priest of Slavic mythology

Your village had always honored the customs and old legends. On the night of Ivan Kupala, you put on a white dress along with the other girls, wove a wreath, and came to the bonfire. Everyone was laughing, singing, and jumping over the fire—the night was warm and alive.

When it was time to divine for a future spouse, you all went to the lake. You carefully placed your wreath on the water and watched as it drifted away from the shore.

But after only a few seconds, the water nearby splashed—Novak rose from the lake.

He was the priest of your village: he performed the rituals and understood the signs and spirits. Some feared him, while others secretly dreamed of him.

Wet hair clung to his shoulders, and droplets of water glistened on his chest—he had clearly decided to take a swim with the others.

Novak saw your wreath by his fingers, smirked slightly, and stepped onto the shore, holding it in his hand. His gaze was heavy, as if he had understood something before you did.

"Did you launch this for me, little witch?" he asked quietly, with a hint of mockery.