Terrifying Love

By Helle Gade, Victoria Larque and Boris Bacic

Come on a journey filled with witches, ghosts, hunters, and more. Our authors will thrill you, chill and keep you on the edge of your seat while keeping you reading well into the night. 

Meet an artist who brings her creations to life, c

• Language: English
• Publisher: Butterdragons Publishing
• Release date: Feb 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9789493229983

Book preview

Featuring poems by Helle Gade and stories by Victoria Larque,

Boris Bacic, Ada Rossi,

Elizabeth G. Ellis, Annelie Janssen,

and Cassandra Lyle

Title: Terrifying Love - A Halloween Anthology, 2nd Ed

Series: BDP Anthologies

Authors: Helle Gade, Victoria Larque, Boris Bacic, Ada Rossy, Elizabeth G. Ellis, Cassandra Lyle, and Annelie Janssen

Copyright © 2022 Butterdragons® Publishing

All Rights Reserved

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This includes, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise.

Published by Butterdragons® Publishing

https://butterdragons.com

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ISBN: 9789493229983 (ebook)

ISBN: 9789493229990 (paperback)

ISBN: 9789493287006 (audio book)

Cover Design by: Dazed Designs

Audio book narrated by MJ Webb featuring Joshua Schubart

About Helle Gade

Helle Gade lives in Denmark with her little diva dog. She is a book blogger, poet, photographer, nocturnal creature, avid reader and chocolate addict. She has been writing poetry since 2011 and published four poetry collections since then. She has been fortunate to work with a bunch of brilliant authors and photographers on The Mind's Eye series. Her book Nocturnal Embers won the Best Poetry Collection with eFestival of Words.

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Other BDP books by Helle Gade

Beautiful Tragedy - A Halloween Anthology, 2nd Ed

How To Tame A Wild Tempest

Poesi - A Collection of Poems Volume One

The Fighter

Spirit

Urban Rose

THE LIGHTHOUSE

by Elizabeth G. Ellis

I loved her and lost her

Desperation turned into a curse

I will search for her

Until I finally find her

Because she is mine

I want her body and soul

I will chase her

Through time and space

The Lighthouse shines

On the rocky shores

Where she shares her life

With another man

She doesn't understand

Fighting me at every turn

But she is mine

And I will possess her again

Eradicating the obstacles

Standing between us

Will I succeed?

Or will she finally destroy me?

By Helle Gade

Chapter One

My name is Sara, and I am from a small town in New England. My dad passed away when I was little, and my mom raised me alone. At first, I was so sad and so scared of losing my mom as well, that I started having strange dreams. More like nightmares of someone taking my mother by force and throwing her over the edge of a cliff. When I told my mom, she reassured me that they would pass with time.

I was one of those curious kids who loved to explore, and my mother had a fascination with lighthouses. She loved to talk about them, and I loved to listen. I soaked up every single word she said and that’s how my fascination with the lighthouses was born. Yes, we had these little lighthouses all over the house and she used to take me to see lighthouses every time we went on holiday or to visit family and friends. It helped with my dreams as well, the more lighthouses I saw, the less dreams I had.

Some of the lighthouses were larger-than-life and I was in awe of them, their sheer size standing against the violence of the waves. I had tried to convince my mom that we needed to move towards the coast. That living so far inland was what her parents wanted, but it didn’t have to be our way of life. I even tried to be so dramatic to tell her how I longed to hear the waves crash against the shoreline.

So, of course, when I heard about our favorite lighthouse becoming available for sale, I simply had to buy it even though I had never set a foot inside, only peeped through the windows. It was the first property I decided to buy with the money my dad left me when he passed away.

I looked at some others before but for some reason none of those places ever felt like home. So, I never felt like making that step would be the right thing to do. Until now. I contacted the number on the listing and made an offer. I was so excited I had to call mom, who was equally excited and started planning on how she would help me decorate. I had to calm her down, I hadn’t even gotten it yet.

