Chapter 6: Chapter 6
One morning, after Victor's rich clients had been transformed back into humans and had left the clinic, Victor called Isabella into the closet where his dolls were stored.
"Isabella," he said, his voice brusque, "I need your help with something." Isabella turned to face him, her eyes curious. "Of course, Master," she said. "What do you need?" Victor gestured to the rows of dolls lined up along the walls. "I've been invited to put on an exhibition at an art gallery," he said, "and I need to select my most beautiful dolls to display. I want you to help me choose." Isabella's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly masked her expression. "Certainly, Master," she said, turning to survey the dolls. "Where would you like me to start?" Victor began to walk down the rows, his eyes scanning the dolls critically. "Start at the beginning," he said, "and we'll work our way down the line. I want you to look at each doll and tell me if you think it's worthy of display. I have my own favourites of course, but I would appreciate the opinion of a woman." Isabella nodded, beginning the slow walk down the rows of dolls. She had seen many of them before, but today they seemed different, more hauntingly real. "This one," she said, stopping in front of a doll with long, dark hair and high cheekbones. "She's stunning." Victor nodded, a strange smile on his face. "Ah, yes. That's Maria. She was a supermodel once, before she refused to cooperate with me." Isabella's eyes widened in shock. "She was a model?" "Many of these dolls were," Victor confirmed, his voice cold. "They thought they could defy me, refuse my advances. But in the end, they all ended up here, at my mercy." Isabella felt a chill run down her spine, a sudden fear gripping her heart. She knew that she had to tread carefully, to keep Victor happy and unsuspecting.
"And which of these dolls do you think are the most beautiful, Master?" Isabella asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Victor stopped in front of a doll with long, blonde hair and blue eyes, his gaze appreciative. "This one," he said, "is my favorite. Her name is Lucy. She was a simple country girl before I transformed her, but now...well, you can see the result." Isabella nodded, taking in the doll's delicate features and perfect proportions. "She's exquisite, Master," she said. "I agree, she should definitely be part of the exhibition." Victor smiled, pleased with her response. "Excellent. Now, let's continue. We need to select eight dolls in total." They walked down the rows, Victor pointing out his favorites and Isabella offering her opinion.
Finally, they had selected eight dolls, including Maria and Lucy. Victor clapped his hands together, a satisfied smile on his face. "Excellent," he said. "Now, we must prepare them for transport. Come, help me load them into the van." Isabella followed Victor out to the clinic's garage, where a large van was parked. They began to carefully load the dolls into the back, wrapping each one in a blanket to protect them during transit. Once all the dolls were secured, Victor turned to Isabella. "I've had a change of plans," he said, his eyes gleaming with a new idea. "We won't just be taking the dolls to the museum. We'll be taking the transformation chamber as well." Isabella's eyes widened in surprise. "The chamber, Master?" she asked. "Yes," Victor confirmed, a cold smile on his face, "I will use the chamber to make them life sized, that will make a much more impressive display than 8 inch high dolls." He turned to Isabella, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But first, we must transport them to the museum. Help me load the chamber into the van." Isabella hesitated, a sudden sense of unease washing over her. "Yes, Isabella," Victor said, his voice sharp. "The chamber. It's essential for the exhibition. Now, stop wasting time and help me." Isabella nodded, swallowing her fears, and followed Victor back into the clinic. The van rumbled to life, and Victor began to drive towards the art museum, the eight dolls and the transformation chamber secured in the back. Isabella sat in the passenger seat, her nerves on edge. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach. She glanced over at Victor, his eyes fixed on the road, a look of intense concentration on his face.
As they pulled up to the museum, Isabella noticed a young woman standing outside, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of the van. Victor jumped out of the driver's seat, barking orders at Isabella to start unloading the dolls. Isabella hesitated, her eyes flicking back to the young woman, who was now walking towards them, a curious expression on her face. "Excuse me," the woman called out, her voice hesitant. "Are you from the new exhibit?" Victor turned to face her, his smile cold and reptilian. "And who might you be?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. The woman paused, taken aback by his tone. "I'm Anna, the junior curator here," she said, her voice steadying. "I was just wondering what you were unloading. I didn't realize the exhibit was arriving today." Victor's smile didn't reach his eyes.
