The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Butterflies From the Curse 
by Kathleen McCluskey 

In a small village, nestled deep within the rolling countryside, there was an old legend whispered among the locals. The legend spoke of a cursed forest, where the trees whispered ancient secrets and the shadows held malevolent spirits. These spirits were said to be the restless souls of those that had dared defy the ancient guardians. They were forever bound to wander in the shadowy depths.

One day a young girl, named Lily, ventured into the forest, ignoring the warnings from the elders. As she wandered deeper into the woods, the air grew thick with the scent of decay mixed with the sweet scent of flowers. She saw spectral wisps dancing through the gnarled trees, their forms just out of her vision. The atmosphere around her shifted from one of wonder to one of foreboding as the trees began to sway in unison.

Lost and disoriented, Lily stumbled into a clearing bathed in an otherworldly light. There, she saw a figure standing in the center. Its eyes gleaming with an ethereal light. Without hesitation, Lily approached, drawn by an unseen force towards the mysterious presence. As she drew closer, she noticed the figure’s eyes were not human. They were the eyes of the forest itself, ancient and all knowing. Perched upon one of the eyes were two small butterflies, their wings pulsing with an eerie glow.

In a trance-like state, Lily reached out to touch the butterflies, unaware of the darkness that lurked within them. As her fingers brushed against their delicate wings, a surge of evil energy coursed through her veins. Her eyes rolled over black. She was now bound with the all-knowing gaze of the forest. It sealed her fate within its depths.

From that day on, Lily became the guardian of the forest. Her once innocent eyes now reflected the ancient darkness that dwelled within. Those who dared to enter the forest would be met with the chilling sight of her eyes, haunted by the souls who had succumbed to the curse.

The legend of the cursed forest lived on. A cautionary tale whispered among the locals. A tale of lost souls and the butterflies that sealed their fate.

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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!