Dark Waters: Bone-Chilling Tales of Mermaid Mythos

By Myria Hopkins

"Dark Waters: Bone-Chilling Tales of Mermaid Mythos" is a collection of twenty spine-tingling short stories that will leave you breathless. Enter a world where mermaids aren't the beautiful, benevolent creatures of lore, but instead are the stuff of nightmares. From haunted lighthouses to cursed coves, the stories within this collection take you on a journey into the darkest depths of the ocean. Prepare to be ensnared by the siren's song of death, tangled in the depths, and haunted by the shadows of the abyss. This anthology is not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave tales that will make their blood run cold. "Dark Waters" is the ultimate collection of mermaid horror, perfect for fans of Lovecraftian tales, eerie folklore, and spine-chilling suspense.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean Benoit
• Release date: Mar 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215357743

Myria Hopkins

Myria Hopkins is a fresh and exciting new voice in the world of fiction, starting her journey as a beginner author. Her passion for storytelling and deep understanding of the human experience are evident in her debut works, which showcase her ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate readers from beginning to end. Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences and a wide range of sources, Myria's writing is marked by its authenticity, emotional depth, and relatability. As she continues to develop her craft and explore new literary terrain, she looks forward to connecting with readers and sharing her unique vision with the world.

Book preview

Foreword

Dear Reader,

I am thrilled to present to you Dark Waters: Bone-Chilling Tales of Mermaid Mythos. This book is the culmination of my love for mermaids, horror, and folklore. I've always been drawn to the macabre and eerie aspects of mermaid mythology, and I've poured my heart and soul into crafting stories that will leave you trembling with fear.

Within the pages of this book, you will find twenty haunting tales that will take you on a journey into the darkest depths of the ocean. From shipwrecks to sirens, each story will leave you gasping for breath and begging for more. I hope you enjoy reading Dark Waters as much as I enjoyed writing it. So come, take the plunge with me, and immerse yourself in the world of mermaid horror.

Sincerely,

Myria Hopkins

Siren's Song of Death

Dawn Summers stepped onto the shore of the remote island, the salty sea air filling her lungs. She had been waiting for this moment for months, ever since she was approached about leading a research team studying the behavior of mermaids. She was a marine biologist, and this was a dream come true.

The island was beautiful, covered in lush greenery with crystal-clear waters surrounding it. It was a paradise, but Dawn knew that there was danger lurking beneath the surface. She had read the reports, heard the stories. These mermaids were different from the ones in fairy tales. They were vicious, territorial, and not afraid to attack humans who entered their territory.

Dawn and her team set up their research station on the beach, laying out their equipment and getting ready to dive. As she suited up, Dawn couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with unease. This was uncharted territory, and she didn't know what to expect.

As she dove beneath the surface, she was immediately struck by the beauty of the underwater world. Schools of brightly colored fish swam past her, and she could see coral reefs stretching out in every direction. It was like nothing she had ever seen before.

Suddenly, a shadow moved in the corner of her eye. Dawn turned, her heart racing, and saw the silhouette of a mermaid swimming towards her. She had seen them before in tanks and aquariums, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight of a real mermaid. The creature was beautiful, with long golden hair and shimmering scales, but Dawn knew that she was in danger.

Hello, Dawn said, holding up her hands in a gesture of peace. I'm Dawn, and I'm here to study you.

The mermaid didn't respond, but instead swam closer, examining Dawn with curiosity. Dawn could see the sharp teeth glinting in the creature's mouth, and she knew that she had to tread carefully.

Can we communicate somehow? Dawn asked. Do you have a language?

The mermaid didn't answer, but instead began to sing. It was the most beautiful sound Dawn had ever heard, like a siren's song. But as she listened, she began to feel lightheaded, her vision blurring. She realized too late that the mermaid's song was not meant to be beautiful - it was meant to be deadly.

Dawn felt herself being pulled deeper into the water, her lungs burning as she struggled to breathe. The mermaid had wrapped her arms around Dawn, holding her tight as she sang. Dawn tried to fight, but her strength was failing her. She was going to drown.

Suddenly, there was a sharp pain in her side, and she felt herself being pulled away from the mermaid. She gasped for air, coughing and sputtering as she was dragged to the surface. Her team had come to her rescue, using their equipment to scare off the mermaid and pull Dawn to safety.

As they helped her onto the boat, Dawn looked back at the mermaid, who was still singing her deadly song. She knew then that this research was going to be more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.

