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Charlie lived in a very pleasant small town. Although it was quite isolated from the rest of the world, it was a friendly community, and had everything you could need. Charlie enjoyed its quaint beauty. She adored the smell of baked goods that drifted from the local market. The way the sunlight hit the trees just right outside her cottage’s window. Beaming in every morning over her bed. She loved reading books at the local library, and idly sketching the beautiful landscapes and architecture of her hometown.
There was one thing however, that was unusual about this place. The town sat next to a large forest. And while it was wonderfully scenic (Charlie had even drawn it several times) there were some less than pleasant rumors about it.
Just fairy tales, that’s what they said. Just stories told to children to stop them wandering in the forest and getting lost, they said. But Charlie still found the tales she heard quite disturbing. It was said that anyone who entered the forest would likely never return. That there was something dangerous hiding in its depths. That sometimes, in the dead of night, the sounds of scraping metal, deafening static, and wailing screams can be heard, echoing from the forest’s core.
But Charlie didn’t worry about it. After all, she had no reason to enter the forest. She would just enjoy her peaceful life here in the town, as she always had.
Charlie gently stroked her fingers through the fur of her pet cat, cuddles, who lay sleepily stretched on the bed beside her, sunbathing in the morning’s beams. This cat was her best friend. She didn’t really have any human friends. People found her awkward, and thought her bubbliness was overbearing. To be honest, she was a little lonely. How she’d love to make some genuine connections. But she couldn’t be unhappy with the life she had.
The girl yawned as she rose from the bed. It was a bright new day. She decided she’d like to bake some muffins and headed to the kitchen. As she was gathering together the ingredients, she heard a splintering crash coming from her room. What the hell was that??
For a second, she was frozen in fear, but she knew she had to investigate. Maybe cuddles just knocked something over?
She hurried to her room, swinging open the door, to see that a large hole had been smashed into the window, shards of glass now lying on the floor. She might have found the way that the sunlight twinkled against them pretty, if it weren’t for the fact that her window was broken.
Who had done this? Did some mischievous kid throw a rock at the window? Looking around, she noticed that she couldn’t see cuddles anywhere in the room. She approached the wrecked window and peered outside. No window-breaking culprit was in sight, but she gasped when she saw her cat, cuddles, running down the street, further and further from the cottage.
Charlie fled outside. Cuddles was an indoor cat, she had never been outside before, and Charlie would be devastated if her best friend got lost or hurt. Especially if there was some horrible person out there throwing rocks around!
She dashed down the path, hoping to spot where her beloved pet had headed. She caught a glimpse of orange fluff in the corner of her eye, and spun to see cuddles running down the path that led out of town
… towards the forest.
Charlie ran after her. She had to catch up. God knows she didn’t want to step a single foot into that forest if she didn’t have to. Why was cuddles acting so strangely?
But it was too late. As she approached the forest, her beloved cuddles had already dashed within the trees.
“No, no.. please cuddles, come back here, it’s me! Psst psst psst!” Charlie put on the calmest voice she could so as not to scare the cat.
But no sign of the fluffball. Charlie sighed loudly. She had no choice but to enter the dreaded place. She wouldn’t go far, she told herself. She would just find cuddles, and then get right out of there. She just couldn’t lose her only companion.
Taking a deep breath, she took her first step through the foliage.
As soon as she set foot in the forest. A sense of unease crept through her, like a spider crawling up her spine and spinning webs around her thumping heart.
She was probably just nervous because of the stories. It was just a forest. Nothing to be afraid of, right?
She called out for cuddles, eyes darting in an effort to spot her pet. Being bright orange, she was sure to stand out against the greenery, Charlie thought. But after minutes of searching, she still saw no sign of her best friend.
She continued further into the forest. Each step she took felt like she was stepping further out of reality, into a strange dream, no.. a nightmare.
Her head began to fog and she felt unbalanced. She glanced behind her. She hadn’t gone far into the forest, the town should have been easily visible from here, and yet it felt like the forest stretched endlessly behind her.
Her world was spinning. She no longer knew which way was which. She felt sick to her stomach, and she might have collapsed if she wasn’t snapped out of it by a shrieking meow in the distance.
“Cuddles!”
Charlie shouted, a mix of terror and relief in her trembling voice. It was hard to even tell where the sound had come from, but she pushed forward, she couldn’t turn back now. Cuddles must be close. Once she found her, this nightmare could end.
