Run

A very, very, very, short story I attempted to write for a contest. But please, if you would like, read and comment? Merci beaucoup :)

I needed out! They were after me!

My bare feet slapped against the cool cobblestone path before me. If I could just make it into the woods, I would be safe. The others would protect me. They had to, right? Yes. Yes, I would be safe in the forest.

You see, I had to do it. They had my brother. My little brother. Seven years old. When I got to the village, there he was, for all to see. Strung up like some sort of common thief, treated worse than a murderer. Bits of his skin hung loose, showing muscle and bone underneath. The remaining skin almost charred beyond recognition. His mouth was still open in a scream; his once big, innocent blue eyes… gone. The only reason I knew for certain who he was was the sign hung above his head, blacked around the edges - probably from the fire. A terrifying scream erupted from my throat. My baby brother… my brother! I ran up to him, and touched his blackened feet with a shaking hand, before resting my quivering lips against them. Some of his dried, crusty blood smeared across them, but I didn’t care. Sobs raked through my body as a light drizzle of rain began, soaking me to the bone. I heard people begin to whisper among themselves. Demonspawn. Witches. Devil child. I slowly stood to my feet. My eyes now tinged red with rage.

Murderers, I hissed, felling my teeth grow sharp against my tongue.

One thought crossed my mind, before the animal in me took over. I. Wanted. Their. Blood. A howl escaped my lips as my bones cracked and my skin sizzled. I could smell their fear - it made me even stronger. I never thought twice as I lunged for my first kill out of many. Seven years old. That’s how old he was.I tore out that girl's throat. Warm, sweet blood gushed into my mouth, giving me a satisfaction and wanting that only a true killer would enjoy. I didn’t have time to savor much of the unique taste. I was already pouncing on my next victim, leaving the little girl's broken body behind me. Her doll was fallen beside her, still grasped in her hand, soaked in blood, smiling.

I can still see their faces, you know. Every. Last. One. I killed them all. Fathers. Mothers. Their precious children. I can still taste their blood on my lips, now stained red. My white dress now splattered with crimson red. The scent wafting up to my nose almost made me stumble. No, no distractions. I had to run, faster. Faster! They were coming. The dark branches reached out to me like dead, bony fingers coming to pull me into hell. I would be safe in the forest. I had to be. Cobblestones turned instantly into grass beneath my feet. Dead leaves crunched loudly beneath me, reminding me of how easily it was to break those peoples’ bones, as I slowed my pace. I breathed out heavily in relief. I would be safe here. I almost felt at ease instantly. I could smell the fear of those who chased me still, along with the smell of others near. My family. My pack. My home. I was close. I did what I had to do. He was my brother. My little brother. They’ll understand. They would….

2nd

May 6, 2012

• Horror
  

Third Place

Jul 2, 2012

• Fiction Contest!!

Reviews

[Dean Kuch®]

A chilling tale, forcing the reader to stride along side the lycanthropic narrator. Very visual and enthralling...

[Nightshade]

Thank you very much :)

[selkietales]

It's really sad and kinda haunting, I like it :)

[Maddox]

Awesome! This was great! I really liked how it was short but you could see a lot of what was trying to be said. I hadn't thought of an assassination like that. Fantastic!