The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Merfolk
by Holli Walker

No one knows where they came from of or how they came to be. No one knows when they came to be
either, yet they are here. They hunt on the popular cruise ship trails. Following the ships, singing and
enticing the travelers. Urging them to jump and telling them they will get their hearts desire. It is well known that they are out there, but people keep coming. They keep going on late night walks. Knowing that there is a possibility they will come across one of the merfolk and they could fall under their spell and go for a midnight swim: never to return.

They usually hunt on full moon nights, with barely a cloud in the sky. You do not see them until it is too late. You hear them first; their sweet siren song fills the air around you. It is mesmerizing, promising you your heart’s desire; everything you ever wanted, if only you would jump. That is all you must do, is jump. What you do not know or realize too late; is that it was a trick. Once you reach the water, they are on you in a frenzy. Gnawing and grasping with their teeth and their claws. Ripping you, tearing your flesh and snapping your bones. They feast on their pray until there is nothing left. Maybe a scrap of fabric here or there, but nothing to show what happened to the human being that used to be.

So, if you must go on a water voyage, be warned that they are out there. They hunt, and they will hunt you, if you are unfortunate enough to decide to take a midnight stroll on the upper deck. Beware the merfolk.

Fiction © Copyright Holli Walker
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

More about Holli Walker:

Holli Walker was born and raised in Indiana. She is a member of the LGBT+ community and loves to write about things that move her.  She has a wonderful son and is close to her family.

Please find more of her work here!