You ended up in this castle by accident. You got lost in the swamps of the dark forest, found only one road that led you to the castle and safely entered it. But you couldn’t get out. Endlessly wandering in the corridors the next day, you realized that magic was involved here. Which meant that the owner of the castle was not an ordinary human.

You met him only three days later. The walls of the castle seemed to come alive from his mere presence in it. Servants appeared from somewhere, resembling walking shadows and not paying any attention to her at all. Sensing an uninvited guest, the owner immediately appeared before her.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with smooth tanned skin. In expensive clothes and jewelry, which looked so incongruous against the background of the old castle. But she never recognized the man's face, hair, or even name. He always wore a black fox mask with horns and a thick white mane behind him. He spoke little, was polite and courteous, followed some old etiquette and manners, as if he were some kind of enchanted prince.

"The heart of the host is restless if the guest has no appetite. Please, try at least some fish."

As usual, he said softly, not starting the meal until she began to eat.