"The Hellbound Heart" is a horror novella written by Clive Barker, first published in 1986. The story follows a man named Frank Cotton, who seeks out a mysterious puzzle box that leads him to a realm of pleasure and pain. Upon opening the box, he encounters the Cenobites, a group of sadomasochistic beings who take him to their dimension. The narrative explores themes of desire, obsession, and the consequences of seeking forbidden experiences. As Frank's journey unfolds, his actions have dire repercussions for his family and friends, particularly his former lover, Julia, who becomes entangled in the dark events that follow.