Chapter 1: The Call of the Wild
  Summary: Elara, a young herbalist, hears mysterious echoes in the ancient forest bordering her village, drawing her into its depths despite warnings. She discovers glowing runes on trees that respond to her touch. The forest seems alive, whispering secrets of forgotten guardians.
  POV: Elara
  Emotional beat: Intrigue and budding fear
  Hook: A spectral wolf emerges from the mist, locking eyes with her.

Chapter 2: Shadows Among the Branches
  Summary: Elara follows the wolf deeper into the woods, evading thorny traps and illusory beasts conjured by the forest's magic. She meets Thorne, a reclusive woodsman who reveals the echoes are cries from imprisoned spirits. They form an uneasy alliance.
  POV: Elara
  Emotional beat: Tension and reluctant trust
  Hook: The ground splits open, revealing a buried altar pulsing with dark energy.

Chapter 3: Echoes of the Ancients
  Summary: Exploring the altar, Elara and Thorne decipher runes that recount a war between forest spirits and human invaders centuries ago. Elara experiences visions of the past, unlocking her latent connection to the spirits. They vow to free the echoes.
  POV: Thorne
  Emotional beat: Awe and determination
  Hook: A horde of corrupted vines attacks, forcing them to flee into uncharted caverns.

Chapter 4: Trials of the Undergrowth
  Summary: In the caverns, they face trials testing their bond—illusions of betrayal and loss. Elara confronts her fear of abandonment from her past. They emerge stronger, with a spirit ally manifesting as a luminous bird.
  POV: Elara
  Emotional beat: Heartache turning to hope
  Hook: The bird leads them to the heart of the forest, where a colossal tree groans in agony.

Chapter 5: Heartwood's Fury
  Summary: At the great tree, they battle the corrupting force—a human sorcerer exploiting the spirits. Elara channels the echoes to heal the tree, but Thorne sacrifices himself to weaken the foe. The forest begins to awaken.
  POV: Thorne
  Emotional beat: Grief and rage
  Hook: As Thorne falls, Elara hears his echo join the chorus, empowering her final stand.

Chapter 6: Symphony of Spirits
  Summary: Empowered by all echoes, including Thorne's, Elara defeats the sorcerer in a climactic ritual. The forest heals, spirits freed, and Elara emerges as its new guardian. She returns to her village, forever changed.
  POV: Elara
  Emotional beat: Triumph and bittersweet peace
  Hook: A new whisper calls from beyond the horizon, hinting at greater threats.