Night fell and the sky cleared. The moon shone brightly as the entire village gathered for a bonfire in honor of the upcoming wedding.

The town green was lit by torches along the sides, throwing shadows from their flickering flames on the nearby walls. In the center of the green was a large fire pit where the bonfire danced, its heat driving away the chill of the night air and a thick smoke floated up to the sky. People danced in a circle around the pit, their steps a prayer for good fortune. Nearby a small troupe of musicians played a lively, yet solemn, song. When the chief’s daughter is to be wed, the entire population participates in the blessings before the wedding is finally consummated. The event is more of a religious ceremony than a celebration of the union.

The bride was pledged to a Priest of the Sentinel Church. The Church is an order of Holy Knights whose sole existence is to drive away the monsters which lurk in the darkness. Rather than pay tribute in crops or gold, the villages under their protection pay in women. Though it’s officially a great honor to be chosen, the life which follows is little more than servitude. That is why the bride sat in silent mourning in the seat of honor before the fire.

She sat in silence, not stirring despite the lively activity around her. She simply stared at the flames and moved her lips in silent prayer. The hours passed until her joints were stiff from cold despite being so close to the flames. She didn’t move until she heard a whisper carried by the wind.

A single word echoed through the night, “Freedom...”

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She started and looked for the source, mouthing a silent “What?”

“Do you wish to be free?” The voice echoed once more.

She looked around frantically, trying to find its source. None of the revelers seemed to be aware of it. It was as if the words were solely inside her head.

“Rise...” The voice paused before continuing..

“Call for freedom...” The whisper felt as if it was tempting her very soul.

She felt her heart begin to race and warmth returning to her body. A spark of life returned to her empty eyes. She moved her mouth, trying to form words and the call repeated inside her soul.

“Rise... Freedom... Rise... Freedom...”

As she struggled to her feet her eyes lit up. As if tearing free from shackles she tore the crown of flowers from her head and tossed it into the roaring flames. Taking a deep breath she screamed at the top of her lungs “FREEDOM!”

The fire surged, scattering flames and wood in all directions. In the blinding light all that could be clearly seen was the giant shadows of reptilian wings. A dark shadow surged into the air, briefly blocking the moon from view. As it rose, sharp gusts of wind blew out the fire and surrounding torches leaving the villagers stunned in newfound darkness. The only light which remained was that of the moon in the sky and even that was momentarily eclipsed by the figure of the beast as it flew towards the woods.

When the villagers finally regained their senses and relit a handful of torches, the bride was nowhere to be found. All that was left was her ash covered chair.