deer go?' She raged at him.
'I don't know, the Adelaide hills are strange. Sometimes the deer die, then disappear. They don't stay dead,' He said, glancing around.

'So, they're magical?' Destiny asked.
He nodded. 'Getting to the lake is dangerous. I'm going with you.'
'Why?"
'Because even if you don't remember me, I know you Destiny Morgan, the girl with flowers in her hair sitting by the lakeside,' Christos said.

They heard the rushing river and followed the sound to the muddy riverbank. Salmon leaped out of the water, swimming in the murky waters. While Destiny and Christos searched for a place to cross. Destiny sighed. She fidgeted with the leaves on the tree she leaned against.
'Christos, I'm unsure about this. Maybe we should climb over the fallen tree.'
'The tree is gigantic; can you honestly climb over the trunk? He asked. Destiny chewed her lip in frustration. They walked down the river. The stone bridge they used in their youth to cross had broken off the pieces swept away by the currants.

'There's no other option now except the old bridge,' Christos said.
It was rotten from years of exposure to the elements, and the dark wood dripped with moisture.
'Is there another pathway we could try? I mean, this bridge is... failing apart.' Destiny stared into the icy water; the currants could carry her away in a matter of seconds. Her breath quickened. She pictured herself being pulled down into the swirling blackness.

Christos firmly grabbed her shoulders. 'Sorry, I took so long, I couldn't find another path. I'll help you cross,' she snapped out of her nightmarish vision. She gulped, clamming her frazzled nerves. She took her first tensive step onto the bridge. Following Christo's footing, the wood creaked under her boots.
The wind caused the bridge to sway. As they made their way across, Christos stopped her. He jumped over the gap where the planks had rotted completely.
'Alright, jump across, I'll catch you.' He reached out, extending his hand.

'Are you crazy?' she glanced down at the rushing water below them, she stepped back.
'Come on Destiny, you can do this. Trust me,' Christos said. She jumped, hearing the rotten planks fail into the swift current. Christos grasped her hand, pulling her to the safety of the riverbank.

She breathed shallow breaths, her legs burned, spasming and moving of their own accord. 'Bloody hell, I will never do that again,' Destiny said. She flicked her damp hair back.
The adrenaline pumping through her legs was wearing off. Pain came instantly. Christos stood. 'Are you okay?'
'My legs hurt.'

'I have a camp nearby. It's getting dark soon and we cannot stay in the dangerous forest at night.' he knelt to make it easier for her to climb onto his back. She wasn't used to someone being so kind to her, and she sighed with contentment as she rested her head on him, his hair brushing against her cheek. For once, she felt safe.

Christos moved swiftly as the sky darkened. Destiny stared at the clouds forming overhead. They made it to the thicket of trees that concealed his camp just as the first heavy raindrops fell. Inside the tent, everything was tidy. An old-fashioned lantern hung from the roof, and in the soft light Destiny could see a pile of colourful blankets and pillows covering most of the floor.

Blushing, Destiny stripped down to her black singlet. Christos grabbed the warmest blanket and placed it around her shivering body. Exhausted and overwhelmed by the events of the day, Destiny lay down on the pile of soft bedding. Christos lay facing her, the flickering lantern light casting shadows over his features. Destiny saw deeper shadows within his blue eyes.

'So, tell me why these creatures would appear out of the mists and attempt to kidnap me?' She asked.
Christos shrugged, distant, slightly aggravated.
'There are not creatures, Destiny. Mist fairies are truckers by nature. They delight in spirited away children. Many kids fail to their lure and eat the enticing fruit from the grove. The more they consume, the more they forget their human life.

'But why?'

'Children are unaware of their powers, like you, but unlike the others, you escaped Destiny,' Christos said.
'You wouldn't remember being lured. But the Mist fairies brought you to the grove. They offered you a golden apple, but before you took the offering. A woman entered and commanded them to release you.'

'I never saw the woman's face. She wore her hood up. She snatched you away.' Christos yawned. 'The strange thing is, only a being with an exceptional level of magic can enter the grove.'

