Emily followed the dark haired maiden through the mist, disappearing in the blink of an eye. If anyone had been watching, she might have been saved. But it was far too late.

Entranced, she followed the woman in the white gown. No other thoughts occupied her mind. The only thing she could think was to follow. Although she hadn’t wanted to at first, she had been ensnared, and now there was no hope left.

Her movements were mechanical. She avoided roots and branches with ease, and the sound of her footsteps crunching on leaves was rhythmic. Deeper into the woods they went, darker and darker with each passing moment.

Sharp branches grew thicker as they clamored to get closer to her, and nearly caught on the girl’s dress- but each time their efforts were evaded and she slipped past the danger. Or perhaps, it wasn’t a danger. One distraction, and she would be free. But the maiden had a tight hold on her, and refused to let her go.

Finally, they reached a clearing. Emily and her captor stopped. And slowly, very slowly, she turned around. When her eyes met Emily’s, the girl was released from the maiden’s grasp, and she was free to see the truth.

Ink black eyes stared at her, paired with a sickly sweet smile. Before Emily had a chance to run, the maiden of the forest reached out with large claws and began to stroke her luscious auburn hair. The maiden’s own forest black hair fell in waves around her shoulders as she smiled wider.

Her grip tightened, eliminating the girl’s only chance to escape. She began to sing, slowly, and as she did, wisps of pure white floated from Emily. She was placed in a trance again, as the maiden sucked her soul, her precious heart, and her spirit out in the form of mist. It evaporated into her skin as she sang making her grow stronger, while Emily was left shriveled and dead by her magic.

When she was nothing but a husk of what she once was, the maiden returned to the edge of the forest, where she had captured her prey, and released a dove. In it’s beak. It carried a piece of nightshade. The dove flew around the town, letting out mourning calls and alerting the public that another had been taken.

Try as they might, parents could not protect their children. Though everyone knew the dangers of the woods, there was another missing child every week. They were told to stay near home, to not get too close to the woods, and to never follow a stranger.

But some way or another, they were always lured into her trap. For if the forest maiden chose you…

There was truly no escape.

The end! Enjoy this lovely and very happy-sunshiney piece of work :)))