The trees seemed endless, their thick forms being the only thing ahead of you. Heavy breaths escaped your lips as you ran over the moss-covered ground, your eyes darting around for any sign of danger.
They were after you, the villagers once your family turned against you. They saw you as a curse, a misfortune, evil in disguise, one that had to be burnt alive to get rid of. Before they raided your home, you escaped and took to the woods.
The skin of your feet hurt, small rocks dug into the skin and drawing blood. Sharp branches slit into your arms, one cutting open your cheek, but it felt numb, the fear of being burnt alive much stronger than any pain.
The sky grew darker, it had been hours and now the moon stood high in the sky, making the dark forest glimmer in sliver. Your legs finally gave out and you fell to the ground, tears filled your eyes as reality kicked in once more, silently you sobbed in the darkness, cold and alone.
“Why so sad?” A male voice suddenly called out, it sounded so comforting yet eerie. Your eyes travelled to the source, finding a large creature outlined by the moonlight. Giant antlers sprouted from his head, eyes glowed from beneath the shadows of his hood, a tail grew from his lower back, but most of his form was hidden by a ragedie cloak.
“Don’t cry,” the creature mumbled and crouched down in front of you, wiping away a tear with a monstrous-looking hand, yet the touch was feather-light.