The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

The Forest
by Kathleen McCluskey

Larry was convinced that the forest behind his house was haunted. Hearing the soft chanting night after night piqued his curiosity. He wanted to prove to everyone that the rumors and stories about the wooded darkness were all true and that he was not crazy.

He waited until almost midnight before he headed out. Above, a cloud veiled, full moon hinted of sky. The wind whipped through the geriatric oaks causing the decrepit timbers to howl and creak. Larry found a soft spot and listened to the symphony the trees created. He waited as the sound gave the night depth. Then the sound abruptly stopped. Larry sprang to his feet and could see twin silhouettes motionless in the darkness. The forest became devoid of sound, life and motion. As Larry strained to see more detail on the figures a bright light flashed from one of them, temporarily blinding him, rendering him unconscious.

He woke flat on his back; his arms out stretched to the side; he was lashed down with thick leather straps. He could hear the soft cooing of female voices. Straining to turn his head and see where the beautiful siren song was coming from he noticed the forest was illuminated by candles. He focused on the table directly to his right. Three white candles burned slowly. The flames danced playfully in the slight breeze of the forest. Larry tried to speak but his voice had been taken. Panic began to set in as he struggled against the restraints. As he thrashed the friction caused his skin to break open and bleed. He was oblivious to the pain; he just wanted out. The twins appeared, one on each side. They spoke in unison, “We do love it when they struggle. Oh how it sweetens the blood. The taste of fear is the taste of vitality.” Larry was in hysterics as they bit down onto his arms. They consumed him. Their legend would remain intact bringing more food to their table.

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 judgmental 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 consequences that transpire in the first of THE LONG FALL series.

Available on Amazon!