"I'm Dr. Victor Von Reinhardt," he said, his voice like ice. "And this is my assistant, Isabella. We have an exhibition to set up, and we demand to be allowed to do so in private." Anna's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course, Dr. Von Reinhardt," she said, her voice cool. "I'll have the exhibition room prepared for you immediately. Please follow me." She turned and led them into the museum, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Victor and Isabella followed, the van's keys still clutched in Victor's hand. Once inside the exhibition room, Victor turned to Anna, his eyes flashing with impatience. "We require complete privacy to set up our exhibit," he said, his voice brooking no argument. Anna hesitated, then nodded. Von Reinhardt. I'll leave you to it. Just call me if you need anything." As Victor and Isabella began to unload the dolls, Anna slipped back into the room, hiding behind a large column. She watched as the two worked, her curiosity piqued. What was so secretive about this exhibit? And why did Dr. Von Reinhardt seem so...off? She bit her lip, her mind racing. She had to find out more.
Ducking behind a statue, Anna watched as Victor and Isabella began to carry a large, metallic object into the room. It was a chamber of some sort, with strange symbols etched into its surface. They placed it in the center of the room, and Victor began to hum with excitement. "Isabella, help me secure the doll," he ordered, his voice barely concealing his eagerness. Together, they carefully placed one of the dolls into the chamber, securing it with straps. Anna's heart pounded in her chest as she watched, her mind racing with questions. What was this chamber? What were they going to do to the doll? She had to get closer, had to see for herself. As she carefully made her way around the column, she caught sight of Victor and Isabella placing one of the dolls into the chamber. Her heart raced as she recognized the doll - it was Lucy, the one with the long blonde hair and blue eyes. Anna's breath hitched as she watched Victor press a series of buttons on a control panel, the chamber humming to life. Then, without warning, Lucy's eyes fluttered open, and she gasped for air, her body convulsing as it stretched and grew, transforming back into a human. Anna's eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle a gasp. She watched in disbelief as Lucy, now fully human, struggled against the straps holding her down, her eyes filled with terror, her body stretching and growing until she was fully human once more.
"Hello there, Lucy," said Victor evilly, "ready to become part of the exhibition?" Lucy's eyes darted from Victor to Isabella, then back to Victor, fear written all over her face. "Please," she begged, "don't do this. I don't want to be a doll again." Victor's smile only widened. "Oh, but you will, my dear. And this time, I won't be shrinking you. You'll be life-sized, perfect for display." Lucy's body began to convulse again, but this time, instead of shrinking, she remained the same size as she was transformed into a doll, leaving her as a life-sized porcelain statue.
Anna couldn't stop herself from yelling in horror, and Victor and Isabella's head snapped round to look at her hiding place.
"Who's there?" Victor demanded, his voice like thunder. Anna's heart pounded in her chest as she realized she'd been discovered. She had to run, had to get out of there. She bolted from her hiding spot, her heels clicking on the marble floor as she dashed towards the nearest exit. "Stop her!" Victor yelled, and Isabella took off after Anna, her long legs eating up the distance between them. Anna's heart raced as she heard the sound of footsteps behind her, growing louder and closer with each passing second. She could feel Isabella gaining on her, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she pumped her legs harder, desperate to escape. Just as she reached the door, she felt a hand clamp down on her shoulder, yanking her back. "Got you," Isabella panted, her grip like iron. Anna struggled, trying to wrench free, but Isabella was too strong.
