POV Y/N

My feet are aching; there's nothing to shield my bare soles from the harsh ground. Rain splashes against my hair as I trudge forward, following the direction the deer had taken earlier, hoping it might somehow help me find my way.

Long minutes passed, I couldn't say exactly how many, as I had no watch. Gradually, the trees that blocked my vision thinned, revealing a crimson sky and a bustling, magnificent city. Carriages rattled by, town criers shouted, and the streets were alive with activity: people strolled along cobblestone roads, lingered in front of shop windows, argued, or even fought. It had been ages since I'd witnessed such a scene. My stomach knotted at the sight, but a strange sense of delight washed over me, filling me with an inexplicable thrill.

Step by step, I wandered into an alley, finally becoming aware of my disheveled appearance. I scanned the crowd for someone respectable who might be able to help. My gaze landed on a boutique displaying hoop-skirted dresses. The headless mannequins in the window wore exquisite gowns, but their necks were marked with dried bloodstains. A shiver ran down my spine. Was this some kind of macabre celebration? like Halloween?

Hesitantly, I approached the door and pushed it open slightly, causing a small bell to chime as I entered.

Behind the counter, a graceful figure rose. She had short, white-gray hair and wore an enormous burgundy hat adorned with two tiny skulls. Her crimson gown, opulent and tailored, highlighted her hollowed silhouette. She smiled, and I noticed a reddish liquid pooling at the corners of her lips.

"Welcome, miss. I'm delighted to have you in my shop. Is there something I can assist you with?" Her soft, entrancing voice soothed me momentarily, and I thought I'd finally found the person I needed.

"Hello, thank you for welcoming me so kindly. I was wondering if you could help me find something appropriate to wear, please?" I asked, a faint smile gracing my lips.

She clasped her hands together and offered a dazzling smile. I noticed one of her upper teeth was tinted red, but I refrained from asking questions, not wanting to dig too deeply.

"Of course! Just a moment," she replied before turning and disappearing into a room at the back of the shop. I heard muffled screams but didn't dare intervene. She returned moments later with a measuring tape and began taking the measurements of my hips and waist. I saw that the reddish stain on her lips had vanished.

"I believe I know exactly what you need!" she exclaimed with a radiant smile before disappearing once more. When she returned, she carried a stunning violet dress with a delicate lace corset and a voluminous skirt. Light reflected off the fabric, casting an almost magical glow around the garment. "Try it on," she said, her mysterious smile lingering.

I was captivated by the beauty of the dress, but I shook myself out of my reverie and replied, "I'm filthy, i'm afraid i'll ruin your masterpiece lady'." Her smile didn't falter, as if my state was of no surprise to her.

"If you feel comfortable, you're welcome to use my express bathtub. Just take that door and go up the stairs. The bathtub will be in the first room to your left," she said, her mysterious smile deepening. Her gleaming white teeth shone in the boutique's dim light.

(I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you're doing well!)