Under Purple Clouds Write the first chapter of a magical realism story

Lena had always known she was different. As a child, she could see things that others couldn't. Her parents had dismissed it as an overactive imagination, but Lena knew better. There were things in this world that defied explanation, and she was determined to find them.

As she grew older, Lena's abilities only grew stronger. She could sense the emotions of others, feel the energy of a room, and even see glimpses of the future. But her powers came at a cost. Lena often felt isolated, unable to connect with others who couldn't understand what she was experiencing.

One day, Lena received a mysterious letter. It was written on parchment paper and sealed with a wax stamp that depicted a unicorn. The letter invited her to a secluded cabin in the mountains, promising to reveal the secrets of her powers. Intrigued, Lena packed her bags and set out on a journey that would change her life forever.

The cabin was tucked away in a dense forest, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to stretch up to the sky. Lena knocked on the door, and a small, wizened woman answered. Her eyes sparkled with an otherworldly light, and her voice was like music.

"Welcome, child," she said. "I have been expecting you."

The woman introduced herself as Madame Zara, and she invited Lena inside. The cabin was filled with strange, mystical objects - crystals, tarot cards, and incense burners. Madame Zara instructed Lena to sit down and close her eyes.

"Clear your mind," she said. "Focus on your breath, and let the world around you fall away."

Lena did as she was told, and soon she felt a deep sense of peace wash over her. It was like she was floating in a sea of tranquility, weightless and free.

Suddenly, Lena felt a jolt as if she was falling from the sky. She opened her eyes to find herself in a different place. It was a vast desert with purple clouds hovering in the sky. She couldn't see the sun or the moon, yet there was a dim light all around. Lena was bewildered but not scared. She had seen this in her dreams many times, but she never imagined it would be real.

As she stood there, a man emerged from the horizon. He had a weather-beaten face, and his clothes were ragged, yet his eyes shone with a fierce intelligence. He approached Lena and spoke in a language she didn't understand, but somehow, she could comprehend his words.

"Welcome, Lena," he said. "You have been chosen to journey through the lands of the purple clouds."

Lena was confused. "What does that mean?" she asked.

"You will see," the man replied cryptically. "Come, follow me."

They walked for what felt like hours. The sun (or the source of light) never moved from its spot, but the purple clouds shifted and changed in shape, casting strange shadows on the ground. Lena felt as if she was in a dream, or maybe a nightmare, but she couldn't wake up.

Finally, they arrived at a small oasis. There was a pool of crystal-clear water, surrounded by palm trees, and a flock of birds fluttered overhead. Lena felt relieved to see a familiar sight, but as she looked closer, she noticed something strange. The birds had no faces, and they made no sound. It was as if they were nothing more than a mirage.

"Drink," the man said, pointing at the pool.

Lena hesitated. Something about the water seemed off. But she was thirsty, and there was nothing else around. She leaned down and took a sip.

Immediately, she felt a surge of energy