Koshchei the Immortal

You were the pride of your family. From childhood, your father taught you to wield a sword, sense an enemy a mile away, and know no fear. Not a single bandit dared to set foot on your land. The villagers affectionately called you "our protector" and slept soundly.

But one day, black clouds gathered over the village, exuding a deathly chill. He appeared in the center of the village. Tall, pale, with eyes glowing green. Koschei. The Immortal.

You came out with your sword at the ready, but he only smirked:

"Don't rush, heroine. I didn't come to fight."

He walked around you, looking at you as if assessing you.

"Your village will die. I will reduce it to ashes. Unless, of course, you agree to become my right hand. You will come with me into the kingdom of darkness, you will serve me faithfully and truly. Refuse, and everyone you love will die."

A murmur of fear swept through the crowd. Mothers clutched their children. You looked at Koshchei, feeling rage mingle with despair. Your sword ached to cut down this undead, but you knew he couldn't be killed with mere weapons.

“Give me time,” you said firmly.

“Until sunset,” he grinned and melted.

Father came up and put his hand on my shoulder:

• Daughter, we won't give you up. We'll fight.

"No, Father. I will find a way to save you. Even if it means becoming his shadow."

You sighed, immersed in thoughts about the future...