As she ran, she felt a few stray raindrops kiss her skin, quickly growing into a heavy rain, pattering loudly against the canopy of leaves above her.
A rumble of thunder, and a bright flash. It was the start of a storm.
Charlie was overwhelmed, in a pure state of panic. She almost laughed, it kept getting worse.
A painfully loud BANG rang in her ears as a nearby tree was struck, and she screamed. She knew you shouldn’t shelter under trees during a storm, but this was a forest! There was nothing but trees.
She just kept on moving, eyes squeezed shut, feeling scared and helpless, the fog growing in her brain once more, until suddenly, a sense of calm washed over her as she stepped into a clearing.
A clearing in the forest, and at its centre, a large house. A house? Somebody lived in this cursed forest? No time for questions. She just needed shelter. And maybe, if there was anyone in there, they could help her find cuddles.
She approached the door, jacket pulled over her head in a useless attempt to keep her dry. She was already soaked.
She knocked on the door several times, hoping, praying that if anyone was in there, they would let her in. After a few nerve wracking seconds of nothing, the door slowly creaked open, and she was greeted with a tall man standing in the doorway. He had an unusual look about him, his outfit was out of date, by a century or so, and the red and black hair that gently framed his face looked so soft she could have mistaken it for fur.
The man gave her a gentle smile,
“Good heavens, dear girl, stop standing there and hurry on in!”
She snapped out of her staring and stepped into the house. The warmth of the indoors was an instant relief, and a delicious smell filled her nose. Hmm, it was nearly dinner time. The man was probably cooking himself something.
“I am so sorry to turn up at your home out of the blue like this,” she huffed, exhausted. “I was looking for my cat, and then I got caught up in this storm, and didn’t know where to go, and and..”
“Shh, it’s alright, you’re alright. It’s no good being out there in this weather. You are very welcome to stay here until the storm blows over, dear girl.” The stranger reassured her.
“Thank you, thank you,” Charlie was grateful for the man’s kindness. She shrugged off her sopping jacket and pulled her soaked hair free from its ties. She could really use a shower and a change of outfit, she thought.
The man could see it in her face, it seemed.
“Dear, you are welcome to use my bathroom to freshen up. And I have some wonderfully soft robes you may borrow if you need, little fawn.”
“Oh wow, thank you so much for your hospitality, I think I will,” Charlie spoke shyly
“The name is Charlie, by the way,” she added.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Charlie,” he reached out his hand to her, and after a second of awkward confusion, she shook it. “I’m Alastor, do make yourself comfortable here.”
The girl smiled, relieved to have found somewhere warm and welcoming within this horrifying forest. She headed to the bathroom, eager to get refreshed.
The robe really was wonderfully soft, she thought, as she slipped it on after her shower and headed out of the bathroom. She wondered how the man had a robe that fit her so perfectly.
The living room was warm with a cozy amber glow, Charlie took in her surroundings. It was a very welcoming home. Although quite out of place in its location. Alastor appeared busy preparing food still. So she tentatively sat down on a comfortable looking couch, continuing to look around the room.
She noticed something peculiar, taxidermy? A deer head mounted on the wall, some elegantly posed mice, a few rabbits. A little creepy, she thought, but not something she hadn’t seen before.
“I see they have caught your interest my dear,” Alastor giggled, “yes yes, it is a hobby of mine. I quite appreciate the beauty of creatures.”
Alastor poured some of the mouth-watering soup that he had been cooking into a bowl, and moved to hand it to the girl. He paused for a second,
“You aren’t a vegetarian, are you, my dear?”
“Oh no no, but are you sure it’s alright for me to eat the food you made, do you have enough for yourself?” Charlie asked politely.
“Absolutely darling, I always make enough.”
The man ruffled Charlie’s blonde hair playfully, her face flushed. It was nice to get attention from another person for once, and she had to admit, this man was quite gorgeous. She was starting to become captivated with his tidy appearance, his words of endearment, and his soft, deep, purring voice.
Before she could grow as red as a tomato, she focused on eating her soup. Alastor was a great cook! A delicious mix of meat, vegetables and spices, making a thick and warming meal that teased all of her senses.
Charlie glanced out the window, the rain was still thrashing, with flickers of lightning. Didn’t look like she’d be leaving anytime soon.
Thoughts of cuddles flashed in her head, and tears began to well in her eyes. Where was her pet? Drenched, alone and cold? Lost and hurt?
“Sweetheart, whatever is the matter?”
