Are You Afraid of the Dark?: October Frights Day 3: Drabble Time with Witches

Monday, 12 October 2020

October Frights Day 3: Drabble Time with Witches

Today is drabble day and I'm serving up three stories of dark witches. Enjoy.

Curse

“The cursed are mine, only fodder for the worms.”

I shivered, trying to bury the sounds in my pillow. I knew it would do no good.

“Tonight you die.”

I leapt out of bed, unable to stand it. I looked out the window, knowing what I would see. She stood at the edge of the forest. Long ragged hair, shrouded in rags and blue light, her black eyes staring into my soul.

“I will come for you under the twice cursed moon.”

I looked up to see the moon. I heard her laugh and felt a hand on my shoulder.

Lady of Ravens

“Does the Lady of Ravens really walk the forest?”

“Indeed, she does, little one. Best stay away from the woods.” My grandmother ruffled my hair, and I smiled, but didn’t listen. I went into the forest.

“Where are you, Lady of Ravens?”

“Right here.” A dark figure materialized from the air and trees, her clawed hand grabbing my arm, her mouth open to devour me. I screamed, “No, please, don’t kill me!”

“Too late. Unless you trade the one you love the most. Will you trade?”

I nodded. Laughing, she let go.

I ran home to find my grandmother missing.

Caged

“Do you like my little bird?”

The peculiar woman smiled at Arthur; all taffeta and lace ruffles, holding a small gilt birdcage. The creature tweeted at him; a sad little sound.

“Your pet doesn’t seem happy.”

“No, I don’t think he is. Will you set him free?”

Her voice hypnotized Arthur, and he reached out, fumbling with the latch. The bird flew at him in a flurry of wings and claws. Arthur gasped, pain searing through his body, and he passed out. As he regained consciousness, he looked out through gilt bars at a dead man lying on the cobblestones.