Song of the Forest

“I’m running away, you can’t stop me!” Scilla pouted, storming toward the back door.

Her mother sighed the way only mothers do. “I’ll see you for dinner, then!”

Scilla huffed, giving the door a forceful slam to punctuate her displeasure. How dare she not take her seriously?

The ground was muddy from the recent rain and Scilla stomped through it, smirking as it splattered onto her white tights, knowing it would anger her mother. She headed for the woods behind her house as she often did – it had long been her place of escape.

She walked for some time, kicking at pebbles in the ground, cursing her mother for being so unfair. She’d only wanted one more cupcake! Delicious, soft and spongy with rich, chocolate frosting. Her mouth watered, recalling their scent.

Wait…

She sniffed delicately, and sure enough underneath the damp earthy smell of the forest, a sweet aroma called to her. She altered course, following her nose until reaching a small, sunlit clearing. In the center perched a cupcake on a lonely tree stump.

She peered around cautiously, stepping over a formation of toadstools that littered the forest floor.

“Hello?”

There was no answer. She tentatively picked up the cake and seated herself on the smooth stump.

She was overcome with the desire to take a bite, even as a small part of her mind tingled in warning. As if in a trance she brought it to her mouth. It was wonderful – the best thing she’d ever tasted. The clearing suddenly seemed brighter, more alive, the melodious birdsong inspiring her to dance.

A warm breeze swished her skirts as she twirled around and around, moving gracefully to the song of the forest.

Time stilled, the sun remained high, even long after her feet grew tired and her mind began to spin. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to stop, possessed by the will of the woods.

She noticed assorted mushrooms circled the clearing, her mistake startling her with sudden horror. This was a faerie circle, and eating their food had trapped her for eternity.