Charlie felt a hand softly caress her face, turning her head to face his. His expression was caring and tender, his features ever so perfectly highlighted by the warm glow of the room.
“My cat,” Charlie wiped a tear away with the back of her hand. “She’s still lost somewhere, I’m worried about her. Sh-she’s my best friend. My only friend. I don’t want to lose her. ” She collapsed her head into her hands, sobbing like a mess.
Alastor placed a hand lightly on Charlie’s back, and leant down, tilting his head to look at her.
“My dearest, it will be okay, I’m sure you will find her eventually. There is nothing you can do for now. This storm will likely continue the whole night through. You should stay here, warm and safe, and we can look for her in the morning.” He smiled warmly, his beautifully charming voice enough to ease her crying a little.
“Thank you,” she whimpered, “thank you for being so kind.”
“Thank you for turning up here, my dear. As you can imagine, I don’t get much company.” He wiped her tears away.
“Aw,” Charlie giggled, “yea, you must be lonely, out here in this forest on your own. I’m a lonely person too, perhaps we were meant to meet each other.”
“Perhaps indeed.” Alastor sat down next to the girl, and for a moment, they just smiled at each other.
“Why do you live out here anyway?” She asked curiously. “Aren’t you afraid of the forest? The stories?”
“Stories?” Alastor looked puzzled. “I haven’t a clue what you are talking about my dear. I’ve lived here all my life, this forest is a wonderful place.”
Huh, Charlie guessed that made sense, why would someone who wasn’t from her town have heard the local tales? Maybe there was nothing about the forest to be scared of after all.
For hours, she and Alastor continued to talk. They talked about life. She told him all about her favourite things to do, all about her recipes, her art, and the books she liked most. She told him funny stories about cuddles getting into mischief, about her hopes and dreams. Similarly, Alastor told the girl all about his home, his antiques, his book collection, the radio show he used to host, and whatever else came up in their chatter.
Charlie poured her heart out to the man she met that day. Perhaps she was too open, but the talk was a relief. It made her realize how much she needed someone to talk to. She wondered if Alastor felt the same.
When their conversations were done, they made muffins, Charlie’s recipe! Alastor had never made muffins before, and created a bit of a mess with the batter, but they had fun and the treats turned out delicious.
After filling their bellies they returned to the couch to relax.
Charlie lay back, thinking of that day's events, and enjoying the sweet taste of the muffins that still lingered on her tongue. She thought about Alastor, how kind he had been, how charming he was.. How attractive..
“Ahem, my dear…” he coughed
Looking up, she saw that Alastor was staring at her, an awkward expression on his face
Charlie realized that the robe around her had come loose at her chest, exposing one of her breasts in plain sight. She gasped and pulled it closed, turning a bright pink in utter embarrassment.
“I’m so sorry.”
“No worries dearest, I find it quite endearing to see you flustered so. You are an incredible beauty.”
Charlie’s blush grew so hot and red that she thought she might melt. She couldn’t handle being complimented like that by such an attractive man, all she could let out is a small squeak of “thank you.”
Her heart beat like a drum in her chest. She didn’t know if she was nervous or excited. She tried to avoid eye contact with Alastor, who was sitting, just looking at her. She felt so silly and awkward, yet couldn’t help but squirm a little in delight as his words played on repeat in her head.
Alastor leaned over her, closer and closer, until he was pretty much lying on her, and close enough to whisper in her ear. Soft as silk hair grazing her face.
“Do you want me to touch you, Charlie?”
She felt like her heart stopped. This couldn’t be real.
“Yes, please. Yes.” was all she could muster.
Alastor smirked, slowly parting the robe over her chest and exposing her. He leant down and pressed a soft kiss between her breasts, before beginning to fondle them. Her flesh was so soft and smooth against his hands, as though she weren’t even human, perhaps an angel. He raised his eyes to look at her cute blushing face.
She was smiling widely, she couldn’t hide that she had wanted this.
“I knew you were eyeing me up as soon as you came through that door, sweetheart.” He teased.
He wasn’t wrong.
He moved upwards to peck her cheek, before playfully pulling at her lip with his thumb, like he was asking permission. Charlie nodded, and the man kissed her. She was so excited that she laughed into the kiss.
“Hey, silly, I can’t kiss you properly if you do that,” he said teasingly, kissing her again, this time more hungrily.
