Where the moon peaks, its silver beams slither through the cottage blinds, bound to old roots deep in the woods.

Such comfort does not last long. It is fleeting, teasing one into bed for slumber.

On this dreary night of October, the clouds roar and swell, enveloping the moon and ridding it of its radiance.

Disrupting a silence, a peace of forsaken tranquility.

Where the walls were no longer quiet.

One's body shivers and trembles as the monsters awaken.

In the dark, reality seeps into nightmarish hues of crimson and tears.

Of mind and soul, of death and life—a terrifying binary that claws at one's walls.

Succumbing to the void of desperation, terror, and utter, tangible hysteria.

One would awaken to the rattling and distorted bellow of some unseen beast, echoing, ricocheting off the thick wooden walls.

Snaking with an unearthly sizzle.

Growing louder.

Louder.

LOUDER.

Raking of talons, claws, and the baring of glistening pearly whites, pointed at the tips.

Leering closer, to…

YOU.

Fumes of putrid breath casting across your face in a hazy moment of utter disconcerting disgrace.

YOU.

The next victim, the prey.

Awaiting the leering gaze of death itself, peering into the eyes of the humanoid beast.

Lanky arms, slick with goo, intermingled with horrid spikes, staggering out of its irksome form.

Watching in wrangled horror, your sprawled limbs glued to the bed as if mesmerized by its eyes of brassy gold.

Transfixed.

Lips tugging, you couldn't help it.

You smiled.

Broad and fierce, pulling at your cheeks, wider and wider, until you felt as if your face might tear into two. Blood seeping down your chin, dribbling.

Dribbling.

Gazing up as the creature's maw gaped, its grin mimicking your own.

YOU.