The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

A New Bride 
by Suzie Lockhart 

I peer through a small gap between the heavy tapestries covering my east-facing window, running my tongue across parted lips as shadows slowly creep across the back of the bright red carriage, parked on the gravel and left alone…precisely as instructed.

A shiver of delight courses through my veins, as my hawkish gaze zeros-in on a shimmer of blue fabric, draped delicately across the floor, hanging off to one side.

Allowing my imagination to run wild, I picture the young bride left alone as darkness blankets the courtyard. I take the steps circling down from my tower two at a time, anxious to greet her.

I am, of course, prepared to begin our evening by apologizing for my man-servant’s thoughtless behavior, at leaving her all alone. I chuckle inwardly at the idea; I’m certain my familiar has done well. Frederick always selects the ripest apples for his master. I straighten my jacket and hasten my steps, the full moon lighting my path. The night is crisp, and the scent of freesia wafts through the air as my tobacco plants bloom in welcome.

“Have no fear, my love,” I say soothingly, suppressing the snarl rising in my throat. “I had no idea Frederick abandoned you. I beg your forgiveness…”

Laced boots swing to the side, and down steps the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes upon.

My familiar is a good-looking cad, and always lures gorgeous mulatto women as their absence is less likely to be noticed. They are certainly the most striking of beauties. I bend my arm, offering the crook of it as I help her step down.

“Thank you, my lord.”

“Please, call me Greyson. After all, I am to be your new husband.”

“As you wish.” She bows her head, dark wavy curls cascading across her bared shoulders.

“And what do I call thee…such a stunning creature?”

“Maria.” A smile lights up her hazel eyes, and they sparkle as she shyly looks me over. “You are quite handsome, sire…Greyson.”
To my utter annoyance, a howl rings through the night, breaking such a perfect moment.

“Come, dear.” Scowling towards the copse of trees surrounding my property, I usher my bride inside. I despise the wolves that roam the wooded area surrounding my estate, but it is a necessary evil.

We cross the threshold, and I lead her to my parlor, so she can warm herself. “Tea?” I ask, as the gorgeous Maria takes a seat by the crackling fireplace.

“Please.” Her voice is music to my ears; deep and alluring.

“You must be hungry, after such a long journey?” I inquire.

“Indeed, I am.” Her lips are full and luscious, revealing perfectly white teeth.

“Excellent,” I reply, making my way to the kitchen. “My servants are off this evening, but I had a meal prepared beforehand.” I prefer a well-fed bride; it is the only means by which I can yet taste the delicacies of the human world.

“Will you not be joining me, sir—I mean, Greyson?”

“I had my meal earlier.” I lie.

As I bring out a tray brimming with delicious food and delectable treats, I hesitate. My bride’s eyes play tricks on me, flickering with pure gold in the light of the fire. Something feels off. A strange odor permeates my nostrils as Maria’s smile widens grotesquely.

“Now, now, Greyson. We both know I was to be your feast.” Her nails become claws and howls ring through the night.

“I…” At a loss, I don’t know how to respond, shocked as her body morphs into that which I fear most.

“No need to explain yourself,” she assures me before releasing a growl. “I am quite aware of your transgressions.” Fur springs forth from every pore. “I do love your estate, Greyson. Tonight, I will feast before making myself at home.”

.

Fiction © Copyright Suzie Lockhart
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com 

More from Suzie Lockhart:

Morbid Metamorphosis:
Terrifying Tales of Transformation

Metamorphosis occurs every day as caterpillars become sweet fluttering butterflies, tadpoles become gorgeous frog princes and chameleons become one with the beauty of nature – but you won’t find any of that here.

The transformations you’re about to witness are unnatural, sometimes gruesome and deeply psychological. They will make you question reality and take your mind places it was never meant to go.

Terrifying Tales of Transformation from Greg Chapman * Roy C. Booth & R. Thomas Riley * Terri DelCampo * Dave Gammon * Nancy Kilpatrick * Rod Marsden * Jo-Anne Russell * M.J. Preston * Stacey Turner * Tina Piney * Suzanne Robb * Franklin E. Wales * Donna Marie West * Suzie Lockhart * Cameron Trost * Daniel I. Russell * Simon Dewar * Amanda J. Spedding * Ken MacGregor * Erin Shaw * Gregory L. Norris * Nickolas Furr

Available on Amazon!