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“Darling, we shouldn’t speak ill of the neighbours.” Mirelle placed her dainty hand on top of her husband’s and raised her brows .

“No, it’s quite all right,” Velinka said. “Daro agreed to repair the stove if Pyotr could agree to pay in partial sums.”

Jasen tutted. “Good luck, but I wouldn’t hold him to it.”

While the guests finished the meals and vodka, Adelina wriggled in her chair, eager to be excused. Damir cocked an eyebrow at her, which she returned with a playful glare.

Tihana hopped up from her chair and took the empty bowls to the kitchen sink while the chatter continued at the table.

Daro leaned closer to his wife and kissed her warmly. “Lunch was splendid as always.”

She patted his arm, then rose, took off her apron, and hung it on a hook by the kitchen door. “How about another drink?”

As quickly as the words left her mouth, the glasses were filled with vodka. The adults remained in conversation, Tihana disappeared into her bedroom, and Adelina escorted Damir to the chairs on the porch.

Her stomach was warm, and her head fuzzy from the second helping of vodka. The alcohol dulled the bitterness of the winter breeze nipping at her cheeks, and alongside it, muted her inhibitions.

She drew a knitted blanket over their laps and cradled the glass to her chest. Damir swigged the last of his drink, then placed the cup on the wooden table beside them.

He turned to face her and hoisted the covering up to his chin. “Are you looking forward to the celebrations this evening? ”

“The villagers dance around a giant tree, light a bonfire, eat loads of food, and drink their body weight in alcohol.” She laughed. “What’s not to like?”

“I’m glad I get to spend it with you.” His gaze deepened.

Heat rising in her face, she nestled into him.

They’d known each other for most of their lives, but of late, their friendship was turning into something more.

She wasn’t sure, but she liked it. As the alcohol warmed her body, she admitted she was glad for the evolving feelings.

He draped his arm around her, holding her close to his chest as they watched the snow fall over Aramoor.

∞∞∞

As the sun set, melodic tunes of carollers echoed through the village. A group of people dressed in animal skins, horns, and straw masks strolled down the streets, rapped on doors, and recited poetry.

Songs of prosperity were sung, well-wishing the neighbours and bountiful harvest to the men and their wives.

Good husbands were wished for young girls, and good wives for boys.

Some tunes carried promises of health to the ailing, and cheery folk danced through the streets.

Musicians played their flutes and fiddles, creating a lilting, bright medley.

Adelina tucked her hand into the crook of Damir’s elbow as he escorted her towards the bonfire. They passed other families who’d set up market stalls, selling candy, toys, and housewares as the dancers’ costumes came into sight .

“This has to be one of my favourite parts of the solstice!” Tihana skipped ahead, always keeping within sight. She joined the goat, bear, and wolf-costumed performers in their ritualistic dance in front of the oak tree in the centre of the village.

Adelina smiled warmly as she watched her little sister. Damir led her to a cluster of wooden stools dotted around a stack of logs and twigs.

They sat beside each other and were joined by their parents.

Velinka rested her hand on her daughter’s knee. “Did you know a lot of marriages are arranged at the winter solstice?” She winked.

“Mother.” Adelina’s cheeks burned.

Damir would’ve heard, but kept a straight face, and flattened his coat with the palms of his hands.

An elderly member of the community, Radek, stood in front of the unlit bonfire and turned to face the gathering crowd. The music dwindled.

“Thank you all for contributing to another fine winter solstice.” His eyes twinkled and crow’s feet sprouted from the outer corners.

“It is the time of year in which friends, family, and neighbours gather to celebrate a prosperous year, but to also banish negative influences we do not wish to carry with us into the next one. Together, we must get rid of things no longer serving us, no matter how big or small—a job no longer fruitful, an oven no longer warming the home, sins keeping us from the light. As a community, we invite a new season into our lives. A new sun will be born with the New Year.”

The crowd cheered as the performers stepped into a line beside Radek .

“Today, we look upon the goat and see Thor’s personal chariot goats. They’re eaten at night and resurrected each morning—let this symbolise prosperity and fertility within Aramoor.” Radek gestured to the performer wearing grey canvas clothing, and goat horns upon his head.

The performer picked up a lit, staked torch and tossed it onto the bonfire, creating sparks of orange flames. The gathered villagers clapped in applause.

“However, we must not forget the dangers forever present. Evil forces may attempt to steer us from our path of righteousness. May our wit and courage continue to overcome this in the New Year.” Radek gestured to the performer wearing a necklace of sharp teeth, and a thick wolf’s pelt draped over his shoulders.

The performer bent, grabbed the next torch, then threw it into the crackling fire.

The final actor, draped in brown bear fur, danced goofily in front of the children, who squealed and applauded with approval.

“Look upon the bear and banish your fears and forces of evil!”

His last word boomed across the village square. The crowd rose to their feet, threw their arms into the air, and shouted with joy.

Velinka hugged her children, then kissed her husband on the cheek.

Damir turned to Adelina and pulled her into a gentle embrace. Her heart swelled with fondness.

Sweets were offered to the children while adults gathered around the fire, sipping glasses of vodka and trading resolutions and promises for the future .

Adelina took Damir by the arm and steered him towards a line of three food stalls. “Where shall we start?”

“Dessert first.” He grinned, then turned to face the woman manning the first stand. “Two rogaliki, please.”

The woman nodded and plopped the flaky, horn-shaped pastry onto paper plates. Damir paid her, took the plates, then handed one to Adelina.

She placed the sweet treat into her mouth, then moaned with delight. “My favourite part of the festival is the food!”

