He looked out the castle window, enjoying the perfect view from the north tower, gazing at the forest and the distant mountains.

The cool breeze ruffled the top of his straight black hair, playing across his face, making him shiver. He missed the bustle of the town, he had more power than one person could need in a lifetime, but it came at a cost. Loneliness.

He could control minds. He didn’t know where he got his powers from, he had had them for as long as he could remember. He reminisced about all the times he had used his ability to help people. It’s not like he could abuse his power.

The old witch his father had summoned from across the Great Sea had warned him never to use it for personal gain. Never.

A knock at the door, snapped his attention back to the present. An opportunity to go to town had arisen. Good, he could do with some company. He rode into town on his sable stallion, observing people. He waved to the few he knew, he had helped all of them whether they were aware of it or not.

He was about to leave when he saw a beautiful girl mount a horse heading in the opposite direction. His heart stopped in his chest. He couldn’t breathe, he felt lightheaded. He jumped on his horse and followed her. It was as if he’d been struck by lightening, every nerve in his body was alive and humming.

She stopped at a cottage deep within the forest and went inside. He barely waited for a few moments before knocking on the door.

She stood there a moment later, looking at him curiously.

“May I have some water?”He stammered.

She nodded, standing aside to let him in, he didn’t see the smile or the reflection in the mirror beside the door, the face of the witch leering at his back.