Haruto awoke to the scent of healing herbs and burning wood. He found himself in a cozy hut, his injuries properly treated.
"You're awake," said a sweet voice.
He turned to see the most beautiful girl he had ever met. Her golden hair flowed down her back, and her pointed ears added to her enchanting appearance.
"I'm Lyra," she said, offering him a bowl of broth. "I found you near the Silverstream. You were in terrible shape."
Haruto flinched as she reached for him. "Aren't you afraid of me?"
Lyra tilted her head. "Should I?"
"My magic... it's shadow magic," he said, barely audible.
A sad smile came to Lyra's face. "Humans say many things. My people believe magic is neither good nor bad; it depends on the heart behind it."
Weeks turned into months as Lyra taught Haruto about the forest and how his powers could be used for good, not just evil.
"Your heart is gentle, Haruto," she told him one night by the fire. "Nothing dark can corrupt what is good."