“Wait until you have the baranki.” He steered her towards the next stall as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“I’ll pay for these.” Her gaze fell upon the freshly cooked bagels stacked on trays. Beside them were large pots of jam and soured cream.

The stall owner leaned forward and beamed. “My bread ’as caught ye eye, ’as it?”

“How much for two?” Adelina stood on her tiptoes and sniffed the yeasty, warm aroma.

“Tha’ll be three ruble, miss.” The woman served the bread wrapped in paper, then spooned a dollop of jam and sour cream into small paper pots for them to take.

Adelina handed her the coins, picked up the food, and sat on a nearby stool beside Damir.

Tearing the bagel in half, she dunked one end into the jam, then bit off a large chunk. “I wish we could have this every day.”

“We have the spring equinox in March.” Damir eyed her and scoffed down the last of his bagel .

“There’ll be flowers to buy, but not as much food.” She shrugged. Her stomach grew fuller, but from the corners of her eyes, the final stall beckoned her.

“Got room for one more?” He nudged her gently. “The last one’s the best. A giant round pie filled with beef.”

“Maybe we should’ve started there first.” She laughed.

“I’ll be right back.” He jumped to his feet and dashed to the far-right stall.

Moments later, he returned with two thick slices of pie and handed one to Adelina.

He pulled a wooden fork from his pocket and gave it to her. “What’s the bet I’ll clear my plate, and you won’t?”

He tucked into his meal, wolfing down each forkful, while Adelina savoured every bite, relishing the rich taste.

“The pie represents a cow—a mother figure and provider,” Velinka whispered over her shoulder as she appeared behind her. Adelina smiled, then offered some of the pie to her mother.

They shared the meal until the plate was clear.

“Where are the others?” Adelina asked.

“They’re sitting around the bonfire, telling stories no doubt,” her mother said. “Although I’ve made your father promise not to speak about work until the festivities are over.”

She tugged Adelina to her chest and hugged her. Her gaze travelled to Damir as she stood. “Take care of my daughter this evening.”

“Of course.” He bowed his head.

The celebrations continued into the night. The fire raged, illuminating the small village, and the melodies from flutes and fiddles carried on the breeze.

When the festival ended, the families parted. After a long hug, Adelina waved to Damir as she turned towards home. Her cheeks burned and a smile spread across her mouth. She loved his gentleness, patience, and playfulness. Now all she had to do was pass the test.

∞∞∞

Candles were lit and positioned on top of the dresser in Adelina’s bedroom. A silver stream of moonlight cascaded through the gap between the drawn, grey turin curtains.

She rubbed her hands in front of the lit fire in the hearth, then pulled the clips out of her hair and unravelled the bun. When her curls tumbled loosely down the length of her back, she set the clips on the dresser.

She slipped out of her poppy embroidered poneva skirt, set it on the back of the wooden chair beside the fire, then hoisted the cotton under-dress over her head. Standing stark naked in her bedroom, she warmed from the gentle heat flickering in front of her.

A cream nightdress, washed by her mother, lay on her bed. She poked her head through the garment and let the fabric slide down her body. The sleeves were tied into bows at the wrists, and the material was ruched beneath her breasts. She traced the detailed hemmed neckline .

Her parents made every effort to buy them good quality clothes, since the family business was doing well.

She ran her fingers down her arms, wondering again if astral flowed within her veins. She shook her head and dropped her hands to her sides.

A tired sigh escaped her lips as she pulled back the duvet on her wooden-framed bed, then slid onto the mattress. With the covers drawn to her chin, and the fire warming her cheeks, she closed her eyes and welcomed sleep.

When the moon was at its highest and the hearth light dwindled, Adelina’s mind sank into dreams.

Fog hung low as she wandered through a meadow. The wildflowers wilted, and frost crunched beneath her feet. She hugged herself for warmth as she followed the winding path. A crow squawked in the distance, then landed on a nearby tree stump.

Where was she and where’d the crow come from?

Soon after, the field transitioned into a water-slicked corridor.

Torches, affixed in brackets on the wall, provided a dim light against the shadows of her new surroundings.

She tiptoed through the passageway as a cold shiver ran down her spine.

Her heart hammered as she neared an intricately carved stone altar.

A pair of candles flickered, casting yellow pools onto the dark surface to where a leather-bound book lay open.

Her gaze fell upon the revealed page, but her vision blurred, and she couldn’t make out the symbols or text. A tightening sensation gripped her throat.

Something wasn’t right.

She needed to leave; she shouldn’t be here .

But a compulsion inside urged her to stay, find out what the book contained.

She edged closer and wrapped her fingers around the side of the stone altar.

As she pressed onto the tips of her toes, a crow flew through the corridor and squawked.

Startled, she waited until the bird landed on an age-worn statue nearby.

Its beady gaze met hers. With it, an intense burning coursed through her body, then pulsed behind her left shoulder.

Pulling back her collar, she glanced into the rusted mirror beside the altar. A gasp escaped her lips as a searing heat rose from the area where her birthmark was. The circular shape morphed into the symbol for the new sun, scorching her skin and raising blood to the surface.

She lifted her shaky fingers and traced the swollen surface. The sun’s rays splayed out from the centre. She stumbled backwards, hit her head on the water-slicked floor, and the crow soared towards her.

Adelina bolted upright. Her night dress clung to her body, sodden with sweat. She wiped her forehead with her hand and sucked in ragged breaths.

Throwing back the covers, she darted across the room to the mirror hanging above the dresser. She tugged off her nightgown, turned, then peered over her shoulder.

The sun mark. Clear as day, and red raw.

How could something in a dream happen in reality? What did it mean?