Bound by the Boughs

In a moonlit forest, where shadows conspire,

A group of young maidens, with intrigue and desire,

Gathered in circle, with intention, they chase,

Yet one looked around, fear on her face.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" she inquired,

Her voice a mere whisper, doubt newly acquired.

The others merely laughed, dismissing her fear,

The pull of the Wiccan lure growing near.

Candles flickered, and chants began to rise,

Hopes of invoking spirits beneath the starlit skies.

They called to the elements, to Earth, Air, Fire, Sea,

Unaware of the lurking dangers, in their naive spree.

"By the power of three, our will be done!",

They sang with excitement, under the watchful moon's run.

Yet, from the dark corners of the ancient wood,

Whispers grew louder, intentions misunderstood.

From beneath them, shadows began to unfold,

The ground pulsated, like a tale, anciently told.

"Who dares summon, without respect or due?"

A voice, echoing deeply, chilling them through.

"We meant no harm!" one maiden cried,

"We only sought wisdom, please let us confide!"

But the forest knew better, and its spirits were wise,

They'd seen many who'd come, with prying eyes.

"Power isn't granted," the voice came again,

"It's earned with respect, pain, and yen."

The ground opened wide, tendrils snaked,

Wrapping the girls, their courage was flaked.

One by one, dreams turned to fears,

Confronted by doubts, many tears.

They saw twisted futures, bleak and grim,

Where power was stolen, every hope and whim.

They felt the weight of every mistake,

The sting of every heartache.

Bound by ignorance, realizing too late,

The forest’s power was vast, their fates it could sate.

Days turned to nights, nights into daze,

The maidens trapped in a haunting maze.

Until one, tearfully, began to sing,

A melody of sorrow, a truthful ring.

The forest listened, its wrath began to fade,

Recognizing the song, the price they had paid.

The tendrils released, the girls left in fear,

The forest's lesson lingering near.

They'd learned the cost of a careless game,

That toying with forces, brought only shame.

With burdened hearts, they left behind the place,

Carrying memories, no soul should ever face.