Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Horror.
The Grimoire Of Golb
I was on the bus when I found it. It was the catalyst that changed everything. A year ago I was on the last bus from Renton to Downtown Seattle on the 101, I’d sit in the back of the bus so no one could sit behind me because it's a city, it was dangerous. I didn’t even notice it at first, not until I sat on it, there it was shoved between the seats, a little black moleskin journal. I removed it from between the cushions and ran my fingers over the face of the book and down the spine, appreciating the weight of it in my hands. I had always wanted one of these to write in, envious of all of the famous writers who owned one, jotting down inspirations for their next great novel in such an elegant yet simple book. I never afforded myself such a luxury item, only in my dreams. I took off my headphones allowing them to rest on my shoulders, then I removed the elastic band and opened it to the title page. It read “if found please call 206-555-5555, Reward of $20,000.”
By Abraxas Rodewald6 years ago in Horror
The Elevator
I’m getting too old for this, I say as I make my way up the stairs to the thirteenth floor of this hotel. The elevator of this place was closed permanently due to the obscene amount of people who ended up dead inside of it. Every year at this hotel seven people lose their lives in the elevator. The latest victim is my son, Ben. Twenty years prior I was here at this same hotel after my wife, Louise, was found deceased in the elevator.
By Matthew Guillory6 years ago in Horror
Older Obligations
An old, bent man in a slick black trench coat walked towards me cautiously looking melancholy and miserable. His gnarled fingers removed the gray plaid flat cap from his mostly bald head. Thick unruly eyebrows crowned his sunken but bright blue eyes and his gray beard obscured his lips. “Don’t open the notebook.” That was all he said as he thrust a dirty manilla envelope into my hands. I tried to resist accepting the package, but his arm was alarmingly strong and his gaze intense. Hesitantly, I complied. He repeated, “don’t open the notebook,” and took his leave of me. I folded the brass clasp securing the flap so I could see the mysterious contents. Inside was a little black notebook with a worn leather cover embossed with the name Simon Keel and an elastic band holding it closed. A smaller white envelope containing a signed cashier’s check for $20,000 was tucked under the elastic band. It was already made out to me.
By James Rich6 years ago in Horror
Maybe
I always loved going to thrift stores, auctions and estate sales. Rummaging through other people's old and discarded belongings fascinated me. I'm not sure why, but it did. Every now and then I would stumble upon something worth taking home and calling my own. That was the fun part. Maybe that's why it fascinated me. Maybe.
By Dark Night6 years ago in Horror
The End Code
It was all a blur at this point, her grandmother’s death, the funeral, the mourners going in and out of her childhood home and now the lawyer sitting across from her on the sofa, his words rambling together. “Your grandmother left everything to you.” His voice, attempting to reassure her that this is a good thing. Still in her heart she just wanted her grandmother back, everything else was just stuff. He continued: “The home, cars, savings, all of her belongings are yours, you will not have to worry about money for the rest of your life, that’s what your grandmother wanted.” His tone changed to a slight annoyance at her blank stare when he added… “I know it won’t bring her back but at least she made sure your days on earth would be spent in comfort.” It was obvious he was just doing his job and her mental breakdown would have to wait until the papers were signed. With that she snapped out of her grief trance and signed her name to all the papers required. And thus, she was now the proud owner of her grandmother's hopes and dreams, her hard work, her earthly toil, her future interests, and her past investments. It was all signed over in an instant. “It’s been a pleasure working for you and your family, your grandmother was a special person, and she will be missed.” The rote, perfunctory speech of a politely disinterested party seeking a quick exit from an uncomfortable conversation. Audra finally spoke, rising to her feet in the same motion “Thank you for your assistance Mr. Lawson, I will be in touch should I need anything more from you.” Shaking herself free of these necessary evils the way a dog shakes water free from its coat, vigorously and with great speed. Now that the paperwork had been signed and the pleasantries exchanged, Mr. Lawson made his departure.
By The Write of Passage 6 years ago in Horror
A Dragon in Disguise
Amara stood outside The Boastful Roast coffee shop, her mother’s journal clenched to her chest, wondering whether she could ever again have the courage to be genuine in a room of cheerful faces and warm embraces. She knew it was a mirage, but the entire world seemed to have lost its luster now that her mother wasn’t part of it. Her bank called. The rep inquired as to why her account had suddenly grown by one hundred thousand dollars. Amara heard the hint of suspicion in his voice, but she just couldn’t bring herself to say the words “My mother died” out loud. So she hung up on him. She exhaled and shouldered the coffee shop’s thick wood door. A cow bell announced her entry. She hurried through the doorway as a brisk New England cold chased her through the doorway and kissed her exposed neck. She tucked the notebook underneath her arm and used her free hand to grab her wallet out of her pocket. She stepped up to the counter and took a deep breath, savoring the distinct aroma of chocolate-infused coffee beans.
By R. Tilden Smith6 years ago in Horror
The Essence of Revenge
Ezra’s body carried him from the subway entrance to the platform without conscious effort. He boarded the train with the conviction of a seasoned commuter and sat down robotically. No one noticed his red eyes, the tight line of his lips, the dull sheen of his unwashed shoulder-length hair. His head slowly tilted back against the train car wall, eyes distant and unfocused.
By Roeki DeMaria6 years ago in Horror
What's Your Biggest Fear
So unnerving for a question you hear so often, isn’t it? You’ll hear it in ice-breaking games, in small talk, on first dates, but we never respond with the truth. We tell people we’re afraid of rollercoasters, or spiders, large dogs even, but that’s not really what we fear.
By Angelica Varela6 years ago in Horror
Nigrum Libro
Sam’s buttocks clenched. He wasn’t sure what triggered this wretched spasming of his muscles. It normally occurred at moments of intense fear or anger. Nevertheless, as he desperately tried to break out of Fleuric’s half nelson chokehold it was a potent combination of both emotions.
By Benton Voltron Opene6 years ago in Horror
The Money Game
It's warm and sunny out today. I'm walking down the sidewalk in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina. The pavement of the side-walk thuds beneath my feet. I check my watch, it's 2:48 p.m. on a Tuesday in June of 2020. My pace quickens a little as I try to make it to the coffee shop to meet my friend, Tommy, who was eager to meet and sounded flustered over the phone.
By Chris Willis6 years ago in Horror
