Blogtober 2025, Day 27: Confused

 

Lucy's Path: Chapter Twenty-seven


The forest had grown darker than night should allow. Even the moonlight refused to cross its threshold. Sarah stood at the edge of the clearing, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. Mark knelt beside the oak, still silent, his eyes hollow. Tyler was gone—perhaps minutes, perhaps forever.

The air shimmered, and the briars parted as if cut by an invisible hand. A shape moved within them—slender, tall, draped in strands of vine and hair. The Lady. She didn’t walk so much as unfold from the dark, her face soft and distant, like someone half-dreamed.

Sarah forced her voice steady. “You took them. Lucy. Emily. Tyler. You can end this.”

The Lady tilted her head, expression unreadable. “I can end anything.”

Sarah stepped closer. “Then take me. I’ll stay. But they go free.”

A smile bloomed, too slow, too knowing. “You would surrender what is not asked of you. That is why you are noticed.”

“I’m not your offering,” Sarah said, her voice trembling. “I’m your witness.”

The Lady’s form flickered, her features shifting through faces—Lucy’s, Emily’s, even Sarah’s own. The forest sighed as if confused by the declaration, unsure whether to accept it or devour it.

Finally, the Lady whispered, “Witness or offering—it makes no difference. Both are payment.”

And then she reached out, the briars leaning toward Sarah’s throat like eager listeners.


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