Desperate, Anna opened her mouth to scream, but before she could let out a sound, Victor appeared beside them, a cloth soaked in a pungent liquid pressed against Anna's face. "No!" she gasped, trying to turn her head away, but it was too late. Darkness claimed her, and she slumped unconscious in Isabella's arms. "You idiot!" Victor snapped at Isabella, "I told you to stop her, not make a scene! Now help me hide her before someone sees." Isabella nodded, her eyes wide with fear, and together they dragged Anna's limp body behind a nearby curtain, hidden from view. Victor turned to Isabella, his eyes cold. "We can't have her ruining our plans. I'll deal with her later. For now, let's finish setting up the exhibition." Isabella nodded, trying to hide her nervousness, and followed Victor back to the chamber.
Anna gradually regained consciousness and looked around herself, trying to figure out what had happened to her. She realised to her horror that she was within the transformation chamber. She was naked, and looking at her reflection she saw that her hair had been done and she was heavily made up, she was barely recognisable. She wasn't wearing her glasses, but could make out Victor and Isabella placing one of the life-sized dolls on a podium for display. She noticed that all but one of the 8 podiums were now occupied by the transformed women.
Anna banged on the glass of the chamber and shouted to get Victor's attention.
"Let me out of here, you monster!" she screamed, her voice hoarse with fear and anger. Victor turned to face her, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Ah, the little mouse awakens," he taunted, approaching the chamber. "I'm afraid it's too late for that, my dear. You shouldn't have been so curious. Now, you'll have to join the others in the exhibition." Anna's heart raced as she realized the full extent of her predicament. "No," she whispered, backing away from the glass. "You can't do this. I won't let you." Victor chuckled, pressing a button on the control panel. "You don't have a choice, Anna. You see, this chamber is quite advanced. It can transform you into a lifelike doll, ready for display.
Suddenly, Anna felt a jolt course through her body, and she screamed as she felt herself changing, her limbs stiffening, her skin hardening. She looked down in horror as her flesh turned porcelain white. Her eyes, now a brilliant blue, met Victor's reflection in the glass, and she saw the satisfaction in his gaze. "Perfect," he murmured, as Anna's struggles ceased, and she stood frozen, a life-sized doll, ready for display. Victor turned to Isabella, a satisfied smile on his face. "Now, let's finish setting up the exhibition. Help me get Anna here onto her podium." Victor and Isabella, now finished with the other seven dolls, turned their attention to Anna, still frozen in the transformation chamber. "Well, Isabella," Victor said, his voice cold and calculating, "it seems we have one last doll to prepare for the exhibition." Isabella nodded, trying to hide her unease. "Yes, Master. Anna, the little mouse who caused us so much trouble." Victor chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Isabella's spine. "Indeed. And now, she will be the centerpiece of our exhibition." Victor said, his voice cold and calculating as he and Isabella lifted Anna's lifeless body onto the last remaining podium. Anna felt a surge of panic as she realized what was happening, but her body refused to obey her commands. She was trapped, frozen in place, unable to move or speak. All she could do was watch in horror as Victor and Isabella stepped back, admiring their handiwork. "Perfect," Victor murmured, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Our collection is finally complete." Anna's mind raced, her heart pounding in her chest. She was no longer human, no longer in control of her own body. She was a statue, a lifeless doll, and there was nothing she could do to change it. "As they stepped back, Anna's eyes darted around the room, taking in the other seven dolls positioned on their respective podiums. Each one was perfectly posed, their glassy eyes staring blankly ahead.
