Candlelight danced in Raven's emerald eyes, illuminating the ancient script of her ancestors as she devoured another book. The scent of lavender and lemongrass, freshly harvested by her Mama, filled the cozy cabin, a comforting aroma of home. Mama, wiping her hands on her apron, chuckled, "I'm going to run out of books for you to read soon, aren't I?" Raven glanced up, a smile gracing her lips, "I hope you've been stirring the stew. The potatoes seem ready."

Years had passed since that cherished memory. Now, alone in the cabin, Raven watched the flames lick the hearth, the warmth doing little to soothe the chill creeping in from the outside world. The memory of her mother, the pain of their separation, lingered like a phantom ache. She shivered, pushing away the dark thoughts of the day her mother was attacked, forced to use all her magic to hide Raven, leaving her with a limp for the rest of her days. It was getting colder, the first frost imminent. She had to harvest the last of the garden before it yielded to winter's icy embrace.

As the sun warmed the morning air, Raven tucked her skirt into her belt and stepped out, basket in hand. Her garden, nestled under a canopy of sunlight, thrived. Cabbages, potatoes, herbs, carrots – she gathered them all until her basket overflowed. Just as she stood, dusting her hands, a slight movement in the brush caught her eye. A rabbit, bold and unafraid, hopped towards her basket. "Hey! All you have to do is ask." Raven smiled, reaching for a carrot and placing it on the ground. "There's enough for us both."

Later, while searching for wild medicinal herbs, an unsettling silence fell upon the forest. No birdsong, no rustling leaves. A sudden dizziness overwhelmed her, sending her stumbling back to the cabin. She barely made it inside before collapsing, the harvested vegetables scattering across the floor as darkness consumed her.