𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄 ❃ coraline au

017: the belly of the beast

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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN OF TWENTY

❝ THE BELLY OF THE BEAST ❞

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THE LITTLE DOOR IN THE CORNER WALL CLICKED OPEN. The cat and Leela stood loyally by (Name)'s side, the candle helps firmly in (Name)'s grip. She left the key in the lock, crawling forward into the portal. It isn't vibrant or colourful this time, nor was it filled with cobwebs and dust and abandoned stuff. It's greyed and cast with shadows.

(Name) crawled forward, into the belly of the beast. The candle's glowing orange light cast more shadows onto the walls. The cat and Leela's voices returned the second they got further from the real world. "You know, you're walking right into his trap?" the cat said, in his usual baritone voice.

"I have to go back," (Name) declared, a great feeling brewing in the pit of her stomach, "I might not love Eric anymore, but I can't just leave him to die. No matter what he's done to me, I should bring him back so we can formally divorce. Plus I can get a shit ton of money from the pre-nup.".

Leela momentarily thought. "Challenge him then, Mum," Leela suggested, "He may not play fair, he may not play fair at all, but he won't refuse. He's got a thing for games,".

The door at the end of the tunnel opened suddenly, causing the candle to be blown out. The cat and Leela both vanished into the shadows. A shadowed figure stood crouched by the open door. (Name) tensed briefly. "(Name)?" the Welsh drawl of Eric's voice called out.

(Name)'s heart stopped. Her eyes widened. "Eric?!" she questioned, "Jesus, you're still alive? Fucking miracle, if you ask me,".

Framed in the door, was Eric Melrose. Dressed in his overpriced suit which is covered in snow, and his thick, unruly black curls. "(Name)! You came back for me!" Eric called out in delight. (Name) felt relieved, that he wasn't dead, and she crawled further forward and out of the portal.

Eric was quick to embrace his wife in a hug, holding her close to him. This was unlike him. It confused (Name). "Oh darling~" Eric cooed, his voice changing. (Name)'s eyes opened, wide in horror, "Why ever would you run away from me~". Eric, or rather, Eros' grip became tighter around her.

(Name) forced herself out of his iron grip, alarmed at seeing the hand wrapped around her waist grow. She pushed her decoy husband away from her as he transformed into Eros, specifically the eight feet tall, half-burnt, claw-handed, menacing version of Eros. He smiled lovingly at her.

The room suddenly lit up with the glowing bug furniture and the fireplace roared to life. (Name) put on a brave face, angrily looking up at the towering, button-eyed man. "Where's Eric?" she demanded firmly. Her demands were clear.

Eros let out a chuckle. "Goodness, my love, I have no clue where your old, boring husband is," Eros sarcastically spoke, a hint of amusement lacing in his tone, "Perhaps he's grown bored of you and run away with another woman to France? Maybe Charlotte?".

(Name) glared at him. "You're so predictable!" (Name) snapped, digging her nails into her palms, "You kidnapped him!".

As if on cue, the Other Charlotte, eyes now buttons, approached from behind. Eros scoffed. "Don't be a difficult wife, (Name)," he warns, "Have a seat, won't you?". The Other Charlotte picks up (Name) and forces her into a seat, hiding her face in shame.

Eros stood by the door, clapping his clawed hand against his human one. A circus mouse, now adorning its true appearance as a rat, skipped out of the door with the black key in its mouth. Eros closed the door, locking it. The bug armoire stood against it. Eros tilted his head back and swallowed the key. Whole.