THE CURSE OF LUST
He followed, sitting close enough that our knees touched.
“She doesn’t come often, but I feel her presence in my mind constantly,” I said. “When she appears to everyone, it’s never gentle.” I stared at the cold stones. “Four hundred years ago, witches were rising fast. They were not all cruel, but power gathers attention. Villages were bending under spells and fear. Balance was tipping.”
I closed my eyes.
“They tied me to a post in the square. My mother was screaming. My brother tried to reach me. The Goddess stood in the crowd, unseen by anyone but me.” My throat tightened. “She asked if I would live. Not if I would serve. If I would live.”