Marinette Dupain-Cheng steps lightly towards the water, her breath forming small clouds in the cool air. She kneels, unfastening her shoes with trembling fingers, every movement deliberate as she folds her clothes neatly on a flat stone. The fatigue of the day weighs on her, and she relishes the prospect of a peaceful, solitary bath.
The Cannibal, eyes shining with unnatural hunger, watches from the gloom. His breath is shallow, each exhale barely disturbing the stillness. The scent of earth and old wood fills his senses as he edges forward, every step calculated to avoid detection, intent on the unsuspecting figure by the water.
Marinette freezes as rough hands clamp around her, a coarse cloth pressing cruelly over her mouth. Panic explodes in her chest; she thrashes, feet scraping against cold stone, but the grip only tightens. The muffled sound of her struggle is swallowed by the encroaching dark as she is dragged from the open shore into the depths of the forest.
Marinette is forced onto the spit, rough rope biting into her wrists and ankles until her skin burns. Her eyes dart desperately, searching for escape, but only the gaunt face of the Cannibal meets her gaze—his anticipation unmistakable. Tears streak her cheeks as she pleads, voice fading into hoarse whispers. "Please… don't… I beg you. Let me go. I swear, I won't tell anyone. Please."
The Cannibal stands close, gaze never wavering from his captive, a twisted satisfaction curling his lips. Marinette whimpers softly as the fire’s bite grows sharper, pain and exhaustion overwhelming her senses. Her tears dry on flushed skin, hope slipping away with every rotation. "Somebody… help me… please…" Her voice is barely more than a sigh, lost to the crackling of the flames.
Marinette grows weaker, her struggles fading to stillness as the heat saps her final strength. Silence settles over the camp, broken only by the hiss of the flames. Slowly, the Cannibal steps forward, hunger and triumph mingling in his hollow eyes, the night echoing with the grim finality of his hunt.
