In Hell's Shadow: Episode V
A paranormal horror story
Trapped in an unfamiliar place far from home following a traumatic car accident, Kate is forced to confront a once-buried nightmare anew. Will this specter of her past lead her to certain destruction?
In Hell’s Shadow is a paranormal horror story set near Deer Falls — the same fictional Colorado town featured in my stories The Ghost Diaries, Snow Dragon, Pandora Reborn, and The Crimson Reaper. First published through Samak Press in April 2020, In Hell’s Shadow will be republished in six episodes here in the Strange New Worlds newsletter in celebration of the story’s fifth anniversary.
Tears flowed unencumbered when Kate slumped to the floor and buried her face in her hands.
"You look as beautiful as I remembered."
A burst of icy air penetrated the bathroom at the same time Kate heard the voice. She raised her head and blinked away the tears. The stranger stood before her once again. Kate's lips started to tremble. The door remained locked and barricaded behind him. Her eyes darted around the room. She found no other visible entrance or exit.
Oh, God.
How did he get inside this room with her?
"Who are you?" Terror permeated every single word Kate spoke. "Why are you doing this to me?"
He drew a step closer to her. The stranger plucked the candle off the sink. For the first time, the shadows lifted from his face and the diminutive flame revealed his identity to Kate.
She screamed.
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