The exhibition hall was filled with the soft hum of conversation as guests wandered from doll to doll, admiration etched on their faces. Victor stood at the entrance, greeting each attendee with a cold smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Isabella, dressed in a elegant gown, circulated among the guests, answering questions and accepting compliments with practiced ease. The night was a success, beyond even Victor's wildest dreams. The exhibition hall was abuzz with the low hum of conversation as guests wandered from doll to doll, admiration etched on their faces. Victor stood at the entrance, greeting each attendee with a cold smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Isabella, dressed in an elegant gown, circulated among the guests, answering questions and accepting compliments with practiced ease. The night was a success, beyond even Victor's wildest dreams. As the night wore on, a tall, distinguished man approached Victor, his eyes fixed on Anna's statue. "Dr. Von Reinhardt," he said, extending a hand. "I am the museum director, Richard Harrington. I must say, your exhibit is quite extraordinary." Victor nodded, a cold smile on his face. "Thank you, Mr. Harrington. I'm glad you approve." Harrington's gaze lingered on Anna's statue, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Your craftsmanship is truly remarkable," he said. "This one, in particular, is quite striking. She resembles my new junior curator, Anna."
"Ah yes," said Victor, "actually this statue is for sale. You could take her home tonight if you like, I have a replacement I can use to continue the exhibit." Harrington's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly masked his expression. "Well, that's...unexpected," he said, his gaze lingering on Anna's statue. "How much are you asking for her?" Victor named a price, and Harrington hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well, I'll take her. Have her delivered to my estate tomorrow." As Harrington walked away, Victor turned to Isabella, a cold smile on his face. "It seems our little Anna has found a new home," he said. "And a very wealthy one at that." "You sold her?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Indeed, I did. And for a very handsome sum, I might add.
As the sun rose the next day, Victor was already awake, eager to deliver Anna to her new owner. He found Isabella in the kitchen, sipping on a cup of coffee. "Morning, Master," she said, looking up from her newspaper. "Ready for a busy day?" Victor nodded, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Indeed, I am. We have a delivery to make today." Isabella raised an eyebrow. "A delivery?" "Yes," Victor said, taking a sip of his coffee. "Anna's new owner is expecting her today. We mustn't keep him waiting." "You mean...you're delivering her today?" "Of course," Victor replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Why wait? Now, help me load her into the van.
Victor drove through the winding roads of the countryside, the van's engine humming steadily. Beside him, Isabella sat in silence, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. In the back of the van, Anna's statue lay secured, her glassy eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. Victor glanced at Isabella, a smirk playing on his lips. "Nervous?" he asked. Isabella shook her head, her voice steady. "No, Master. Just...thinking." "About what?" Victor prompted, his eyes back on the road. "About Anna," Isabella admitted. "About what will happen to her now." Victor chuckled, a cold sound that sent a shiver down Isabella's spine. "Nothing good, I assure you," he said. "Richard Harrington is a wealthy man, used to getting what he wants. And he wants Anna."
Anna, realising with horror that she will forever be a conscious statue, lay helpless in the back of the van.
She could hear every word Victor and Isabella exchanged, her mind racing with fear and desperation. Suddenly, the van came to a halt, and she heard a deep, cultured voice greet Victor. Von Reinhardt, I presume?" "Richard Harrington," Victor replied, his voice cold and polite. "I trust you've brought my new acquisition?" Anna felt a surge of panic as she realised she was about to be delivered to this stranger. The van's doors creaked open, and she was lifted out, the cool air of the morning brushing against her porcelain skin. She was carried into a grand hallway, footsteps echoing on the marble floor. Then, she was placed on a pedestal, her gaze fixed on a sweeping staircase leading up to a landing, where a large window cast soft light onto the polished floor. She could see the entrance to the hallway, the grand double doors standing open, the van now gone.
She was alone, her body frozen, her mind racing. Then, a pair of polished shoes appeared in her line of sight, followed by a man's legs, and finally, his face. It was Richard Harrington, the museum director, the man who had bought her. He stood before her, his eyes roaming over her body, a smile of satisfaction on his face. "Beautiful," he murmured, reaching out to touch her cheek. Anna screamed internally, her mind recoiling at the intimate contact. she wanted to shout, "Don't touch me! I'm not a thing, I'm a person!" But all that came out was a silent, desperate plea, trapped within the confines of her frozen body. Harrington's hand lingered on her cheek, his thumb brushing against her lips. "You're even more exquisite up close," he said, his voice low and appreciative.