The trees began to show the slightest green buds, hinting at spring's arrival. Bateia sat on the newly green grass, legs tucked to her chest. She closed her eyes with a smile and took a deep breath, filling herself with the warmer air.
She felt her body begin to change. Her skin lightened, hair shortened, and clothing had new life breathed into it. She looked at the flowers on her wrists with a smile. This was the version of herself that she preferred, but she only had it for half of the year. She loved that time.
With a wave of her hand over the grass, a few flower buds bloomed. Bateia smiled, knowing that the cycle of life had once again begun.
She felt a sudden chill on her wrists, accompanied by the clinking sound of a lock. Looking up, she saw the hardened eyes of her captor staring at her. "Five minutes," she whispered, a small tear rolling down her cheek. "Please?"
He almost looked like he was contemplating her request, then yanked on the chains. Bateia was pulled forward by the antimagic shackles she bore, falling to the ground. She groaned slightly, forcing herself to her feet.
Her eyes held a look of hatred for the centaur. If looks could kill, there would have been a bloodbath. "I get to experience this only twice per year," she said. "Are you really so heartless that you'll not let me have five minutes to myself?"