The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Forest Underworld
by Kathleen McCluskey

The underworld of the forest was just below the surface of the calm and serene meadows that broke up the tangle of trees. Emerging out of the gnarled and ancient tree roots was Camille. She transformed the mighty oak into a force to be reckoned with. She made her home in his roots, always watching, always listening. The oak loved that he was converted into a powerhouse yet loathed the fact that it was her magic that had altered him. She slowly stepped out into the darkness, her long grey hair blowing in the breeze. She stretched her reticulated, molded, plastic body and let out a sigh. Alfred, her constant companion scurried around her feet.  Regretting the day that she had turned him into a mouse she waved her hand. He let out a shrill squeak, grabbed at his throat and collapsed. She shrugged her shoulders and called to her sprites.

Her subordinates came out in droves showing their respect for the mighty Camille. The fairies and sprites began to sparkle and shine. She closed her eyes and absorbed their loyalty. It made her strong, it made her feel invincible. She swayed as the power of nobility filled her. Camille abruptly stopped when a strange smell permeated the air around her. Her subjects had fled as the crimson light began to overtake the darkness of her realm. She knew that the only thing that could destroy her dominion was the very creature that was coming for her. She began to melt and scream as the fire over took her. Her last thought as she began to bubble and waste away was, “How did the fire start? The woodland creatures are terrified of fire.” The guilt was evident on her oak.  He couldn’t be under her ruthless control any longer. A large smile began to form on his elderly roots, he closed his eyes and welcomed the end.

Fiction © Copyright Kathleen McCluskey
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com 

More from Kathleen McCluskey:

The Long Fall: Book 1: The Inception of Horror

Lucifer always cunning and intelligent challenges father to a battle of wits. Being the angel of light he casts a judgemental eye upon mankind. He begins a war with his fellow archangels and God. Michael, along with his siblings defend their home and mankind from their deranged brother. Broad swords and hand to hand combat drench heaven in blood. The four apocalyptic steeds are released, each having their own destructive power. Betrayal and lust are at biblical levels. Understand the very creation of evil and the consequenses that transpire in the first of THE LONG FALL series.

Available on Amazon!