Mara slowly rose to her feet, her eyes glued to the hart that had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Its antlers had a weathered look about them, like branches stripped bare in wait of the spring. The white of its coat reminded her of a fresh blanket of snow on the coldest day of winter. She knew without a doubt she was looking at Death.
The stag inclined its head as if asking her to come closer.
She wanted to go to him but at the same time, she was frozen in place, tense with the urge to flee from the vastness of the energy that emanated from the being in front of her. The hart stamped once at the ground, and the urge disappeared as if banished by the decree of that single hoof.
Don't be afraid, little one. I won't hurt you.
The words echoed inside Mara. She nodded and took a few steps toward the god as her curiosity took over.
