The forest was no longer the same.
A strange silence had taken over, as if the trees themselves were holding their breath. Maleficent stood at the edge of the dark woods, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows. Something was wrong… something ancient had awakened.
A cold wind brushed past her, carrying faint whispers.
"Maleficent…"
She turned instantly. "Who's there?"
No answer. Only the rustling leaves.
Far away, hidden behind twisted branches, a pair of glowing eyes watched her every move.
Meanwhile, Aurora felt an uneasy chill in her heart. She looked out from the castle window, sensing the same darkness creeping toward the Moors.
"Something is coming…" she whispered.
Back in the forest, Maleficent raised her staff. Dark energy swirled around her as she stepped deeper into the woods. The whispers grew louder now—clearer.
"You are not the only power here…"
Suddenly, the ground beneath her cracked, and shadows rose like living creatures, forming a tall, mysterious figure.
"I have been waiting," the figure said, its voice deep and echoing.
Maleficent smirked, though her eyes burned with caution.
"Then you've waited long enough."
The air trembled as magic collided with darkness.
And for the first time… Maleficent felt a challenge.