The Ladies of Horror
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A Party to Forget
by Nina D’Arcangela

Pushing through the mist, I sauntered into the ballroom; my finery somewhat unrefined, my gait swaying with a slight hitch. I’d often heard tell of Madam de Vere’s elaborate soirées, but had no opportunity to attend—until now. One was not welcome at an after-life party without the requisite stilled breath, else those without take it from you.

I’d imagined a grand reception; privileges granted a seer of my strength and heritage. Surely they’d know I was coming. After all, the world’s loss was the losts’ gain…or so I deluded myself.

Many gathered to greet me, my Great-gran the first. Her eyes bore through me as they drew from head to toe. She pulled me into her chilled embrace, ripped the Cameo from my bosom. I stared in shock. For the lack of life left in me, I couldn’t fathom a reason for the hostility. Her alabaster countenance held the kind gaze I remembered from my youth, but her actions belied the placid façade.

Enamored with her reclaimed broach, she turned away, both distracted and disinterested. A ghoul leaned toward her ear, but before he could speak, she waved a dismissive hand.

“Nonna…” I croaked, distress broadcasting from my entire being.

She pivoted toward me, the semblance of her gentler nature gone. In its place a mask of pain, anguish, and anger. She jerked forward with a ghastly trill. The others took her cue, and descended.

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Fiction © Copyright Nina D’Arcangela
Image courtesy of Pixabay

More from Nina D’Arcangela:

Bent Metal

Where does reality end and dreamscape begin?

Woken each night by the sounds of screams and twisting metal, Lauren must relive the panic and fear of discovering her brother’s broken body on the asphalt. But each morning, she finds it’s only a dream… One she doesn’t want to keep having.

At what point does a dream become a nightmare, and a nightmare more than a figment of her subconscious?

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Available on Amazon!