THE MOONLIT FURY
AKPORIEN KEHINDE@akporienkehinde866986
2 months ago
Episode 1: THE ARRIVAL.
The narrow road twisted through the dense forest like a serpent, its asphalt cracked and worn by years of neglect. Tall, ancient trees loomed overhead, their branches intertwining to form a near-impenetrable canopy. The dim light of the setting sun filtered through the foliage, casting long shadows that danced eerily on the ground. In the distance, the silhouette of a town began to emerge—a small, isolated village nestled in a valley, far from the reach of the modern world. This was Moonlit Ridge, a place shrouded in mystery and steeped in legend.
Lucas Thorn felt a shiver run down his spine as he drove into the town, his car's engine humming softly in the stillness. He had come here seeking solitude, a place to escape the chaos of his past. The recent death of his wife had left him adrift, and he hoped that the seclusion of Moonlit Ridge would offer him some semblance of peace. Yet, as he crossed the threshold into the village, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
The main street was deserted, lined with old, wooden buildings that seemed to sag under the weight of time. Faded signs hung above shop doors, their paint peeling and their windows dark. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the only sound was the distant call of a raven perched high in the trees.
Lucas parked his car outside the Moonlit Inn, the only place in town that offered lodging. The building was a relic from another era, its exterior weathered and worn but still standing strong. He grabbed his suitcase and approached the front door, hesitating for a moment before pushing it open. A bell tinkled softly above his head, announcing his arrival.
The inn's interior was dimly lit, with flickering candles casting a warm glow over the wooden walls and antique furniture. A fire crackled in the hearth, providing a welcome respite from the chill outside. Behind the front desk stood an elderly woman, her silver hair pulled back into a neat bun. She looked up as Lucas entered, her eyes sharp and penetrating.
"Good evening," she said, her voice carrying a hint of an accent Lucas couldn't quite place. "Welcome to Moonlit Inn. How may I help you?"
"I need a room for a few nights," Lucas replied, trying to sound casual despite the unease gnawing at his gut.
The woman nodded, her gaze never leaving his face. "Of course. We don't get many visitors these days. You'll find it quiet here, just what you might be looking for."
Lucas forced a smile and filled out the necessary paperwork. The woman handed him a key and pointed him toward the staircase. "Room 3, up the stairs and to your right. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Thank you," Lucas said, his voice barely above a whisper. He picked up his suitcase and climbed the creaky wooden stairs, each step echoing in the silence. Room 3 was at the end of the hall, its door slightly ajar. He pushed it open and stepped inside, taking in his new surroundings.
The room was simple but cozy, with a large bed covered in a quilt, a wooden dresser, and a small writing desk by the window. The window itself offered a view of the forest beyond, now shrouded in darkness. Lucas set his suitcase down and sighed, the weight of his grief pressing heavily on his shoulders. He sat on the edge of the bed and buried his face in his hands, feeling the sting of tears in his eyes.
As the night deepened, Lucas tried to settle in, but the oppressive silence of the inn made it difficult to relax. He could hear the faintest creaks and groans of the old building, each one setting his nerves on edge. He decided to take a walk, hoping that some fresh air would clear his mind. Grabbing his jacket, he left the room and headed downstairs, nodding briefly to the innkeeper as he passed.
Outside, the night was pitch black, the moon hidden behind a thick blanket of clouds. Lucas walked aimlessly through the empty streets, his footsteps echoing in the stillness. He wandered past the old church with its crumbling steeple, the abandoned schoolhouse, and the derelict general store. The entire town seemed to be frozen in time, untouched by the modern world.
As he walked, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that he was being followed. He glanced over his shoulder repeatedly, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The only movement came from the rustling of leaves in the wind and the occasional flash of eyes from nocturnal animals hidden in the shadows. He tried to tell himself it was just his imagination, but the sense of unease only grew stronger.
Eventually, he found himself standing at the edge of the forest, the dark trees looming before him like silent sentinels. He took a deep breath and stepped into the woods, the cool air filling his lungs. The path he followed was narrow and overgrown, winding deeper into the heart of the forest. He felt an inexplicable pull, as if something was drawing him further into the darkness.
After what felt like hours, Lucas emerged into a small clearing bathed in the pale light of the moon, which had finally broken through the clouds. In the center of the clearing stood an ancient stone circle, its weathered stones covered in moss and lichen. The sight of the stones filled Lucas with a sense of awe and dread, as if he had stumbled upon something ancient and powerful.
He approached the stones cautiously, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. As he reached out to touch one of the stones, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the clearing, carrying with it a low, mournful wail. Lucas froze, his heart pounding in his chest. The sound seemed to come from all around him, filling the air with an otherworldly chill.
Terrified, Lucas turned and ran back the way he had come, the eerie wail following him through the trees. He didn't stop until he reached the safety of the inn, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He slammed the door behind him and leaned against it, his mind racing with fear and confusion.
The innkeeper looked up from her book, her eyes narrowing. "Is everything alright?" she asked, her tone betraying a hint of concern.
Lucas nodded, trying to steady his breathing. "I'm fine. Just needed some air," he lied.
The woman studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thanks," Lucas muttered, retreating to his room. He locked the door behind him and sank onto the bed, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. What had he seen in the forest? What was the source of that haunting wail? And why did he feel like he was being watched?
As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that he had stumbled into something far beyond his understanding. Moonlit Ridge was a place of secrets, and he was determined to uncover them—no matter the cost.
This is just the beginning of your horror novel. If you like this style and approach, I can continue with the next chapters or assist you with any specific scenes or elements you want to develop further.
if you're ready for the next episode type continue under the comment session.
#Poetry
#Nircle.
#Stories
#storyteller
#NircleStories.
#StoryWriter
#Everyone.
