POV: Y/N

My feet are aching; unfortunately, I have nothing to protect my bare soles. The rain splashes against my hair as I walk in the direction the deer took earlier, hoping it might somehow help me find my way.

Long minutes passed—I couldn't tell exactly how many, as I didn't have a watch. Little by little, the trees that had blocked my view beyond my own shadow began to part, revealing a reddish sky and a wonderfully lively town. Carriages passed by, criers shouted, and the commotion was everywhere: people strolled along the cobbled streets, some lingered in front of shop windows, others chatted, and a few even brawled. It had been so long since I'd witnessed such a scene. The view knotted my stomach, but an odd feeling of pleasure washed over me, filling me with an inexplicable excitement.

Step by step, I ventured into an alley, becoming acutely aware of my disheveled appearance. I scanned the area for someone respectable who might help me. My eyes stopped on a boutique displaying hoop skirts. The headless mannequins wore splendid dresses, but dried bloodstains marked their necks. A shiver ran down my spine. Was this some kind of macabre celebration, like Halloween today? I hesitantly walked up to the door, pushed it open slightly, and a small bell chimed as I stepped inside.

Behind the counter, an elegant figure rose. She had short, white-gray hair and wore an enormous burgundy hat adorned with two small skulls. Her sumptuous red dress highlighted her slender frame. She smiled, and I noticed a reddish liquid at the corner of her lips.

"Good day, miss. I'm delighted to welcome you to my boutique. How may I assist you?" Her soft, captivating voice reassured me for a moment, and I thought I had finally found someone who could help me.

"Good day, thank you for welcoming me so kindly. I was wondering if you could help me find something suitable to wear, please?" I asked, a slight smile forming on my lips.

She clasped her hands in front of her and gave me a radiant smile. I noticed one of her upper teeth was reddish, but I didn't dare ask, not wanting to delve too deeply.

"Of course! Just a moment," she replied. She turned and disappeared into a room at the back of the boutique. I heard muffled screams but didn't dare investigate. She soon returned with a measuring tape and measured my hips and waist. I noticed the red stain on her lips had vanished.

"I believe I know just what you need!" she said with a smile before disappearing once more. She came back with a magnificent purple dress, its corset made of delicate lace and its voluminous skirt exuding elegance. Light reflected off the fabric, creating an almost magical aura around the dress. "Try it on," she said with a mysterious smile.

I was awestruck by the beauty of the dress, but I composed myself and said, "I'm filthy; I'm afraid I'll soil your creation, madam." She smiled without commenting on my state, as if it didn't surprise her in the least.

"If you feel comfortable, I can let you use my express bathtub. Just take that door and go upstairs. The bathtub is in the first room on the left," she replied, her mysterious smile deepening. Her white teeth gleamed in the boutique's dim light.

{I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you're doing well!}