River Bridge – The First True Encounter

Hana pushes through the crowd. Behind her: laughter, whispers, the strange music of the city.
The girl stands on the bridge railing, one foot on solid ground, the other dangling in the air. Her umbrella rests on her shoulder, wind playing through her hair.
Before Hana can reach her, the girl says loudly, without turning:
– “Knew you'd make it. You got yourself here. Finally.”
Hana pauses. The girl continues:
– “The castle's in the witch’s hands.– She comes every day, draining spirits… youth, power, hope.– Spirits are only free at night, just for a bit of joy… that’s why everything here walks in the dark.”
Now she turns to Hana. Her eyes shine—but not with tears. With knowing.
– “We're getting close to the Festival of the Witches.– They come once a year, because this castle…– It’s special to them. Very special. It's their lifeline.”
Hana stares at her. Confused, tired, choked up.
She whispers:
– “My mom is sick…– I don’t want her to die… I just… I just want to go back to her…”
Tears fall. The girl leans down, stands face to face with her. Softly, she says:
– “If you really want to return… first, you have to understand this place. The castle. Yourself.This world doesn’t let people go easily.”
Hana whispers:
– “Will you help me?”
The girl slings the umbrella over her shoulder, steps back:
– “I won’t help. I’ll walk with you.”