Mihai walked the dark path home after just returning from the orient. The Samurai and his wife swirled around his thoughts. The cruelty of that man frightened him. How could he protect his family from such treachery in the world? He was just a man. Nothing more. He glanced up at the pale moon staring down at him, his only light along the worn path. A cool breeze settled around his shoulders and he drew his coat tighter. “Do you really want to protect your family?” The voice startled him. He turned. An old woman hobbling closer with a cane in one hand smiled up at him. “Where did you come from?” “Does not matter.” She stopped, her wrinkled face outlined by the moon. “You did not answer my question.” Mihai, still overcome by her presence couldn’t remember her question. “I didn’t hear you.” “You heard me, but I will ask again.” The old woman leaned forward on her cane. “Do you want to protect your family?” “Of course I do.” “You are a good man, no?” The corner of her mouth lifted into a half smile. “I try to be.” “Would you do anything for your family?” Mihai stumbled over his thoughts. “Yes.” “Hmm … I think you are not the right man.” She turned. Mihai grabbed her shoulder. “Wait. I love my family.” “Love is not always good enough,” she smiled. “Sometimes sacrifice is needed.” “What do you mean?” “I will make sure your family suffers no evil as long as they walk this earth and as long as you do something for me.” “Yes … okay.” He didn’t want to hesitate again and have her leave. He knew she was a witch and she could curse him if he wasn’t careful. “What do I need to do?” The old woman smiled. “Leave your family and never see them again.” The request startled him. “I could never do that. You ask too much.” She pointed a crooked finger at him. “You have been cursed and that curse has followed you here. The same evil that you witnessed far away is with you now. Your family will suffer. If you leave them, I will protect them from you.” “I would never hurt my family. You are a crazy old woman.” Mihai turned and left her standing in the middle of the path. He turned back, but she was gone. His heart fluttered. The woods became alive and a low growling pierced the air. Mihai stopped. Limbs snapped. Branches cracked. A beast stampeded from the darkness and leaped at Mihai. Rendered in Daz with post work done in photoshop and topaz