Reflections

She was barefoot beneath the hem of the red dress; her toes curled in the grass and sank into the earth, bringing a slight smile to her lips. Long black hair spilled over her shoulders, strands blowing in the soft breeze, reflecting the moonlight.

The hilltop she stood upon overlooked a large lake, its surface still save for the occasional ripple caused by the breeze. There was not the slightest hint of fish nor turtle nor fowl. She inhaled slowly, one hand gripping an elaborately painted mask, and began to make her way down to the lake. The water spread out before her, disappearing over the horizon, appearing as if a small sea in the midst of the green hills.

She came to the edge of the lake, the sand gritty, cool, and damp beneath her feet. The moon, full and bright, shone brightly overhead, its mirror in the lake a dimmer yet still beautiful reflection.

On impulse, she leaned over to stare at her own reflection. A gasp escaped her lips, and she scrambled back a few steps, heart pounding in her chest. Slowly, she calmed herself down and made herself look again.

That was the same black hair, the same red dress, but the reflection's skin was dark where her own was pale; its eyes were red while hers were golden; its teeth, when it grinned at her, were sharp and pointed, like fangs.

Was she really this monster staring back at her? Was it a trick, some evil magic in the water?

The reflection stretched its arms out to her, beckoning. She resisted, pulling back, uncertainty in her eyes. Movement caught her attention, and she sneaked a peek, only to see her reflection was still beckoning for her.

After what felt like eons, she gave up, and went into the water.