Unbeknownst to Courtney, her husband, a man named Christopher, tirelessly searched for her. He had never given up hope, believing that he would one day find his beloved wife. Christopher ventured deep into the woods, following every clue and listening to every rumor in his pursuit. As the seasons changed, Courtney found solace in her new life with Grunk.

She began to feel a sense of belonging in the enchanted woods, and her worries about the outside world slowly faded away. Grunk, too, cherished Courtney's companionship, and they became inseparable friends. One day, as the forest was blanketed in the golden hues of autumn, Christopher's relentless search led him to the very edge of the enchanted woods. Guided by an unexplainable intuition, he felt that he was closer to Courtney than ever before. With determination burning in his eyes, he ventured deeper into the heart of the forest.

Meanwhile,in the hut, Courtney sensed a familiar presence. A feeling of longing washed over her, and she knew that Christopher was nearby. Conflicted between her past life and her newfound happiness, she confided in Grunk about her husband. Understanding Courtney's dilemma, Grunk encouraged her to face her past and make amends.

With a heavy heart, Courtney left the safety of the hut and met Christopher amidst the ancient trees. There, under the dappled sunlight, they spoke of their shared memories and the love they had once known.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Courtney was scared to leave, but Christopher insisted that the love they shared was more valuable than a friendship. He gave her an ultimatum and was assured deep in his heart she would come home.

After Courtney hears this ultimatum, she steps back and longingly looks back at Grunk, who stands in the doorway as the fallen leaves blow by his body.

Contented with the memory of Grunk, Courtney set out for home with Christopher. They had ventured quite a ways into the enchanted woods when Courtney was suddenly drawn by whispers.

As they staggered deeper, they marveled at the vibrant hues of the flora and the melodious songs of birds unknown to them. Amidst the enchantment, they stumbled upon an ancient tree adorned with glowing runes. Curiosity piqued, they touched the tree, and in an instant, they were enveloped in a shimmering light. The forest transformed around them, revealing a surreal world filled with talking animals, friendly fairies, and whimsical creatures.

However, Courtney's whispers enveloped her body suppressing the fake new environment Christopher was experiencing. These whispers were abnormal, almost evil.

The whispers, ancient and vile, seeped into Courtney's subconscious, their tendrils entwining with her thoughts. Slowly, insidiously, they started to erode the goodness within her, replacing it with shadows of malevolence. Her once warm eyes turned cold, her smiles twisted into sinister smirks, and her laughter echoed with a chilling edge.

Christopher turned to Courtney, "What are you laughing at?" He asked without suspicion.

"Nothing, just admiring the cute creatures!" She says as she freely twirls around, arms raised in the air.