As many of you know I love writing prompts and use them regularly when I host my monthly writing group meeting. I also enjoy portraying a villian in a story. There is something compelling about creating a character that is so far beyond my own personality. There is a depth to them that is both misunderstood and appalling. One such character I created was Malgraf, the evil sorceress from the Rython trilogy. I wrote her own novella, Malgraf's Dawning, because I was intrigued to find out her life's path. Although, circumstances contributed to her ultimate character, there was something dark within her from the outset.

I am unsure why I am drawn to these characters, maybe there is an element of wanting to understand how their minds work, or not as the case maybe. I loved Darth Vader rather than the 'good guys' in Star Wars, and J.R. Ewing (for those old enough to remember the Dallas TV series!) who was so deliciously bad and conniving, much more interesting than Bobby, who I found extremely bland and dull. So maybe it is my own character flaw, being drawn to the dark side, who knows? Anyway, the story I am sharing today is a case in point. We were given the title - The Devil in the Swamp - as homework at the meeting and this is where my mind went! Let me know what you think in the comments.

THE STORY

The track ahead wavers as a low mist swirls back and forth, the moonlight making the cloudy air iridescent, then solid. Annabelle grips the steering wheel tight, her knuckles white with tension. The swamp’s aroma of musty slime penetrates the air vents, her nose crinkles at the noxious smell. A sudden movement, a splash in the murky water beside the track has her heart pumping and her breath hiccupping in fear. Why, oh why did Tommy suggest such a place to meet?

Her mind tumbles with thoughts both positive and negative. Tommy’s invitation had made her heart fill with promise, but this back of beyond track had the opposite effect. She had not been able to resist Tommy’s golden hair, his broad shoulders, and his dark eyes when he asked her out. It was a dream come true for him to approach her. He was the most popular guy at university, with an entourage of followers both male and female. She never thought she had a chance, but then two weeks ago he’d sat beside her on the campus lawn and talked as though he knew her.

From that moment on they were inseparable, his strong hand always holding hers as they walked the corridors to class and along the campus paths, and then one night into her dorm room. Annabelle had no regrets, he was the one.

Now, the track narrowed and she worried her little car would slide off to one side or the other into that black undulating water with the plunging mangrove roots piercing the inkiness like fingers. She slowed down as much as she could, hoping the cabin Tommy had directed her to would appear. Then she sighed with relief, as she spotted a dim light in a window ahead.  The cabin looked black in the canopy of dark, twisted trees, but the light threw a golden glow across a small porch.

As she braked to park the car the crunch of gravel echoed in the stillness. She unlatched the driver’s door and smiled as the cabin door opened at the same time. Tommy’s silhouette filled the doorway; he looked even bigger than his six foot four. Annabelle smiled at her observation; the cabin must be smaller than it looks for him to be that big.

She approached and let out a gasp as Tommy held out his hand. Had he really been this tall, this broad all along? He took her hand before she could say anything and looked into her eyes with such longing, she did not resist. He was mesmerizing. The cabin door shut encasing them in a small one roomed interior. Dozens of candles and a roaring fire lit and heated the room, furnished with an old sofa covered with a crocheted blanket, a rickety table and chairs and a stove.

“You are so beautiful, Annabelle, I cannot resist you.”

His deep toned, smooth voice and dark eyes extinguished any apprehension within Annabelle. She folded into his embrace as his arms encircled her. She felt a pulling sensation as her body became absorbed into his.

The being known as Tommy to the human’s in the outer world consumed the delicate young woman growing in stature as her essence was devoured. When the metamorphosis was complete he would travel to seek out another innocent. His devilish darkness hidden behind the perfect disguise of golden locks and handsome features, allowing him freedom to choose his victims without suspicion until it was too late.

He stretched out his muscular arms and filled his broad chest with the acrid air of his home. The car would be swallowed up by the swamp in the morning, lost forever leaving no trace of the auburn haired girl, who agreed to elope with him to the other side of the world. Her hand written note, like his other victim’s messages of love was enough for the police not to investigate. It was a perfect crime for the humans to accept, their supposed love tryst with an expected happy ending.  

Are you spooked yet?

Did it make you uneasy?

Are you captivated by the 'baddies?

Who do you gravitate toward in a movie or book?