When I first heard that the Lighthouse had been empty for a while, I was a little surprised as it was still in use to protect the ships that passed by this section of the coast. The state was helping with the maintenance still, but they wanted the convenience and security that a person who actually lived there would give. They said it was always good to have a back-up in case of emergencies.

Of course, the Lighthouse was incredibly old, but it was well kept, and now it was all up to date in technology. So, I wasn’t worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the duties there and still have my career. In fact, I was convinced that the atmosphere in and around the Lighthouse would be great to inspire my writing. I wasn’t pretending when I tried to convince my mom to move, I have always loved the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, the smell of the salt in the air. I could not imagine being happy living anywhere but the coast.

With the prospect of living in this very Lighthouse, something I would have never expected possible, my happiness might have surpassed my wildest dreams. I had to stop writing the book I was in the process of writing, and start another book inspired by the Lighthouse as I could not get it out of my mind. So, when the phone rang and it was from the same number I had called few days ago, I was quick to answer. Poor man may have acquired a hearing loss after my screams of excitement upon hearing I had gotten the Lighthouse. It took him a few minutes to recover to tell me I needed to come and meet with someone from the County to discuss the responsibilities I would have as far as the actual tenant of the Lighthouse. I agreed happily. I told him to tell the people at the County Courthouse that I would be there the following Friday. He hung up and I screamed again, I was finally going to get out of this apartment and spend the rest of my life listening to the waves crash against the shore.

Chapter Two

The most important Friday of my life finally came, as it seemed like the week just dragged on forever, but it was finally here, and I was walking toward the office of the person I needed to talk to. I tapped on the unassuming door.

A deep voice answered, Come in, and I took a deep breath before I turned the doorknob.

Please take a seat, I will be with you in a moment, came from the man with his head down, going through a stack of papers.

I took a seat in the low-back leather chair in front of his desk. The leather squeaked as I sat down, breaking the silence of the room. I sat quietly for a few minutes, but it didn’t seem that the man was going to get his papers finished anytime soon. So, I cleared my throat. He didn’t even lift his head or acknowledged me in any way. My eyes grew big, This man is so rude, I thought to myself. I did not feel like waiting any longer, so I spoke up.

Maybe I should come back at a later time, when you aren’t so busy? I said, using the tone I learned from my mother so well, the one that signaled I was in trouble.

No, no, my desk always seems to be like this, he said, signing his name before lifting his head. I was taken aback with how handsome he was.

A surprised look appeared on his face, and he cleared his throat before he spoke again. I am sorry, Miss. I didn’t mean to leave you waiting for so long. I am trying to get some paperwork done before the person who bought the Lighthouse comes in.

Is the paperwork finished then? I wouldn’t want to slow your work down, I said with a slight flicker of amusement.

Yes, it is. So, what can I do for you, Miss? he asked politely, trying to make up for letting me wait.

I looked at the name plate sitting on the desk in front of me, before I spoke.

Yes, Mr. Richards, I am here to sign those very papers. I have driven a long way, so I am sorry if I am a little early, I was so excited about the purchase, I said, sounding more apologetic than I meant, as my mom always said to smile and kill them with kindness.

Oh, you are Sara Collins! he exclaimed. You are right on time. I am sorry for running late. Please call me Mark, he stated with a brilliant smile.

I returned the smile and accepted his outstretched hand. Pleasant conversation passed between us as he laid out the responsibilities for both, me and the County. The county would clean, paint, and repair the building. They would also maintain all mechanical equipment. My duties would be to learn the history of the Lighthouse so that I could be a sort of a tour guide to curious strangers. I was also responsible for keeping the logbook with weather readings and any other activities that occurred there. My actual living space was my responsibility to maintain and make sure it remained well kept. I agreed and signed the paperwork.

Now that all the paperwork is done, we could go to the Lighthouse and I can answer any question you may have about your purchase, Mark said smiling.

I’m sure I looked like a kid with a big smile, almost jumping in my chair with the excitement. I looked up to see his face full of amusement, and to be honest, his face captivated me. His bright smile illuminated his beautiful face, showing he was equally excited and took great pride in the Lighthouse.

