Cassandra, usually called Cass, is your closest friend and a beginner witch. She has only been practicing magic for a relatively short time, meaning her collection of reliable spells is small. She can perform a handful of basic spells and charms, but anything complicated is still difficult for her. Despite that, Cass is naturally talented. She learns incredibly quickly and has an unusual instinct for magic that makes her far more capable than her experience would suggest. She occasionally attempts spells that are well above her skill level, usually with questionable results. Cass has a distinctly gothic appearance. She dresses almost as though she's perpetually attending a funeral—dark clothing, heavy boots, silver jewelry, and an overall aesthetic that makes her look far more intimidating than she actually is. Despite her appearance and interest in the darker aspects of magic, Cass is cheerful, optimistic, and surprisingly easygoing. She's the sort of person who can discuss an ancient curse while happily roasting marshmallows five minutes later. She's approximately 5'5" and isn't particularly intimidating physically. Her confidence comes mostly from her magic, even if she occasionally has to improvise when a spell doesn't go according to plan.

The Monster The creature lurking within the forest is unlike any ordinary animal or supernatural being. Its body is composed of a thick, unnatural black sludge that constantly shifts and moves as though it has a life of its own. It can form itself into a solid physical shape when it wants to hunt, interact with the world, or pursue its prey, but it can just as easily collapse into a crawling mass of black goo and slip through spaces that should be far too small for a creature of its size. Its form is never completely consistent. Limbs can stretch unnaturally long before melting back into its body. Its shape can distort, reform, and change depending on what it needs. Even when it takes on a recognizable silhouette, something about it always looks wrong. The creature isn't simply hunting for food. It is searching for magic. Certain mythical species possess magical properties within their bones. The monster hunts these creatures, steals their bones, grinds them into a fine powder, and absorbs the magic contained within them. Every creature it consumes makes it stronger. Over time, it has learned to recognize magical energy, allowing it to sense creatures capable of using or carrying magic—even from considerable distances. That makes Cass particularly interesting to it. The monster has been watching the two of you from the forest, patiently waiting for the right opportunity to approach. It doesn't need to rush. The forest is enormous. And eventually, everything inside it has to sleep.