In The Lion's Sign. Stefano Vignaroli

be able to love all the way.

      The ram brings the fire of love as a gift.

      At that point, the circle broke and, two by two, the girls let themselves fall to the ground, beginning to caress each other, their bodies soaked in sweat, glistening in flames. Hands caressed their hips, tongues searched for swollen nipples, lips as red as fire kissed vaginas. The earth welcomed mooing and subdued cries, as each of the young women reached the highest pleasure. Then they changed companions and the ritual began again. Lucia had already reached the apex three times, when she realized that the fire was fading, the brightness of the celestial vault was fading and that, eastwards, she began to see the glow that preludes the new day. She realized that she was left alone, that there was no one next to her. Had she imagined everything? In an uncontrollable trance, had she only practiced autoeroticism, stimulated by the heat of the fire? It didn’t matter! The night had been wonderful, her body had enjoyed, it had merged with some of the elements of nature, with fire, with earth, with air, with water, which she now felt flowing in a nearby stream. In short, she was at peace with herself. Even the Crocus had dried to the right point and could be used for healing purposes. But now she had to be quick to return to the convent. Or to decide not to return there at all, so that the friars, especially the Prior, would not be suspicious of her and her behaviour. It certainly did not befit a maiden to wander through the woods on a new moonlit night, especially if it coincided with the spring equinox. She would have been immediately accused of being a witch!

      Therefore, she collected her things, recovered her steed and headed towards the town of Apiro. Better to tell the Prior that she left early so as not to disturb the friars. After all, Germano degli Ottoni, to whose dwelling he was going, would have confirmed the version of the facts, if there had been any shadow of doubt on the part of anyone. But perhaps they were entirely unnecessary concerns.