He was a handsome man, with light-brown, curly hair, and one could tell he made an effort in trying to control the mass of it, but there was a stubborn strand that kept falling across his forehead. He had beautiful honey-colored eyes that sparkled when he laughed. Oh, and that laugh, beautiful and loud like a thunder across the coast.

He cocked his head to the side, stopping me from admiring his manly beauty. I smiled and blushed, realizing I forgot to reply and quickly said, I think that would be a great idea.

We agreed it would be best to travel in one car to save time and gas. He offered to be the one to drive, so we climbed into his car and I was glad, it gave me a chance to look at the area that I will soon call my home. Was I sad to leave my current place? No, for some strange reason it never felt like home, but just a place where I currently resided. I did not feel a connection with it. The more we moved through this little coastal town, the more I felt the sense of belonging. I felt like I finally came home.

I turned to look at Mark and asked, How long have you lived here?

My whole life. In fact, my family has lived here for generations and taken care of the Lighthouse. So, I guess you could say, we are connected, Mark said.

So, you will be the one that I might see around there? You are the one that maintains it? I asked, kind of looking forward to hearing him saying yes.

Yes, I stayed there while it was empty, keeping the logs and such. But now my father or myself will only come several times a week to do regular maintenance checks. It is our job to do so, and also a family tradition. But don’t worry, we will not disturb you unless absolutely necessary. You should rarely see either of us, he said apologetically, glancing in my direction. I hope that doesn’t make you uncomfortable. It was mentioned in the listing and I assumed you knew.

No, it doesn’t make me uncomfortable, not at all. I feel surprisingly comfortable with you and I have no doubt I will feel the same about your father. I said because, for some reason, I did feel like I could trust him, and added, But to be honest, I was so excited about the Lighthouse, I did not read the entire listing. I know, not the smartest thing to do, but I think it all turned out pretty well, don’t you?

It was strange, that I felt so comfortable and trusting with a man I just met. But it felt like I had known him my whole life.

*******

The drive to the little peninsula was amazing, with the waves crashing on the rocks below. It was a high tide, so the waves were raging, the sounds were bold and full of energy. It made me feel so alive. I stepped out of the car and stood there just looking, soaking it all in. I was just in awe at the thought that this was now my home, I will always be hearing and feeling this overwhelming power. I heard Mark clearing his throat and turned to look at him. He had that big smile on his face again.

It is a powerful feeling isn’t it, Miss Collins, or may I call you Sara? he asked looking at me then turning to look at the crashing waves.

Of course, you may call me Sara. It is only fair if you expect me to call you Mark, I said glancing back in his direction.

Would you like to go into the house now? he asked as he gestured with his hand toward the house.

I nodded and turned to follow him. He slid the key into the lock and swung the door wide open. I took a step in. It was as though all the air was sucked out from my body. I was visibly shaken, crazy, I know, but... I couldn’t explain it.

Mark reached and grabbed my arm before asking, Are you okay, Sara? Do you need to sit down?

I leaned into him, comforted by his presence. I sat down in a nearby chair. I looked around the place that seemed as if it was out of time. Everything looked as though nothing had changed over the years, even the furniture.

I looked at Mark, and you could see the worry on his face. He seemed like a sweet man and I didn’t want to worry him, so I came up with a plausible excuse.

I haven’t eaten today. I didn’t want to be late for our appointment and I was late leaving, so I skipped breakfast. I think that is my problem, I reassured him.

Well, we must fix that. Would you like to go have some lunch? I know a great place that has amazing crab rolls, he said with a broad grin.

That sounds like a great idea. Not only am I famished, it has been a long time since I have eaten a crab roll, I said reaching for his hand.

After he locked up the place, he handed me the key. It felt strangely cold in the palm of my hand, so I tucked it in my jeans pocket. When we were leaving, I thought I saw a shadow moving in the rocks down below the lighthouse. But then, as quick as I saw it, it was gone. I shook it off as just the light playing off the stones.

