A Curse Cast By The Moon
In the distance the howls begin and I awake with a start in sheets soaked with sweat. My heart beats frantically against my ribs as I rise from the bed.
There will be blood. In my dreams the demons whisper their promise. When the clouds part beneath the full moon I can do nothing to stop what occurs.
I let my senses guide me through the darkness, my bare feet numb with cold. I am aware of every sound around me, of every movement through the branches. Nothing dares cross me, for I walk with Death on this night. I find a clearing in the trees after some time, far enough into the forest that no one will hear me.
“A sacrifice to you, oh Dark One!” I call, and the shadows around me come alive. The light of the moon is now shining directly on me, the hairs on my neck begin to rise with electricity. My palms are wet with anticipation, goosebumps erupt over my flesh. I close my eyes and breathe deeply, preparing for what is to come.
When I open them once more I am greeted by the glowing eyes of the Wolf.
I try not to move while it inhales my fear. Hot saliva drips from its fangs and I am barely able to hold in the contents of my stomach at the stench of its breath.
It stands on its hind legs, towering above my quaking form, and I can only imagine what went through my son’s mind when faced with this Devil. So innocent, so fragile, so helpless.
“Feast!” demons hiss in my ears.
Yellowed fangs take hold of my throat, my torso is covered by the warmth of gushing blood and I am pinned to the earth. The Wolf greedily drinks from my wound, pausing to throw back its head and bellow in triumph.
“Devour!” the demons beg.
Dagger-like claws slice through my stomach, tearing it open wide. The Wolf’s blood-soaked snout savagely pulls the contents from me.
Yes, do it, you fucking fiend
The many silver coins I have swallowed clink together between the beast’s jaws as it feeds on my intestines. It gulps them down before it can realize and lets out an anguished howl.
“Treachery!” the demons shriek.
I am fading, my vision is blurring, though I can see the Wolf’s body contorting in agony. It throws itself to the ground and writhes as smoke billows from beneath matted fur. Blind with pain, it claws at its body, emitting ear-piercing screams as its flesh melts away.
My plan has worked, the Wolf is dying. No other man will have to bear the heartache this abomination has caused me.
The beast sets aflame, burning a faint greenish hue. I watch its wretched carcass crumble to dust, the last sight my eyes observe before the blackness takes over. I draw my last breath with a smile on my face.
I will be with you soon, my son