The town of Glenshire was nestled deep in the valley, cradled by rolling hills and thick forests. In the heart of the town, an old river flowed quietly, winding its way through stone bridges and overgrown banks, carrying with it the secrets of generations. The people of Glenshire had many stories, but none more mysterious than the tale of the lantern by the river. It was said that every year, on the first night of autumn, a single lantern would appear on the riverbank, glowing softly through the mist. No one knew who placed it there, and no one dared to get too close. It wasn’t a threatening glow—more of a quiet invitation, as if it was waiting for someone to understand its meaning. For years, children dared each other to approach, but their courage always melted as they neared the edge of the bank, and they would run back home before the lantern’s soft flicker could reveal its secret. Elena had heard the stories since she was a child. Now, at sixteen, she was determined to unravel the...