**Gingerbread Cage** [Intro – atmospheric, clean guitars + distant theremin] Come closer, little ones… the forest is kind… [Verse 1 – soft, seductive witch vocals, almost lullaby] I built this house from sugar and sin With windows of candy to let the light in You followed the crumbs like good little sheep Now you’re warm in my kitchen… go back to sleep [Pre-Chorus – rising tension] Don’t be afraid of the fire in my eyes I only want to teach you how to survive [Chorus – soaring, emotional progressive metal] Come into my arms, my sweet little prey I’ll keep you forever, I’ll never betray The world outside is cruel and cold But here in my gingerbread cage… you’ll never grow old [Verse 2 – darker, more intense] Hansel, my boy, so brave and so strong Greta, my girl, with your beautiful song You ran from your father, you ran from your pain Now you’re mine to protect… again and again [Pre-Chorus – whispering, manipulative] They never loved you the way that I do They left you to die… I came back for you [Chorus – bigger, more dramatic] Come into my arms, my sweet little prey I’ll keep you forever, I’ll never betray Eat from my table, drink from my cup In my gingerbread prison… you’ll never grow up [Bridge – slow, psychological, spoken/sung] (soft, motherly witch voice) You think I’m the monster? I am the mother you never had I am the warmth in the cold I am the love… that devours you whole [Breakdown – heavy, chaotic progressive section] EAT! EAT! MY CHILDREN! GROW! GROW! INSIDE ME! YOU’LL NEVER LEAVE! YOU’LL NEVER BE FREE! [Final Chorus – massive, unhinged] Come into my arms, my sweet little prey I’ll keep you forever, I’ll never betray The forest may call but you’ll never return In my gingerbread cage… you’ll forever burn [Outro – soft, fading witch lullaby] Sleep now, my darlings… Sleep now, my dears… The oven is warm… And I’m always here…
