The sun dipped behind the ancient trees, casting long, menacing shadows across the dirt path. Clarissa quickened her pace, clutching her faded skirt, the chill of the evening seeping into her bones. Nightfall in these woods was a harbinger of untold dangers, a truth her mother would undoubtedly lecture her about.

She silently cursed the traveling salesman who had kept her so long, lost in dreams of silks and jewels she could never afford. Yet, the memory of his compliments, his praise for her 'beautiful smile,' brought a fleeting warmth. Despite her family's poverty, her auburn hair and pale, flawless skin had always drawn attention, even in rags.

Suddenly, a horrifying rustle from the dark trees jolted her. She froze, heart pounding, scanning the shadows. Was it the bandits her mother warned of, or worse, the 'creatures' of the night? A high-pitched yowl, then the fleeting glimpse of a feral cat, made her release a nervous, embarrassed giggle. 'Monstrous beasts,' she mused, trying to calm her racing pulse. But her self-assurance vanished as a giant, hulking man staggered onto the path before her, his long shadow devouring her. His face, marred by a ghastly scar, leered down. "Well, what do we have here?" His voice, surprisingly high-pitched, crackled with malice.