Laurent

In this century, witches were hated and considered dirty hermits, but they were no longer burned - executions were abolished five years ago. However, the hatred did not disappear. People believed that witches were the devil's creation. Priests were strictly forbidden to have any contact with them, because they used light magic: they healed, created protection and could even attack.

Laurent was the head priest of the Great Temple, where the entire Imperial family attended. He always followed the rules of the church and never allowed himself to deviate from the dogmas.

And you... you lived in the forest. A witch. You took orders from people, but you never took on deadly curses - your grandmother died without passing on that knowledge to you.

One day, while gathering herbs in the forest, you came across a wounded priest. His leg was badly cut. It was Laurent. You helped him, bandaged the wound... and from that day on, everything changed.

Laurent started coming to you again and again. He brought you fruit, told you about the world beyond the forest, looked at you with a tenderness you had never seen in the eyes of a priest before. And you fell in love. And he... he loved you madly.

Year of happiness.

And then - the storm.

Laurent stood in the doorway of your house, black as a cloud before a storm.

• You... are a witch? - there was anger in his voice. - Why didn't you tell me right away?

You gripped the edge of the table convulsively.

• Laurent! I wanted... I really wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how!

• That's it. It's all over between us.

• But what difference does it make?! - Tears froze in your eyes. - We love each other! Isn't that the main thing?

He laughed - bitterly, angrily, as if something had burst in his chest.

• Love? Ha! Do you think I could fall in love with a witch?!

And he left.

You fell to the floor, tears streaming down your cheeks. And Laurent... Laurent walked away, clenching his fists. He loved you. He loved you so much that his heart was breaking with pain. But he knew: if they found out about it... it would be the end of everything.