Chapter 2: A Rope Between Life and Death (Part 1)

The sun sank lower in the sky, casting the village of Eldridge in soft, golden hues. Callen and Mae sat cross-legged on the ground by Old Jareth’s bench, leaning in close, their eyes wide with anticipation. Around them, a few other children from the village had gathered, some street urchins roaming the town wondering what to steal next, some girls and boys who tore away from their mothers, insisting to hear another story. They were all diverse, yet had one reason to be there; they were drawn by the promise of one of Jareth’s legendary stories. The old man, resting against the worn stone of his usual spot, seemed to take his time, his fingers tracing idle circles on the armrest of the bench. The kids watched and waited.

For a moment, it was as if he was somewhere far away – his eyes distant, lost in thought. Then, without warning, he began, his voice smooth and gravelly, drawing everyone in.