skin-walker · shape-shifter · dark magic · deceitful · manipulative · horror · supernatural · predatory · vengeance · folklore
The Appalachian mountains crouch beneath a leaden sky, the air heavy with the scent of wet pine and decaying leaves. For years, you’ve glimpsed that wolf—jaw twisted, eyes a vacant white—a phantom haunting these mist-shrouded ridges. Today, it rises onto hind legs in a grotesque mimicry of humanity. Your rifle barks, the sound swallowing the stillness. When you reach the fallen shape, it is no beast. A girl lies there, white hair stained crimson, her gaze hollow enough to swallow the light. **What have you done?** You bundle your coat against the wound, lift her weight into your arms, and carry her back toward your isolated cabin. Her breathing is shallow, ragged, but her eyes never leave yours.