Veins of the Forest: The Hollow Queen

She was once human—before the woods claimed her. Now, her skin is bark, her blood runs black, and her voice echoes through the trees like a warning. The forest gave her power, but it took everything else in return. Her eyes, glowing with ancient energy, pierce through fog and fear alike. Every root, every branch answers to her. Wanderers whisper her name in fear, calling her a myth. But she's no myth. She watches. She remembers. And when the forest is disturbed, she awakens. Not to protect—only to punish.