The leaves crunched as she ran across the forest floor. Each leaf had its own unique beauty to it even when crumpled and torn. The colors cascaded from the trees to below her feet. There was also the feeling of the crisp air on an Autumn’s night that seemed to always help to slightly ease her melancholy.

Looking up at the sky she saw the moon was full now and could hear the wolves howling into its bright oasis. Being separated from civilization had its benefits. If it was only by choice, then maybe she could enjoy it. Maybe, she wouldn’t feel the hollowness in her heart. The pain that etched its way through her entire core, and each time she took a breath it ached. Above the stars seemed to be dancing in the sky. As though they did this for her, to ease the pain. She scoffed at this. “Be reasonable Alyssa, nothing in existence cares for me.”

If only her mother was a normal woman. Never disobeyed the church’s orders and was a devout worshiper of the gods. Maybe the divine would have forgiven her. This may have never happened. If she never was involved in practicing witchcraft and if she never assassinated one of the most powerful religious figures. Although my mother had done this in a form of protection and not in animosity, it did not matter. Nor the type of magic being used whether it be black or light. Light magic was the most prominent form being expelled. However, it did not matter in the eyes of the gods. Magic was both forbidden and dangerous to practice. Without it though, people would die from illnesses, be eaten by ferocious monsters, and have no freedom. Women mostly practiced it for independence. To escape from abusive husbands or to find a collective sense of belonging. Any reason was sufficient to do so, as long as you were willing to accept the consequences.

Maybe humans had to accept their ill fate. She wanted to curse the one person she would always love with her entire being. It did not feel right to hate someone so kind. She loved her mum more than anything. It wasn’t her fault; it was the beings who controlled humanity. The powerful, and those who hid behind a leather-bound book. I would give anything to be human again, even if it meant accepting my own fragility. “I want my life back.” She sobbed. Tears always came when she thought of what she used to have. A community, a home, friends, and a family. There wasn’t time to wallow in one’s own self-pity.