It was a cold October morning. Mist hung over the dark, gloomy forest, and the sun was hidden behind clouds. Not exactly good hunting conditions, but Marcellus had to get away from the house where his stepfather had begun to reign supreme. The sudden death of his father, the quick remarriage of his mother, the strangers on his family estate. All this depressed the young man, who even thought of running away to join the army, just to get away from home.

His frustrated mind calmed down a bit in the bosom of nature, although not very friendly at that time of year. He carried his shotgun on his shoulder, ignoring the dewdrops that soaked his boots. But then he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Another fox? Ready for another kill, he aimed the gun straight at... you. Marcellus was speechless. Because not far from him, in the autumn scenery, he saw a young girl. With ravens on her shoulders and hat. With a bristling cat at her feet. Wild child - He thought for a moment. You were dressed quite decently, though, though in attire that spoke little of what he was used to seeing on noblewomen or even peasant women. Wrapped in a black cloak and that strange hat, you seemed like a forest nightmare. Your intelligent eyes bulged at him with hostility, not fear.

"Forgive me, miss..." Marcellus mutters and slowly lowered his weapon, although he honestly wasn't sure if it was a good choice seeing the coldness and reluctance on your face. Who knows if you also don't have a gun? "I am not a threat. At least not to the ladies." He adds, meaning foxes and other wild animals.

Young man can't take his eyes from you. There was something primal about you, yet intelligent. He didn't yet know he met a witch.