'The place sounds familiar, but maybe the women were watching the Mist fairies. Perhaps she was following them,' Destiny suggested.
'Maybe,' Christos agreed. Her eyes grew heavy, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

Destiny awoke, unsure how many hours passed. A light drizzle of morning rain splashed against the roof of the tent, Destiny breathed, claiming her mind, filled with broken and vexing dreams. She rested her head against the pillow.

Christos snored beside her. His wave tattoos moving in sync with his breathing, she rose from the warm spot, stretching her stiff arms. A dull ache remained from the day before. Her ankles popped, causing discomfort.
'Ow.' she whispered.

'Morning Destiny.' Christos said. Stretching.
'Morning, did I wake you? '
'No, I am normally awake early. The animals are the most active. Fancy going hunting with me?' Christos asked.
He searched for something. He found a case, opening it, presenting Destiny with a hand-crafted bow. Someone had carved wave patterns into the wood, spelling out her initials.

'My father made this bow for you, from the bark of the Yue tree,' he said. Destiny never considered herself a hunter, but she always desired to try new things. Christos fitted the quiver to her back.
'Are you sure about this? I'm not sure I can hunt without spooking the deer.'
'Don't worry about it. You've done this before,' Christos assured her.

She placed her hood over her hair; the mists floating around the lake changed the water to a greyish blue rain caused ripples on the surface. A chill lingered in the air. Christos took the lead, heading into the lash forest where the deer grazed.
The moist earth made it easy for him to uncover their tracks.

They hid in the bushes, watching the herd.

Destiny stood, taking a step forward. She drew an arrow; Christos adjusted her stance. She pulled the arrow backwards; he guided her shoulder into position. She released the arrow, striking a doe.
The sounds of the arrows alerted her heard, which scattered off in different directions. Destiny dashed into the clearing; her boot caught on a snare. She got swept up in a net; she yelped in surprise, dropping her bow.

'Christos help,'
'Looks like we stumbled into another hunter's trap. Hold on Destiny.'
Christos climbed the tree, using his hunting knife, slicing the net free. Destiny landed on her ass.
'Ouch, couldn't you make the fail softer?' she complained, rubbing her butt. She retrieved her bow, pulling out the arrow from the deceased doe.
Christos smirked. 'Told you you're a natural.'
She rose an eyebrow, puzzled. 'Really? I scared the herd away and got caught in a net.'
'And this is your first hunt in years. You're just rusty Destiny. Which is to be expected,' Christos said.
Destiny sighed, crouching down, examine the trail the deer left behind. 'The deer headed east.'

As they entered the evergreen grove, the golden glow of the morning sun peeked through the trees. The deer ate the flowering brushes, while birds ate the sweet-scented apples.
The herd used the natural maze of trees to avoid Christos' arrows. She wanted to taste the golden apples more after inhaling the scent. After walking for hours, she had grown bored and hungry and plucked an apple.
He glared at her. 'Destiny, put that down.'
'Why can't I eat it?'
'Just don't,' Christos warned.
'Pith, you're such a worry wort,' she said, and brought the apple to her lips. Taking a bite. An arrow split the apple in her hand, pinning the other half to the tree. She watched wide eyed the once tempting fruit turned black and rotted away to its core.

She swallowed the piece in her mouth, gagging at the foul stench. Christos hugged her.
'We should leave. Didn't I warn you?'

'Had he? Her memories were fuzzy.'
He searched her eyes. Waves shifted within them, a clear sign of bewitchment. 'The fruit will enslave you to the Mist fairies. Even I cannot break the enchantment. Thankfully, a bite won't bind you to them.' He shook her shoulders, snapping her out of the trance. Christos clasped her hand, leading her out of the grove. They walked until Destiny's legs gave out from exhaustion. He scooped her up, carrying her.

***

Christos reached the edge of the forest, seeing a house in the distance. Destiny had fallen asleep, her head leaning against his back. He hopped over the fence, heading around the back of the house. Climbing the growing vines, entering her room from the open window, he assumed he had the right room; he laid Destiny on the bed, placing the bow and quiver near the windowsill. He climbed down the vines, returning to the forest.
Committing to the memory of how feather-light her body was, how her hair tickled his cheek, for it would be a long while before they saw each other again. And who was to say she would remember everything?