He trailed his hands down her sides, pulling the robe further off her, now exposing most of her body. He tugged at the band of her underwear, and she lifted her legs, making it easier for him to pull them right off. Now she felt so vulnerable, but she trusted this kind man and craved his touch so intensely.
Charlie adored the way he stared down at her body, as if she were delectable and he couldn’t wait to ravish her.
He circled a fingertip softly around her pussy, and she wiggled eagerly in anticipation. Teasingly, he swiped a fingertip along the slit, earning a squirm and a whine.
“Please.” the girl whimpered
“Please what?” Alastor played dumb.
“Quit teasing.” She pleaded
He obliged, allowing one finger to open her up and slip inside. She breathed heavily, welcoming the pleasure. It felt like butterflies were swarming up into her tummy, bubbling in ecstasy, especially when he added a second finger. The pleasure that shot through her as they moved in and out against her walls was intense. Something she had never felt before. She covered her eyes with her arm, getting lost in the feeling. The rubbing. The fullness and warmth.
“Don’t hide your beautiful eyes, darling.” Alastor purred, the sound vibrated through her whole body. He used his free hand to move her arm away.
Charlie pushed back against his fingers, trying to feel them deeper and faster, he sped up to match her. She was breathless, it looked like she might be close.
“I have something else for you, sweetheart.”
Charlie didn’t look, but she felt his fingers slip out of her, a little disappointed at the emptiness. She heard the sound of unbuckling, and of his shirt being removed, before the feeling of something else resting against her, hot and heavy.
She finally looked at him, now shirtless and himself exposed. She quivered in excitement at the sight of his cock, the warmth of it pressed against her, so close to being inside. She looked over his body, the way his pubes, that looked more like soft deer fur, started thinly at his tummy and widened out around the base. They looked just as soft as his hair.
Without thinking, she reached down to touch, stroking her fingers through the hairs, twirling it between them. It was just as soft to the touch as she thought.
Alastor marveled at her endearing curiosity, and looked at her perfect porcelain body beneath him, soft breasts and tummy tempting him, making him want to breed her roughly right then and there. But he was patient.
Some sort of romantic music started to play, with a slight crackle or radio static behind it. Charlie did not know where it was coming from, but it fit the mood perfectly.
He leant down against her, his chest flush with hers, sliding himself back and forth a few times, cock tantalizingly rubbing against her wetness. Charlie shifted, trying to penetrate herself on him.
“You’re eager.” he laughed, placing a gentle kiss on her rosy cheek, before finally entering her.
She sighed at the warm feeling of being filled up, of the emptiness inside her being replaced with raw pleasure and satisfaction and warmth. She felt that soft fluff now against her. He was all the way in, and as he shifted it tickled her sensitive skin pleasantly. So soft.
He began to thrust at a slow pace, a gentle and beautiful lovemaking that made Charlie melt beneath him.
As he sped up , his hips slapped against hers with each thrust, bouncing her back and forth on the couch.
The pleasure began to build up inside her once again, climbing higher with each movement. She didn’t want this to end, but she knew the peak would be so satisfying. As they grew nearer, He wrapped his arms so tightly around her, holding her in place, pressed against him, as deep as he could possibly be as he released, not letting her move until every drop was inside her.
The two of them huffed. He pawed at her tummy, rubbing circles on it, still sheathed in her, satisfied that he had planted his seed in her.
What a beautiful one she was. How glad he was that she had turned up at his door.
He sighed.
Poor girl.
It grew close to midnight. After cleaning up, Charlie relaxed on Alastor’s bed reading a book that he had kindly given her, and enjoying the warmth of a crackling fireplace.
She yawned. Time to get some sleep. She’d had a long day, with a lot of different emotions.
Alastor approached her, brushing a gentle hand against her cheek.
“Going to get some rest, beautiful?” He asked.
“I think I should,” she yawned once more. “If that’s alright.”
“Of course, dear. But first, may I ask you a question?”
“Go ahead,” she smiled
“Do you want to leave tomorrow, return to your town, and have your life go back to normal. Or, would you like to stay here. With me?”
Charlie was quiet for a few moments as she contemplated the question. Her town was all she had ever known, but now her feelings for this man were so strong, she felt she wouldn’t mind staying here with him. After all, he was kind, hot, a great cook, and had a lovely home. What more could she want.
Alastor waited patiently for her answer.
“The choice is yours, darling.” he spoke softly, placing his soft lips against her forehead.
“As long as we still find cuddles, then yea. I think I’d like to stay here. With you.” She smiled.
