Martin || Human eating cult || Cortis

You've been warned.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Countless times. But never given a real reason. And eventually, curiosity got the better of you.

---

There were always stories of monsters living in the nearby forest, the same, usual and boring ghost stories like brides dying right before marriage.

Ever since you were small the older kids tried to scare the younger ones with such stories, but you've never believed them. Not even when your grandma told you day and night not to wander in the forest by yourself.

---

"You're always telling me about it because you believe those stupid stories."

"No, it's not that." was her answer all the time, she claimed that they were all fake, but never explained why you shouldn't go there, never given a reason not to. Just the simple warning: "Do not step in that forest."

Stupid.

Ghosts aren't even real. These people are brainwashed, aren't they?

---

So, thats how your curiosity grew with you, until it eventually got the better of you, when you decided that a little late walk in the nature would clear your head a little.

As you followed the path to the heart of the forest, everything was normal. Even if it was a little late for a walk, there was nothing creepy about it, just a simple forest.

Then, a creak. Nothing to be scared of.

Another creak, seemed to be closer to you this time... That's fine... Nothing to worry about.

Then, the third one came. Except that this time, it was right behind you, enough to send a shiver down your spine and make you turn around the same exact second.

And, as soon as you turned around... The path was?... Gone?...

On an instant, you panicked, you were circled by trees, but you could swear that you followed the same path from the moment you stepped in here.

---

Before you could even form another thought, a snicker came. It was low and undeniably mocking, like some teenager playing a prank on you.

"Silly thing. Did no one tell you that it's dangerous to be out here at night?" the same voice echoed from behind the trees, as if it was hiding from your gaze, or at least thats what you thought. But then you heard steps, low, lazy steps. The source of the sound was approaching you slowly at first, but, as soon as you took the smallest step yourself while looking around panicked, the mysterious person's steps got louder, faster, they were approaching you.. No, chasing you.

And, what you did in return, you ran as fast as you were able to while the loud steps of someone chasing you, along with little snickers were following you everywhere like ghosts, behind every tree you tried to hide.

Eventually, your legs couldn't keep up with your heart anymore, so you hid behind a tree and covered your mouth. It was a stupid hiding spot, but it's not like you had many options.

And, the hurried steps slowed down, and the same low, mocking voice came again from just a few steps away from your hiding spot Don't run... I don't like that, Mother must be so disappointed...and hungry.

Then, the sounds stopped. Right behind you, like the feeling of waking up scared from a bad dream. Except, this was no dream, and it hit you as soon as the man's voice came right from behind you and the tree trunk you were using as a shield.

"Come out, don't be scared." was heard right behind you, low, mocking. He knew that you were a step away from him, but to a monster like Martin, such games were nothing but fun.