Chapter Three

I was a little surprised when he pulled up to a food truck with tables scattered around. I got out and found us a good seat while he ordered our food and drinks. When he returned, he placed two rolls and a bottle of water in front of me. I studied him as he hungrily ate his food. Although he seemed like a man that worked pushing papers, I knew he was in charge of maintaining the Lighthouse, and his hands showed signs that he wasn’t afraid to pick up more than just a pen. He looked at me and I quickly picked up my roll and took a big bite. I moaned at the taste that invaded my senses, it was fabulous. He grinned and took another bite. We didn’t talk much until we were finished eating. I didn’t think that I could eat all of it, but I fooled myself, the food was just amazing. I wiped my mouth and started rubbing my stomach.

Was it good, did you enjoy your crab rolls? he teased.

I looked at him and he let out a boisterous laugh, and what a wonderful laugh it was. I had to laugh as well. I could only imagine what I looked like rubbing my stomach.

Do you always eat like this? I teased back.

Oh, heck no, I couldn’t fit in my jeans if I did this every day. This is a special occasion. We have been waiting a long time for someone to buy the Lighthouse. It has been empty for years. The county would put a for-sale sign on it, and if there were no potential buyers after a short time, they would take it off the market. So yeah, it has been vacant for a while now, he informed me.

Exactly how long has it been empty? I asked raising an eyebrow.

You will be surprised when I tell you this, it has been empty for almost forty years, he said. And when he saw my eyes grow large, he continued. Don’t get me wrong, there have been others wanting to buy it, but, as you saw, there is a thirty-day period that either of the parties can pull out of the deal. You see, we don’t want anyone that doesn’t truly love the Lighthouse to take it. I mean, we had some even say they couldn’t deal with the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks all the time.

I rolled my eyes at that statement. I could not believe anyone would use that excuse or really feel that way.

What about the previous tenants? I asked. Are there historical records of the Lighthouse and people who lived in it from the time it was built? I could not stop myself from asking, my curiosity was getting the better of me.

There are records in the County Archives. I can take you there sometime if you’d like to read them for yourself, he responded, piquing my curiosity further.

I was just about to ask another question when he reached out for my hand.

Are you feeling better now, do you feel like going back to the office to pick up your car? he asked with a smile. I could take a longer route and show you more of the town on the way.

I nodded my head and soon, we were off again. True to his word, he took a longer route and I got to enjoy more of the wonderful scenery.

As we drove back into town, I noticed how everything looked well preserved but old, the buildings, even the signs, had the look of being there for a century, at least.

Mark, why does this place look like it hasn’t changed in centuries? How old is this town? I asked, wishing I paid more attention to the towns around the other lighthouses I visited with my mother.

He cleared his throat and explained, Sara, you will notice that most of the business have been owned and run by the same family for generations. Most of the buildings have been here for more than a century, as so have the families. I guess, this is a town that you can never really say goodbye to, or at least not for long.

We pulled up to the courthouse and climbed out of his car. Regardless of the short moment of dread I felt in the Lighthouse, I was so excited to start moving in that I brushed it off. The lighthouse was finally mine. I was both relieved and excited to start living in my new home.

As Mark walked me to my car, I reflected on the beautiful coastal town and what he had told me. I unlocked the door and turned to thank him, but he spoke first.

Sara, thank you for giving our lighthouse a chance. I do hope you choose to stay, I would really enjoy having you around, he said as he took my hand to say goodbye.

I am sure I will love it here. I have always loved that lighthouse and the town seems lovely and filled with history. I must admit I was shocked when you said the Lighthouse had been empty for so long. You don’t have to worry about it being empty any longer. And I am looking forward to reading more about its history. I will see you soon. I thanked him for lunch and drove away feeling elated with my new beginning.

Chapter Four

During the ride to my apartment that day, I called my mom, and when she answered, I told her all about the events of the day. Seemed as though I wasn’t the only one that was surprised the old lighthouse had been empty for so long. But now it was my lighthouse, and it wasn’t going to be lonely anymore.

