The Wraith of the Woods

Gather 'round, children, and listen close. The night is thick, and the forest whispers secrets only the brave dare to hear. I am old, yes, but my eyes have seen more than you can imagine. Let me tell you of the evil spirit that haunts these woods, a tale to chill your bones and keep you on the path of wisdom.
The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows on the faces of the young ones huddled around. I leaned in, my voice a low, gravelly whisper, “They call it the Wraith of the Woods. A spirit so ancient, it remembers when these trees were but saplings.”
A boy, no older than twelve, scoffed, “Spirits? Really, Gran? That’s just a story to scare us.”
I fixed him with a steely gaze, my eyes reflecting the flames. “Oh, it’s real, lad. And it preys on the rebellious, those who think they know better than the old ways.”
The children shifted uneasily, their bravado waning. I continued, my voice weaving the tale like a spell, “Long ago, there was an Underling named Jarek. He was bold, defiant, always challenging the elders. One night, he ventured into the forest alone, laughing at the warnings.”
The fire popped, and the children jumped. I smiled inwardly, knowing I had their full attention. “Jarek thought himself invincible, but the forest had other plans. As the moon rose high, he heard whispers, soft at first, then louder, more insistent. They called his name, promising power, freedom, everything he desired.”
A girl with wide eyes asked, “What happened to him, Gran?”
I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “The Wraith found him. It appeared as a shadow, darker than the night, with eyes that glowed like embers. It tormented him, showing him visions of his deepest fears, his greatest regrets. Jarek tried to run, but the forest twisted and turned, trapping him in a maze of his own making.”
The boy who had scoffed earlier now looked pale. “Did he escape?”
I shook my head slowly, “No, child. Jarek was never seen again. Some say his spirit wanders the forest still, a warning to those who dare defy the old ways.”
The fire crackled louder, as if agreeing with my tale. I sat back, letting the silence stretch, the weight of the story settling over the group. “So remember, children, the forest is not to be trifled with. Respect the old ways, and the Wraith will leave you be. But stray from the path, and you might just find yourself lost… forever.”
The children nodded solemnly, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe. I smiled, satisfied. Tonight, they would remember the lesson well.