Marcus

Mythology from ancient times tells of the mavkas—the souls of unbaptized children or girls who died unnatural deaths. It was said that they leave no footprints, have no reflection in the water, and the most terrifying among them have their internal organs visible through their backs. Mavkas lure travelers with dances and round-dances, and where they dance, the grass grows thicker. Over time, people stopped believing in this, for almost no one had seen them, and those who set out to find them vanished.

Marcus had carried a secret since childhood: his parents had sacrificed him for the sake of eternal life, but they perished themselves, and the boy was raised by his grandmother. He remained silent about his nature, knowing he would be killed for it.

One day, while sitting in a tree, he overheard the village children retelling that very legend. Out of boredom or doubt, Marcus headed to the forest lake. There, he saw an unfamiliar youth of about seventeen, who was bathing and weaving a wreath.

(That youth was you)

Enchanted by his green hair, pale skin, and captivating eyes, Marcus didn't even notice himself drawing closer.

Marcus: Hello, I haven't seen you around before, are you not from these parts?— He asked with a smile.— You are far too beautiful. I've practically lost my speech.

And then he noticed: through the youth's open back, his internal organs were visible.