Dawn lay shivering on the boat, her body wracked with coughs as she gasped for air. She could feel the terror coursing through her veins, and she knew that she had narrowly escaped death. As her team tended to her, Dawn couldn't help but think about the mermaid's song. It had been so beautiful, so hypnotic, and yet so deadly.

We need to get her back to shore, one of the team members said, his voice urgent. She needs medical attention.

Dawn nodded weakly, her mind still reeling from the experience. As they sped back to the research station, she couldn't help but think about the mermaid's voice. It had been so alluring, so captivating, and yet so dangerous. She knew that she couldn't let her guard down again.

Over the next few days, Dawn and her team continued their research, but the incident with the mermaid had left a sense of unease hanging over them. They worked quickly and efficiently, studying the mermaids from a distance, never getting too close.

But the mermaids seemed to be aware of their presence, and they became increasingly hostile as the days went on. Dawn could see the anger in their eyes, the way they would circle their boats, their sharp teeth bared. She knew that it was only a matter of time before they attacked again.

One night, Dawn was awoken by a strange sound. It was like nothing she had ever heard before, a haunting melody that seemed to be coming from the water itself. She sat up, her heart pounding, and looked out into the darkness.

And then she saw them. The mermaids were singing, their voices echoing across the water. It was the same song that had almost killed her before, but this time there were more voices, more harmonies. It was like a choir of death.

Dawn knew that she had to do something. She couldn't just sit there and wait for the mermaids to attack. She gathered her team together and they began to make a plan. They would use sound to fight sound, playing loud, jarring music to disrupt the mermaids' song.

As they set out on their boats, Dawn could feel the tension in the air. She knew that they were walking into a trap, that the mermaids were waiting for them. But she also knew that they had no choice. They had to stop the singing.

As they approached the mermaids' territory, the singing grew louder and more intense. Dawn could feel the notes vibrating in her chest, and she knew that they were in deep trouble. But she didn't back down. She stood at the front of the boat, holding up a speaker, and she pressed play.

The music was jarring, loud, and abrasive. It was like nothing the mermaids had ever heard before, and they recoiled in horror. Their singing faltered, their notes becoming dissonant and chaotic. Dawn knew that they had found their weakness.

But the mermaids weren't going to go down without a fight. They began to circle the boats, their sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. Dawn could see the hunger in their eyes, the way they were sizing up their prey. She knew that they were in for the fight of their lives.

And then one of the mermaids lunged forward, her jaws snapping shut on the edge of the boat. The team members scrambled back, but Dawn stood her ground. She pulled out a knife, ready to defend herself.

Dawn's heart was racing as she faced off against the attacking mermaid. The creature's teeth were inches away from her face, and she could smell its rancid breath.

Get back! she shouted, brandishing the knife. Stay away from us!

The mermaid hissed, its eyes glinting with a dangerous intelligence. Dawn knew that she was dealing with something far more than just an animal. This was a creature that had been living in these waters for who knew how long, and it was not going to be easily deterred.

But Dawn was not about to give up. She had come too far, seen too much, to back down now. She stood her ground, her eyes locked on the mermaid's, waiting for the creature to make its move.

And then it did. The mermaid lunged forward, its jaws open wide. Dawn sidestepped the attack, slashing at the creature's side with her knife. The mermaid let out a piercing scream, and then it was gone, disappearing into the depths of the water.

Dawn breathed a sigh of relief, but she knew that the danger was far from over. The other mermaids were still out there, still singing their deadly song. She turned to her team, her eyes scanning the water.

Get the speakers ready, she said, her voice shaking with adrenaline. We need to keep them off us.

The team worked quickly, setting up the speakers around the boats. They played the same jarring music as before, the sound waves cutting through the water like a knife. Dawn watched as the mermaids circled, their songs becoming more and more frantic.

And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the singing stopped. The mermaids vanished into the water, leaving behind only the sound of their fading echoes.

Dawn let out a sigh of relief, but it was short-lived. She knew that they could return at any moment, and that they would be even more angry than before.

We need to get back to shore, she said, her voice low and urgent. We can't stay out here any longer.

The team members nodded, their faces pale with fear. They packed up their equipment quickly, their eyes scanning the water for any sign of movement.

As they started the boats, Dawn felt a sense of unease settle over her. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that the mermaids were still out there, waiting for their next opportunity to attack.

And then she saw it. A flash of movement in the water, something darting just below the surface. Dawn's heart leapt into her throat as she realized what it was. The mermaids were following them, stalking them back to shore.

We're not going to make it, one of the team members said, his voice shaking with terror.

Dawn gritted her teeth, her mind racing. She knew that they had to do something, but she didn't know what. And then she remembered something from her research, something that she had dismissed as a myth.