My mom helped me pack all of my belongings from the apartment I have been renting. It didn’t take long, and I didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad. I had lived there for over eight years and the few boxes were all I had to show for that time. Hell, even the furniture wasn’t mine. We loaded the boxes, and my mom kissed me on the cheek. She promised to come over the following weekend to explore the town and enjoy the Lighthouse, my new home, with me.

I turned to her, I didn’t know what made me run back, but I pulled her into an embrace.

Mom, always know that I love you, I said as a tear slowly slid down my cheek.

Oh, Sara, baby, I have always known that. Don’t worry, I will be there next weekend, and I will be there so much you will be ready to run me off, she said jokingly. I knew she was trying to lighten my mood. She was always good at that. But I could not understand why I felt so somber.

I climbed into my car and drove off to my new life. I had so many conflicting emotions running through me, happiness for my new beginning, sadness, for leaving things behind, pure excitement, and so many more. But strangely, there was a small underlying feeling that crept up within me, dread. Why was I feeling this way, I was doing something I had wanted to do all my life? This was my dream. I was sure this feeling would fade as soon as I got settled in my new home.

Chapter Five

When I approached the edge of the town, with its old houses, and its cobblestone streets, I had to gaze at the beauty of this whole place. Time had not deteriorated it, but made it even more charming. As I moved toward the downtown area, I decided to pull into a parking place and explore what was now to be my new hometown.

I parked my car in front of a grocery store that was supposed to have the best deli in the back. The building was aged perfectly, the wood was weathered but not decayed. The scroll work of the lettering on the front window was beautiful. As I pressed my palm to the cool brass plate on the door, I felt as though I was getting ready to step back in time. I pushed the door and took my first step inside this wonderful place.

There were shelves of goods and staples that every household needed lined up perfectly on shelves. You could smell the wonderful aroma of roasted meats all the way to the front door. When I made my way to the back, there were four people behind the counter and a couple of customers at a small eating area with a couple of tables, enjoying their sandwiches. I sat down at one of the tables when I heard my stomach growl.

A weathered old gentleman walked over to me and asked, "May I help you, young lady?

I would love a corned beef sandwich and a bottle of water, I said and watched his face light up.

That is our specialty, we make the best corned beef in the whole area. I will have it for you in a jiffy, he replied and turned toward the kitchen area.

I took that time to walk around the store. There were jars of condiments and sauces on the shelves. I looked up and there were old anchors hanging on the walls, nets, even an incredibly old boat wheel. This place had the perfect ambiance.

I turned my head when I heard someone clear their throat behind me. It was the old man holding what had to be the biggest sandwich I had ever seen. His pride was evident from his grin, he knew this was a fact.

Wow, that looks amazing! I am not sure I can finish this sandwich in one sitting but if you can pack the rest for me to take, I will finish it at home, I said as I walked back to my table and sat down with this prize sandwich in front of me.

We have that covered. So where are you coming from? I don’t believe I have seen you around here, the old man enquired, leaning on a lower counter.

I am new here, I’ve just bought the Lighthouse, and I am moving in today, I stated proudly and heard someone take a sharp intake of breath and a sound of something heavy dropping on the floor.

I turned and saw a young woman with a complete look of horror on her face and the pan she was carrying on the floor. I turned back to the old man, who was now giving the girl a scowl. He straightened his back and pointed to the back of the store. The girl picked up the pan, which was fortunately empty and scurried back toward the door in the back.

Did I say something wrong? I understand the Lighthouse has been empty for a while, but trust me, I am here to stay, I spoke with conviction.

No, you didn’t say anything wrong, sometimes Ann is just a little jumpy. She will be fine. Well, welcome to our little town, you are a welcome site. I look forward to seeing you around this sleepy little town, he said gently.

I turned to see Ann walking into a room in the back of the store. The old man excused himself and walked toward the room, as well. But before I finished my sandwich, the old man and the girl returned to the front. I cocked my head to the side in confusion, and took a deep breath, I could see the dried tears on Ann’s face. Turning back to my sandwich, I took one more bite and put down the rest. I could not possibly eat all of it at once. I looked