All paths lead to a bed

Seth’s footsteps led him back into the forest, but Meg’s short feet barely carried him past its border, and orbs of life appeared to bar his path once more.

Seth didn’t stop, nor did the look in his eyes flicker for even a moment as he lifted his hand toward the orbs.

“Turn back…” Isabel’s voice resounded as an echo through the tall trees right as Seth’s hand collided with the cluster of orbs.

The sound of skin turning to ashes followed the echo of her voice, and the orbs moved back, but Seth’s hand had already turned to bone, falling lifelessly along his body.

“Seth!!!” a panicked voice came from behind. Pearl struggled against Lisa’s hold to move toward the forest, but Seth’s steps didn’t stop, even as blood soaked the previously white dress on his right side.

“There is no way for me to ever pay you back for everything, Isabel.” Said Seth, following after the ever-retreating orbs, heading deeper inside the forest. “But I’m not walking the same path anymore...”