The Antagonist
They followed him blindly in to the woods. Branches swayed in a seduction of unison.  The light between the trees was lynched, by his grandiosity and lies. Many continued without hesitation. He asked for a sacrifice of integrity, in exchange for boundless gains. The trees crowded around them until all he requested was placed on the altar.

The creature is walking freely, as the thicket suffocates his disciples.