The day had arrived. Ten years since the last Forest Bride had made her way to the stone circle, never to be seen again.
Now it was Fiona's turn. She was not surprised to be chosen. While she had been born in the village, she had ended up an outsider. It was kinder to send her away, to spare those who were still wanted and those who wanted them. She would not be missed, and in return, she would not miss anyone from the village.
Wearing a simple dress and a crown of wild flowers, Fiona began her journey into the forest alone. There were stories of those who fled, escaping at the last moment. But Fiona would see her burden through, for she knew if she did not, she would simply be condemning another to take her place. And the village would suffer if the ritual were not completed on time.
The path through the forest was well-worn, guiding Fiona to her ultimate destination. With each step, her trepidation grew, the trees around her seeming to slowly close in around her. The only comfort was a soft summer breeze keeping her cool.
It was almost a relief when she reached the clearing containing the stone circle. The dark stone pillars stood silently, the only witnesses to Fiona's arrival. As instructed, she walked through a pair of stones supporting a third, forming a rough arch. As she did, the air around her seemed to still, the wind stopping suddenly.
Fiona could feel a presence nearby. The sensation of being watched. Her heart beat faster as she moved towards the center of the circle. She wasn't alone.
"Hello?" Fiona dared to call out. "Is someone there?"