“Then it is decided, my doll.” Alastor replied. He rose and turned away, heading out of the bedroom.
“I have a few errands to run. Rest well my dearest.” He shot her another gentle smile. “And do not worry, I shall find your beloved pet.”
Alastor left the room, and Charlie’s eyes flickered shut as her sleepiness overcame her. She felt truly calm. She felt loved. Like a new and wonderful beginning had blessed her. She smiled as she fell asleep. She was sure to have sweet dreams tonight.
Charlie felt cold when she awoke. She couldn’t see, as something was covering her eyes, but she could tell that she had no clothes on, and was no longer covered by the blanket of the bed. There was something wrapped around her wrists and ankles. It was silky soft, reminding her of Alastor’s hair. But it was restricting her. She struggled against it hopelessly.
“Alastor?” She called, voice laced with anxiety.
“Good morning, my doll.” His familiar voice spoke, but the usual kindness and tenderness was replaced with another tone. Something more sinister.
Light filled her eyes as her blindfold was removed. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the sudden brightness.
She was clearly no longer in his bedroom, and as she looked around the room, she was overcome with pure horror at what she saw.
Mouth agape, eyes unblinking and quivering in disbelief.
Strung up on the ceiling, and along the walls of this large room, were bodies. Bodies of girls . Beautiful girls like her, with their mouths sewn shut. Some of them with eyes sewn shut. Buttons along skin, pins poking through them as if their flesh were a mere pin cushion. Some had stomachs cut open, filled with stuffing that peeked through the seams holding them shut. They were most certainly dead, but Charlie swore she could see one of them still twitching, trying to scream against the threads to no avail.
Finally, her eyes settled on something orange and fluffy that sat beside her.
Cuddles?
“Here my dear,” Alastor spoke, shadowy tendrils picking up the cat and swaying it around, before placing it back on the ground. “I found your pet for you, you must be so pleased to see her again!”
Charlie realized that cuddles was stiff and unmoving.
She had been stuffed.
“No. NO NO NO NO.. Alastor.. What is this place.. What did you do to these people…. to cuddles..”
She could barely speak. Only managing to whimper her words. Closing her eyes tightly in hope that this was a nightmare she would wake from. Any moment she would wake, and the real Alastor would be there to comfort her and tell her it was only a dream. To kiss her gently and wipe away her tears. And the real cuddles would be there, purring and nuzzling her.
“I simply turned them into something beautiful, for my collection. Don’t you love them Charlie? My dolls are so beautiful. And I have no doubt that you will be the most beautiful of them all. You’re going to be my favourite.”
Charlie couldn’t breathe at the realization of what was going to happen to her. She finally took a better look at Alastor. He was nothing like the man she had met last night.
He was twice as tall, with large, sharp antlers protruding from his head, splintering off in all directions like tree branches. His face was longer, almost like a deer, and his teeth were massive and pointed. He had many black appendages springing from his body, like disgusting spider legs, four of which were restraining Charlie’s limbs.
He was a monster. He had taken on some horrific, demonic form.
Now Charlie understood. The stories. Why people said it was unwise to step foot into the forest. She had been so stupid. So naive as to put all her trust in a complete stranger in the middle of that cursed place, and now she was going to die, and her screams would be just another fairy tale. Just another scary story told around campfires.
“Alastor please.. Don’t do this to me,” she trembled, “I thought you liked me. Why. why …”
“But I DO like you Charlie. I love you. That’s why I want to admire your beauty. Allow me to make you my doll. I will cherish you. This is my ultimate form of love, Charlie. My dearest, you must understand.”
“NO, NO. I don’t understand. I DON’T want to be a doll!!” She screamed, tears cascading down her delicate face, cheeks red, but not with lust.
“My dear, I gave you the choice to leave, and you chose to stay.” He turned to look at the other ‘ dolls’ in the room.
“I always offer the choice to leave. it has yet to be taken.”
“I didn’t know this would happen if I chose to stay.. I wanted to stay to be with you Alastor. I don’t want this. I’ve changed my mind. I want to leave. I want to go home.” She choked.
“It is too late for that I am afraid, my doll.”
White noise filled the room, growing louder. It was painful in her ears.
She noticed some of the black tendrils pulling at draws, searching for something. The monster hummed in contemplation.
“Red,” he decided, settling on a bright scarlet spool of thread. “It matches your eyes, and reminds me of that beautiful blush on your face, sweetheart.”