Their hair! she shouted, turning to her team. We need to cut off their hair!

The team members looked at her incredulously, but Dawn was already diving into the water. She swam towards the nearest mermaid, her knife glinting in the moonlight.

The creature was caught off guard, its attention focused on the boats. Dawn swam up behind it, grabbing onto its hair with one hand and slashing at it with the other.

The mermaid let out a howl of pain, thrashing in the water. Dawn felt the hair slip from her grasp, but she had done enough. The creature was wounded, and it was retreating.

Dawn swam back to the boat, gasping for breath. We need to cut off their hair! she repeated, her voice urgent. It weakens them, slows them down.

The team members nodded, their faces grim. They grabbed their knives and jumped into the water, swimming towards the nearest mermaid.

Dawn watched as they circled the creature, waiting for their opportunity. The mermaid was beautiful, with long, flowing hair that shimmered in the moonlight. But Dawn knew that it was deadly, that it could kill them all with a single song.

Be careful! she shouted, her heart pounding in her chest.

The team members moved in, slashing at the mermaid's hair. The creature screamed, its voice echoing through the water. But it was too late. The damage had been done. The mermaid was weakened, struggling to stay afloat.

Dawn swam towards it, her knife at the ready. She could see the fear in the mermaid's eyes, the realization that it was no match for them. She hesitated for a moment, feeling a pang of guilt. But then she remembered the bodies, the corpses that had washed up on shore.

She plunged the knife into the mermaid's side, feeling it thrash and twist beneath her. The creature let out a final scream, and then it was still.

Dawn looked up, her eyes scanning the water. There were more of them, she could feel it. The mermaids were coming for them, drawn by the sound of their dying sister.

We need to go, she said, her voice urgent. Now!

The team members swam back to the boats, their faces pale with fear. They climbed aboard, their hands shaking as they started the engines.

Dawn watched as the mermaids approached, their eyes glinting in the moonlight. She could hear their singing, the sweet, seductive melody that had lured so many to their deaths.

We need to keep them away, she said, her voice low and urgent.

The team members nodded, their eyes locked on the approaching mermaids. They started the speakers, the jarring music cutting through the water. The mermaids screamed, their song becoming more and more frantic.

But it wasn't enough. The mermaids were too strong, too determined. They swam towards the boats, their eyes fixed on their prey.

Dawn felt a sense of dread settle over her. They were going to die, she knew it. There was no way they could survive this.

And then she saw it. A glimmer of light in the water, something moving just below the surface. It was coming towards them, fast and relentless.

She screamed, pointing towards it. What is that?!

The team members turned, their eyes widening in horror. They could see it now, the massive shape beneath the water. It was a creature unlike any they had ever seen, its body sleek and powerful.

It's a sea monster, one of them whispered, his voice trembling.

Dawn felt her heart race as the creature approached. It was massive, at least ten times the size of the boats. And it was hungry.

The mermaids had stopped singing, their attention now focused on the sea monster. They swam towards it, their eyes filled with fear.

But it was too late. The sea monster was upon them, its jaws opening wide. It swallowed the mermaids whole, their screams echoing through the water.

Dawn watched in horror as the sea monster turned towards them. It was hungry, and they were its next meal.

Get the guns, she said, her voice low and urgent. We need to kill it.

The team members scrambled for the guns, their hands shaking as they loaded them. Dawn could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the sea monster approach.

Steady, she whispered. Wait for it.

The sea monster was massive, its body glistening in the moonlight. Its eyes were fixed on them, its jaws opening wide. And then it charged.

The team members fired, their shots ringing out through the water. But it was no use. The sea monster was too powerful, its skin too thick.

Dawn watched in horror as the creature slammed into the boat, sending it flying through the water. The team members screamed, their bodies tossed around like rag dolls.

We need to get out of here! Dawn shouted, struggling to hold on.

But it was too late. The sea monster was upon them, its jaws opening wide. Dawn felt a sense of resignation settle over her as she watched it approach.

And then she heard it. A sound, faint at first, but growing louder with each passing moment. It was a song, a haunting melody that sent shivers down her spine.

The team members fell silent, their eyes fixed on the water. They could see them now, the mermaids. They were singing, their voices sweet and seductive.

We have to fight it! Dawn shouted, her voice desperate.

But it was too late. The team members were under their spell, their minds clouded by the mermaids' song.

Dawn watched in horror as they jumped into the water, swimming towards the mermaids. She could see the creatures circling them, their hair shimmering in the moonlight.

NO! she screamed, but it was too late.

