The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Turquoise Moon
by D.m. Slate

Stepping cautiously to the edge of the cliff, Nazia peered down at the waves crashing on the jagged rocks far below. Reflections from the night sky illuminated the water, and for an instant, it was nearly calming.

She inhaled deep, savoring the salty tinge in the air.

The priestess shifted her gaze up to the sky. Hundreds of stars dotted the abyss, but her eyes came to rest on the distant turquoise moon. Memories raced through her mind at hyper speed. Nazia’s heart yearned for a life lost long ago, and for a family that she’d never see again. For a family who’d been hunted and assassinated because of her divinity. Guilt weighed heavy on her soul.

Nostrils flared, she inhaled again, searching for that familiar musk – but the ocean breeze blew strong, hindering her attempt.

Stepping to the side, Nazia turned to face the tree line, moving with poise and grace. She stood motionless, head held high with dignity. The priestess knew it wouldn’t be long, now.

She could feel them getting closer.

Nazia closed her eyes and began her ritual, grasping the moon pendant hanging from the chain around her neck.

It was then that the beasts unleashed their hellish shrieks, bolting from the forest’s edge. She could smell their putrid breath as they panted in excitement, rushing toward her. She continued her prayer, letting them advance.

And then, with eyes still closed, Nazia edged backward. She smiled wide and leaned back, embracing the free-fall.

Time slowed as she plummeted.

The priestess took comfort in the sound of the crashing waves below her. Opening her eyes, she watched as the beasts reached the edge of the cliff, staring down at her with glowing crimson eyes.

Still clasping her pendant, Nazia’s gaze shifted to the turquoise moon. She whispered her final word.

Her body erupted into an atomic blast of light, sending shock waves in all directions.

The beasts wailed in agony as the light blinded their nocturnal eyes, many flailing over the edge of the cliff and plunging to their deaths.

And then the turquoise moon shined a shade brighter.

Fiction © Copyright D.m. Slate
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

More from D.M. Slate:

Roots of Deceit

Fueled by the underlying currents of her daughter’s death, Gianna vows to unravel the mystery surrounding the foreboding apparition who keeps making appearances in her new home, but she’s not prepared for the grisly trail of clues that’ll unfold before her; testing not only her sanity, but her guilty conscience as well.

Zack and Gianna call on a team of paranormal investigators to start them in the right direction, and after the initial terror of the ghost’s presence begins to dull, Gianna finds herself sucked into a web of deception, lies and murder, as the ultimate questions are posed: who is the terrifying pale-faced ghost, and what does she want? As the secrets of the past reach their gnarled fingers out beyond the grave, grasping firmly onto Gianna’s soul, she starts to suspect her only neighbor, old farmer Peterson, of committing the unthinkable crime.

But finding evidence to prove a twenty-three year old murder is more difficult than Gianna anticipated, and when the ghost gets tired of waiting, she takes matters into her own hands; at which time the distinction between the two women begins to blur…

Available on Amazon!