The battery in my flashlight died. I panicked.

It was pitch-black in the wood. Far from civilization, no light pollution touched the clouds above. I could see nothing.

It was okay. This was fine. I wanted this. I wanted a nice backpacking trip away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I’ve set up my tent countless times. I can do it in the dark.

Yeah. This is okay. This is okay. This is-

Just as I moved to take my heavy backpack off, I heard something. A whimper?

I froze. I had read about wolves while studying this area before starting the hike.

For a long while, I didn’t make a sound.

I heard it again. Just a little more clearly.

“…to me…”

Oh! Phew. Humanity. I breathed, prepared some mace in case there were predators about, and yelled.

“Hello?”

“Come… to me…”

Her voice – it was feminine – was beautiful. But how did she know I was here? I wasn’t moving that loudly, was I?

Cautiously, I moved closer.

“Good… it’s okay… I won’t hurt you…”

I put my mace back in my pack, which… started to feel heavier. I was tired. It’s been a long day of hiking and it’s late…

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I jumped.

“Ah! I didn’t see you, sorry. It’s so dark. Is that you, saying all that stuff?” I asked.

“Shhhhh…” she whispered in confirmation. “I’ll protect you.”

“T-thanks? I…” My mind was blurry. Was this exhaustion? “I’m sorry, just… your voice is beautiful.”

“I know,” she murmured, fingering my backpack’s shoulder strap. “You should take that off and rest a while.”

I should take this off and rest a while. She’s right…

Before I knew it, my backpack was on the ground. I felt her gently push me down to the ground with it, then kneel behind me, stroking my hair and my neck.

I moaned softly. My mind was flooding with feel-good chemicals. Her fingers seemed to massage my thoughts and fears away.

She softly kissed my neck. “Don’t get too excited, my thrall. My home is not far. I hardly get any visitors around here, and I would like to take my time with you.”

T-thrall? The word seemed strange… but coming from her lips, it felt good. It felt right. It felt true.

“Thrall…” I mumbled, quietly and incoherently.

As she kissed me, I felt a muted, pleasant pinprick against my neck. I felt myself grow more aroused as I leaned my head into hers. It felt so good to be her thrall…

Time passed, imperceptibly. I started to feel sweetly anemic. My mind was softened, muted, tuned to her will.

“You may stand,” I heard.

I obeyed. I felt her take my hand.

“Follow me, pet. My home is this way.”