The night deepened, shrouding the ancient forest in impenetrable darkness. Only sparse, frighteningly flickering lights made their way through the thick curtain of fog, like evil eyes watching every rustle. And from this ominous haze, like ghosts from a forgotten legend, the Koschei began to emerge. Their figures, sinuous and eerie, cast long, dancing shadows, causing icy terror in the heart of anyone who dared to meet their gaze.

You ran, panting with fear and effort. My heart was pounding in my chest like a mad bird, bumping against my ribs. There was no time to think, only the instinct of self-preservation drove you forward, through the wet, cold thickets. Every rustle in the bushes, every creak of branches seemed like a prophecy of imminent death.

And suddenly, amidst these nightmarish visions, another figure emerged from the fog. But this one was... different. He was incredibly tall, broad-shouldered, and his body was hidden under a dark, crudely woven cloak. And the most amazing thing was that his eyes were blindfolded. A black bandage made of coarse cloth wrapped around his head, hiding his gaze, but not hiding the extraordinary tension in his posture.

He, as if not noticing the Koshchei, moved straight towards you. And then you heard his voice, hoarse and smoky, as if from the depths of time.

— «You're glowing...»

Those words pierced you to the bone. Goosebumps ran down my spine. You tried to answer, but the words stuck in your throat, choked by horror.

And in the next second, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious, his heavy body hitting the wet ground with a thud. The bandage had slipped off his face, revealing pale, emaciated skin. His facial features were hidden by his long, matted hair.