“Alastor, if you cared about me, you wouldn’t do this. You don’t hurt people you love.” She pleaded, trying to appeal to the demon’s humanity. Though she doubted he had any.
The demon said nothing, lost in thought as his disgusting appendages continued to search for something.
A needle. Large and sharp and glistening. It must have been the length of Charlie’s forearm.
Alastor threaded the needle, finishing with a neat knot, purring in satisfaction as he prepared to work.
Charlie said nothing. She just cried.
Alastor approached her, leaning over her, his face close to hers. That terrifying toothy mouth turned into a pout, a single tendril lifting to flick away a tear from Charlie’s eye.
“I hate to see you cry, my doll.” he paused. “I know something that is sure to cheer you up.”
Inky appendages ripped away the demon’s clothes. His chest was much bigger now, with a large patch of fur. The familiar trail of fluff that Charlie had adored so much the previous night was there too, but it looked rougher.. And oh God…
His cock must have been at least ten times bigger in this form.
“No.. Alastor, I DON’T WANT..”
Before Charlie could finish, he had already speared her on himself, piercing pain shot through her as if she had been torn in two. She let out a glass shattering scream.
She felt so full that she could burst.
The tendrils binding her limbs yanked roughly, pulling on her muscles. She was scared they might tear off.
He used the tendrils to move her, bouncing her back and forth on his impossibly massive cock. Her hole was stretched so wide, Alastor admired the sight, while Charlie just lolled her head, jaw clenched, lightheaded, trying to tolerate the pain.
His rough crotch fur scratched against her with each bounce. Her body felt weaker and weaker as he continued to pump her, tendrils now readying themselves above her face.
“This will hurt just a pinch, sweetheart,” Alastor cooed.
In one swift motion, the needle shot through her lips, blood splattering, metallic and disgusting as it filled her mouth. The thick red thread was pulled through, the sensation was horrific. Then another swift motion, the next stitch.
All the while Alastor continued to fuck the pretty little thing senseless. Charlie was so overcome with pain, but small jolts of pleasure coursed through her too, confusing her body. She felt so helpless. Truly like a ragdoll.
After several stitches were made, the thread was pulled tight, sealing her lips. She mumbled behind them. Unable to speak.
“I was right, this was the perfect color.” Alastor was pleased with his work, a tendril tenderly rubbing across her stitched lips. He looked at her with complete admiration.
This monster was so confusing. How was he so tender in his evilness. It was as though he really didn’t understand how much he was hurting her.
The tendrils selected three shiny red buttons and placed them along her abdomen.
“These will suit you so perfectly, my dear.”
Slash, and the needle tore through her chest, sewing the first button in place.
Thrust, she was filled so deeply. Too deeply.
Rrrip, and the second button was finished, blood dripping from the needle onto the floor.
Pierce, and the final button was stitched onto her soft tummy. Rising and falling with her now uneven breath.
Charlie was crying so much she thought she might drown in her own tears.
With one final pound, he released inside her, letting out a monstrous growl.
She was filled to the brim with the thick, hot, gooey liquid. Somehow, it soothed her pain slightly.
The beast's ghastly face drew near again, though she could barely see him through her watering eyes.
The demon let out what sounded like a sad whine.
“My dear, I wanted to stop your crying, yet you only cry more.”
Charlie said nothing.
“I cannot bear to see it any longer. I shall let you slip away before I finish my work.” Sighed Alastor.
Charlie was relieved that it would be over soon.
“Rest assured you will become the most beautiful doll I have ever owned, dearest.”
The monster loomed over her, and through her tears she could make out a gentle smile.
“I love you Charlie.”
In an instant the needle shot through her heart.
Alastor hung his finished masterpiece in pride of place, making sure to give it more space than the other dolls.
He stared at his work. Tendril playfully swirling a lock of her blonde hair.
He was done.
He headed up the steps from his basement, and with each step, he changed, shrinking, returning to his regular form. Horns retreated back into his skull, tendrils slithered like struggling snakes, before disappearing as if they were never there.
Only after his final step, through the basement door and back into the warm glow of his living room, did he return to normal.
Alastor dropped to his knees, and wept.
There was a new tale being told in town.
It is said that one night, a wailing cry of despair echoed from the core of the forest, all the way to the little town, and so piercing and desperate it was that anyone who heard it burst into tears.
Since that night, no screams were heard from the forest ever again.
But it is said that if you approach its outskirts, you can still hear a faint crying to this day.