The Legend of the Woods – Uncle Istvan

Chapter 10: The Reckoning
As the villagers closed in on the cabin, István faced a choice—fight to protect the life he had known for centuries, or sacrifice it all to save the one person who had brought light back into his world. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the air heavy with tension and anticipation.

István stepped out of the shadows, his presence a silent challenge to the mob. He faced their hatred with calm resolve, his ancient eyes meeting their fearful gazes. “Leave this place,” he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. “There is nothing for you here.”

The villagers hesitated, fear battling with anger. But before they could act, Lila emerged from the cabin, her eyes wide with alarm. She stood beside István, her presence a beacon of defiance.

“Leave him be!” Lila shouted, her voice unwavering. “He means you no harm.”

The villagers wavered, their resolve faltering in the face of her courage. But fear was a powerful force, and soon they rallied, brandishing their weapons with renewed determination.

István’s heart ached at the sight of Lila standing beside him, ready to face the mob. He knew that their bond had changed him, that she had awakened something within him that he had thought lost forever. But now, he faced the grim reality of his existence.

As the villagers advanced, István made a decision. He would not let Lila pay the price for his sins. He gathered the dark energy of the forest, calling upon the power that had sustained him for so long. The ground trembled, and shadows coiled around him, forming a barrier between the villagers and Lila.

“Go!” István urged Lila, his voice tinged with desperation. “Leave this place and never return.”

Lila hesitated, her eyes filled with tears. “I won’t leave you,” she insisted, her voice breaking. “We can find a way.”

István shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. “This is my burden to bear. You must live, for both of us.”

With those final words, István unleashed the full force of his power, driving the villagers back with a wave of shadow and despair. He watched as Lila retreated, her form disappearing into the forest.