Chapter Text
The next thing she knew was the cold floor on her cheek and the pain devouring her throat. She clawed at herself, twisting, wheezing.
“My my, I’m shocked you fell for that. I thought you would be smarter than this,” came another voice. Smooth. Condescending. As treacherous as the cursed apple on the floor. The ominous bite that marred its flesh glinted in the torchlight.
No! NO! She strained to reach the dragging gown circling her, to claw, to maul, but any hope of defiance withered away when all her muscles suddenly seized up. Her body was betraying her. All but her eyes ignored her screeches to move.
The dress stopped. Fabric folded and pooled before her face as its owner knelt down. She looked up, wishing to burn hatred into her assailant, but even her eyes began to give in. As her vision faded, a hand lifted her face. Gentle. Loving.
“Welcome home, my lost princess.”