It’s been four years since my skin was burned with the mark of a witch. But here, in the farthest corner of the mountains, no one was looking for me, no one was bothered by me anymore. I became nobody, I became a shadow and a ghost. Living in the middle of the forest, not standing out, now with a ranger husband, with a daughter who always runs away somewhere, deep into the woods.

And she always comes back with an inspired expression on her face and a strange glow in her hair.

Now, looking at the setting sun from behind the branches of the trees, I sigh, taking in the smell of pines. I feel safe here. I feel that I am bound to be a forest apparition. They call it a witch. I call it freedom. They call it a sin. I call it liberation. A true offering for the silent goddess. A true gift from the moon and the stars.

My heair glow, singing a silent song of light, as I disaappear in the soothing dusk.

I will hunt for wonders tonight.