The mermaids attacked, their bodies slamming into the team members with deadly force. Dawn watched in horror as they tore at their flesh, their teeth sharp and deadly.

She could hear their screams, the sound echoing through the water. And then there was silence.

Dawn watched in horror as the mermaids swam towards her, their eyes fixed on their next victim. She could feel their song, the seductive melody that promised death.

But she was determined to survive. She fired her gun, the shots ringing out through the water. The mermaids screamed, their bodies twisting and turning in pain.

Dawn fired again and again, her hands steady despite her fear. She could see the fear in the mermaids' eyes, the realization that they were no match for her.

And then it was over. The mermaids were dead, their bodies floating lifelessly in the water.

Dawn swam towards the boat, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the fear in the remaining team members' eyes, the realization that they had come so close to death.

We need to leave, she said, her voice urgent. Now.

The team members nodded, their hands shaking as they started the engines. They sped away from the scene, their eyes fixed on the horizon.

Dawn watched in horror as the sea monster followed them, its massive body churning through the water. She could hear its roars, the sound echoing through the night.

We have to kill it, she said, her voice low and urgent.

The team members nodded, their eyes fixed on the sea monster. They grabbed their guns, their hands shaking with fear.

And then they fired. The shots rang out through the water, hitting the sea monster's thick hide. But it was no use. The creature was too powerful, too strong.

Dawn watched in horror as the sea monster slammed into the boat, sending it flying through the water. She could hear the team members' screams, the sound sending shivers down her spine.

Dawn struggled to stay afloat in the water, her body battered and bruised from the sea monster's attack. She could feel the salt water burning her wounds, making it hard for her to breathe.

She looked around, her eyes scanning the water for any sign of the team members. They were gone, swallowed up by the sea monster.

Dawn felt a wave of despair wash over her. She was alone, adrift in the open ocean with a deadly creature hunting her.

She could hear the sea monster's roars, the sound echoing through the water. It was getting closer, its massive body churning through the waves.

Dawn knew she had to act fast. She looked around, searching for anything she could use to defend herself.

And then she saw it. A spear, floating in the water nearby.

Dawn swam towards it, her heart pounding in her chest. She grabbed it, her hands shaking as she pointed it towards the sea monster.

The creature was upon her, its jaws opening wide. Dawn held her breath, waiting for the right moment.

And then she struck. The spear hit its mark, sinking deep into the sea monster's flesh. The creature screamed, its body thrashing in pain.

Dawn took the opportunity to swim away, her muscles aching from the effort. She could hear the sea monster's roars growing fainter as she put distance between them.

She swam for what felt like hours, her body growing weaker with each passing moment. And then she saw it, a small island in the distance.

Dawn felt a surge of hope, pushing herself to swim faster towards the shore. As she drew closer, she could see that the island was covered in thick jungle.

She stumbled onto the shore, her body collapsing in exhaustion. She lay there for a moment, trying to catch her breath.

And then she heard it. A sound, faint at first, but growing louder with each passing moment. It was a song, a haunting melody that sent shivers down her spine.

Dawn knew it was the mermaids, their siren's song calling out to her.

She tried to ignore it, her mind clouded with fear and exhaustion. But the song was relentless, pulling at her like a magnet.

Dawn stumbled to her feet, her eyes fixed on the water. She could see them now, the mermaids. They were swimming towards the shore, their bodies shimmering in the moonlight.

Dawn knew she had to resist their song, but it was so tempting. She could feel her mind slipping, her willpower fading.

And then she saw their true faces. The mermaids were not beautiful creatures, but monstrous abominations. Their teeth were sharp and jagged, their eyes dark and soulless.

Dawn felt a surge of fear, her instincts taking over. She grabbed a fallen branch, holding it like a weapon.

The mermaids were upon her, their bodies slamming into hers with deadly force. Dawn swung the branch, hitting them with all her strength.

The mermaids screamed, their bodies twisting and turning in pain. Dawn hit them again and again, her hands shaking with the effort.

And then it was over. The mermaids lay lifeless on the shore, their siren's song silenced forever.

Dawn collapsed onto the sand, her body shaking with exhaustion. She knew she couldn't stay there, not with the sea monster still out there.

She forced herself to stand, stumbling into the jungle. She could hear the sea monster's roars in the distance, the sound growing louder with each passing moment.

Dawn pushed her way through the thick jungle, her heart racing with fear. She could hear the sea monster getting closer, its roars echoing through the trees.

She stumbled over roots and branches, her body battered and bruised from the sea monster's attack. But she knew she had to keep going, had to find a way off this island before it was too late.

