Work Text:
Mother always said to stay away from the woods.
She never did warn us that the real danger was within this manor's very walls.
I still remember the tale she used to tell us before bed. The disturbing details she portrayed never failed to completely terrify Theodore.
I had become accustomed to hearing his quiet knocks on my chamber door. His round face was hidden behind that truly hideous bear of his, as those large brown eyes overflowed with tears.
Tonight, I finally opened the door. I've finally let him leave.
But, I fear roles have been rewritten as I walk the large, cold corridors of the manor before reaching the towering door of Father's old study.
I knock gently, trying not to anger the man inside even more. His claw-like hand grabs my wrist, breaking delicate skin. The hollowed-out eyes of the pig head he wears as a mask study me, watching for the slightest movement to strike.
“Why is it you always insist on disobeying me?” He speaks calmly as he leads me further into the room. “We did not have to be here again."
My dark eyes must convert nothing but fear because he forces me to meet his eyes. “You’ve made this decision. You were perfect, Eliana. You were my muse. I thought you just needed a little shove in the right direction.”
Suddenly, years of carefully crafted personas shattered, revealing the same little girl I tried so hard to leave buried deep within the cellar.
“You aren't like them. They don't understand. They see your gift as a curse, my dear; stop proving them right.” My skin feels like it's been burned when he removes his hand from my chin, patting my hair gently.
“That mouth of yours is going to get you killed one day.”
I don't dare open my eyes as I hear the sound of a box opening. A sharp pain finds its home on my lip as a needle pierces delicate skin. Time stills as the hypnotic, repetitive pain stops. “Please…” I beg through sewn lips; the sound muffled and muddled but still so loud to my ears.
“Oh no, no, no, that won't do. I can't have you making noise."
The claws plunged through the side of my neck, ripping out my vocal box. A rush of burning pain engulfs my entire body, joined by warm blood dripping from the wound. The hollowed eyes bored into mine as maggots and roaches fell from under the mask.
He raised his hand to his mouth as he swallowed the bloody heap in his hand. I try to scream, but no sound makes its way through as he carves my body piece by piece, devouring every bit of me.