The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Waiting Out the Storm
by Terrie Leigh Relf

Sleet blew sideways outside the cave’s opening. It would be dark soon, even darker than usual, as the storm clouds thickened, hiding the moon. Further back in the cave, a group of campers huddled together around a fire pit. One fed twigs and pieces of a map into the growing flames.  The others rummaged about in their backpacks, pulling out packets, a cooking pot, bowls, and utensils, which they set out on a rocky ledge.

Illona watched from a safe distance, the rain sliding down and off her flight suit. She’d been looking for a place to wait out the storm before returning to her starship, and this would be perfect. Stomach rumbling, she smiled with the knowledge that she, too, would eat this night, that she, too, would sleep within the warmth provided by the campers’ fire.

Reaching into a satchel, Illona pulled out an iridescent blue fur suit and mask, tugged it on. Would the humans think she was one of their Yeti and be more curious than afraid? Only time would tell.

Illona reached into a side pocket for her weapon, checked the settings. She glanced at the humans for a few moments, deduced that the stun setting should be sufficient to subdue them. Weapon at her side, she took the remaining steps toward the mouth of the cave and entered.

At first, the humans didn’t even notice her, their backs turned as they prepared the meal. One of the females shrieked at the shadow she cast along the cave wall, and they all whisked around as one.

Illona took another step closer, stopped.

The humans tilted their heads back, looked up at her. Fear and confusion passed across their faces as they stared at her.  No one moved or uttered a word, the only sound ragged breaths. The acrid scent of urine soon vied for attention with their stew. Illona grinned, lifted her weapon, fired.

***

The flames could be a bit stronger, but Illona was beyond just hungry now. She took a tentative bite out of the juicy haunch, tilted her head back and roared with delight. It hadn’t taken long to carve up the first female. The others would keep until after she’d sated her hunger. She took another bite, savoring the forbidden meal. Nevertheless, her shipmates would be pleased with the leftovers.

Fiction © Copyright Terrie Leigh Relf
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

More from author Terrie Leigh Relf:

The Sisterhood of the Blood Moon

For thousands of Earth years, the Transgalactic Consortium has had a quiet interest in this planet and its inhabitants, the Haurans. While the Sisterhood of the Blood Moon works together with the Consortium and Haurans to maintain balance in the universe, the Blood Moon is fast approaching. The power of this moon reveals untold secrets . . . including a sacred covenant with the Mora Spiders. There is an ancient pact that needs to be honored—but at what cost and for whose purpose? The world may come to an end. But will there be a chance for a new beginning?

Available for purchase from the Alban Lake Store!