As she pushed her way deeper into the jungle, she began to hear another sound, a soft whispering that seemed to be coming from all around her.

At first, she thought it was just the wind rustling through the leaves. But as the whispers grew louder, she realized that it was something else entirely.

She stopped, listening closely to the sound. It was like a thousand voices, all whispering at once. And beneath the whispers, she could hear the faint strains of a haunting melody.

Dawn's heart sank. She knew what it was. The siren's song.

She tried to push on, but the song was getting louder, more insistent. It was like a physical force, pulling at her, begging her to come closer.

Dawn knew she had to resist. She had heard stories of the siren's song before, knew that it lured sailors to their deaths.

But the song was so beautiful, so hypnotic. She found herself drawn towards it, her feet moving of their own accord.

As she stumbled through the jungle, the song grew louder and louder. And then, suddenly, it stopped.

Dawn looked around, confused. The jungle was silent now, the only sound the pounding of her heart.

And then she heard it. A soft, feminine voice, whispering in her ear.

Hello, dear.

Dawn spun around, but there was no one there.

Who's there? she called out, her voice shaking.

There was no answer. Just the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves.

Dawn took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. It was just her imagination, she told herself. She was tired and scared, and her mind was playing tricks on her.

And then she heard the voice again, this time closer.

I've been waiting for you.

Dawn whirled around, her eyes scanning the jungle. And then she saw her. A figure, half-hidden in the shadows.

It was a woman, with long, flowing hair and a pale, beautiful face. She was wearing a dress made of seaweed and shells, and her eyes seemed to glow in the dim light.

Dawn felt a chill run down her spine. She knew what the woman was. A mermaid.

The mermaid smiled at her, her lips curling into a seductive curve.

Come with me, she said. I'll keep you safe from the sea monster.

Dawn shook her head. She knew what the mermaid was trying to do, knew that she was just trying to lure her to her death.

I can't, she said. I have to keep moving. I have to find a way off this island.

The mermaid's smile faded, replaced by a look of anger.

You're making a mistake, she said. You can't outrun the sea monster. You need my help.

Dawn backed away, her eyes fixed on the mermaid. She knew she had to get away, had to find a way to escape.

And then she heard it. A low, rumbling growl, coming from the direction of the sea.

The sea monster was getting closer.

Dawn turned and ran, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear the mermaid's voice behind her, calling out to her, but she didn't stop.

Dawn ran through the jungle, her feet pounding against the ground. She could hear the sea monster's roars getting louder, could feel its breath on the back of her neck.

And then she saw it. A clearing up ahead, with a small rowboat bobbing in the water.

Dawn sprinted towards the boat, her heart racing with hope. She could feel the sea monster's hot breath on her back, could hear its claws tearing at the trees.

She reached the boat and pushed it into the water, jumping inside just as the sea monster burst into the clearing.

Dawn grabbed the oars and started rowing, her muscles burning with effort. She could feel the sea monster's claws scraping against the side of the boat, could hear its enraged roars echoing across the water.

And then she heard something else. A soft, haunting melody, coming from the water.

Dawn froze, her eyes fixed on the dark water. She knew what it was. The siren's song.

She tried to row away, but the song was getting louder, more insistent. It was like a physical force, pulling at her, begging her to come closer.

And then she saw them. Dozens of mermaids, their long hair flowing in the water, their eyes glowing in the darkness.

They were singing the siren's song, their voices blending together in a haunting harmony.

Dawn felt a chill run down her spine. She knew what was happening. The mermaids were trying to lure her to her death.

But the song was so beautiful, so hypnotic. She found herself drawn towards it, her body swaying to the rhythm.

And then she saw the sea monster. It was swimming towards her, its jaws open wide, ready to devour her.

Dawn shook her head, trying to clear her mind. She knew what she had to do.

She grabbed the oars and started rowing with all her might, her muscles burning with effort.

The mermaids' song grew louder and more insistent, but Dawn ignored it. She focused on the boat, on the water, on the shore.

And then she felt a sharp pain in her arm. She looked down and saw a mermaid's hand, its sharp claws sinking into her flesh.

Dawn screamed and tried to pull away, but the mermaid's grip was too strong. She felt her strength leaving her, felt her consciousness slipping away.

And then she heard a voice. A deep, masculine voice, cutting through the siren's song.

Dawn, come back to me. Come back to the real world.

Dawn's eyes snapped open. She was lying in a hospital bed, her body covered in bandages.

She looked up and saw a man sitting beside her bed, his eyes filled with concern.

Who... who are you? she asked.

The man smiled. "I'm Dr. Smith.