The Legend of the Woods – Uncle Istvan

Chapter 7: The Forbidden Pact
As the days turned into weeks, Lila found herself returning to the cabin, drawn to István’s enigmatic presence. Each visit peeled away layers of mystery, revealing glimpses of the man beneath the legend. István, in turn, found companionship in her presence, a reminder of the humanity he had long since lost.

Their conversations delved into the arcane and the mundane, weaving a bond between the ancient hermit and the curious young woman. István shared stories of the past, tales of kingdoms long forgotten, and the dark arts that had ensnared him. Lila listened with rapt attention, absorbing the knowledge that István imparted.

But one evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and shadows lengthened, István spoke of the bargain that had sealed his fate. He told her of the pact with a dark entity, a spirit of the forest, that had granted him eternal life in exchange for his humanity. It was a choice made in desperation, driven by fear of death.

Lila listened, her heart aching for the man who had paid such a terrible price. She saw the pain in his eyes, the weight of centuries pressing down upon him. It was a burden she could barely comprehend, yet she felt a deep empathy for him.