Nightmares Edge: NIGHTMARE'S EDGE, #1

By Carson Kelly

Nightmare's Edge is a thrilling slasher novel that follows a group of teenagers who are forced to confront their deepest fears as they face off against a sadistic killer.

Set in the small town of Millfield, the novel introduces a cast of diverse characters, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. As the story unfolds, tensions rise and alliances are tested as the group struggles to stay alive and uncover the truth behind the killer's motives.

 

The novel is filled with intense action and heart-stopping horror elements, taking readers on a wild ride of twists and turns as they navigate the dark and dangerous world of Nightmare's Edge.

 

Written with expert precision and a deep understanding of the slasher genre, Nightmare's Edge is a must-read for horror fans and anyone who loves a good thrill ride. With its gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and shocking twists and turns, this novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carson Kelly Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Oct 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223992479

Book preview

OFFICIAL KEYART FOR CARSON KELLY PUBLISHING'S AND CARSON KELLY'S NIGHTMARES EDGE

OFFICIAL KEYART FOR CARSON KELLY PUBLISHING'S AND CARSON KELLY'S NIGHTMARES EDGE ARTWORK DESIGNED BY CARSON J KELLY

WELCOME TO NIGHTMARE'S EDGE

NIGHTMARES EDGE

CARSON KELLY

CARSON KELLY PUBLISHING, LLC

Copyright © 2023 CARSON KELLY PUBLISHING, LLC

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 9798853391840

ISBN-10: 9798853391840

Cover design by: Carson Kelly Publishing, LLC

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

WELCOME TO NIGHTMARE'S EDGE

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Harvest Begins

Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Chapter 3: Whispers in the Dark

Chapter 4: Uncovering the Truth

Chapter 5: Unraveling the Mystery

Chapter 6: The Aftermath

Chapter 7: Shadows of the Past

Chapter 8: The Aftermath

Chapter 9: The Final Showdown

Chapter 10: Into the Abyss

Chapter 11: Unleashed Terror

Chapter 12: Harvest Crawling

Chapter 13: Crimson Reckoning

Epilogue

THE NIGHT SHALL FALL AGAIN

NIGHTMARES EDGE WILL RETURN

About The Author

Praise For Author

Books By This Author

THE END

Introduction

Step into a world where nightmares come alive, darkness lurks around every corner, and the edge between reality and terror is blurred. Welcome to Nightmare's Edge, a gripping and spine-chilling slasher novel series crafted by author Carson Kelly.

In this haunting tale, prepare to embark on a journey that will test your courage and challenge your perceptions. As the shadows deepen and the secrets unravel, you'll be drawn into a web of suspense where ancient evils clash with unsuspecting heroes.

Explore our captivating characters' twisted minds and haunted pasts as they confront their deepest fears and navigate through a relentless onslaught of horror. Brace yourself for heart-pounding encounters, gut-wrenching betrayals, and unexpected alliances that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Nightmare's Edge is more than just a series; it's an immersive experience that will seep into your dreams and leave you longing for more. Unravel the mysteries, confront the evil forces, and uncover the truth behind the chilling tales that await you.

Are you ready to peer into the abyss of terror? Then step forward, for Nightmare's Edge, where darkness awaits those brave enough to embrace it.

Prologue

In the small town of Millfield, strange occurrences had been happening for years. People would disappear without a trace, and no one knew what happened to them. The town had a dark history, and the locals whispered of an evil presence that lurked in the shadows.

Over time, the whispers turned into screams as more and more people fell victim to the terror that haunted the town. It seemed that no one was safe, and the once peaceful community became a place of fear and death.

But one group of friends refused to let the darkness consume them. They banded together to uncover the truth behind the horrors that plagued their town, and they fought back against the evil that threatened to destroy them all.

This is their story.

Chapter 1: The Harvest Begins

The sun had just begun to set over the mountains as Olivia stepped off the bus and onto the dusty road that led into Millwood. She took a deep breath of the cool autumn air, taking in the scent of pine and earth that permeated the small town. Her grandparents' cabin was just a few miles away, and she was eager to settle in and start her weekend of relaxation.

As she made her way down the road, she noticed a few other people heading in the same direction. There was Kyle, the star quarterback of the high school football team, walking hand in hand with his girlfriend, Kelly, the head cheerleader. Olivia had known them both since they were kids and greeted them with a smile.

Hey, guys! What brings you out to the middle of nowhere? she asked.

Kyle grinned. We're on our way to the Harvest Festival. It's a big deal around here. You should come with us.

Olivia hesitated. She had heard about the festival but wasn't sure if she was in the mood for crowds and noise. Still, she didn't want to be a party pooper.

Sure, why not? Lead the way, she said.

The trio continued down the road, passing by the few businesses that made up the town. There was a general store, a diner, and a small hotel, but not much else. Olivia couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as she walked past the familiar sights. She spent many summers here as a child, exploring the woods and swimming in the lake. It felt good to be back.

As they approached the festival grounds, they could hear the sound of music and laughter echoing through the trees. The air was filled with the scent of cooking food and burning wood. The festival was held every year to celebrate the end of the harvest season, and the entire town came out to join in the festivities.

Olivia and her friends made their way through the crowds, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. There were games and rides for the kids, booths selling handmade crafts and souvenirs, and plenty of food and drink to go around. As the night wore on, the crowd grew larger and more rowdy.

That's when they heard the screams.

At first, Olivia thought it was just someone having fun on one of the rides. But then she saw the panicked looks on people's faces and the rush of bodies heading in the opposite direction.

We need to get out of here, Kyle said, grabbing Olivia's arm.

They ran as fast as they could, dodging people and obstacles in their path. Olivia could hear the sound of footsteps behind them, getting closer and closer. She dared a glance over her shoulder and saw a figure looming in the shadows.

Olivia heard the stories growing up, about the unstoppable killer who had terrorized Harmony Falls for decades. She had thought it was just a myth, a boogeyman to scare kids at night. But there he was, real and deadly.

They made it to the edge of town, but there was no escape. The road was blocked by a fallen tree, and there was nowhere to hide. Olivia could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

Run! she screamed to her friends, as she turned to face the killer.

She knew she didn't stand a chance against him, but she wasn't going to go down without a fight. She reached into her backpack and pulled out a small canister of pepper spray, aiming it at the face. To Olivia's surprise, the pepper spray seemed to have no effect on. He continued to advance. Olivia's mind raced as she looked around for anything she could use as a weapon. She spotted a nearby wooden post and made a run for it.

Olivia ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the deadly blade. She picked up the post and swung it at the  creature, hitting him square in the chest. He stumbled back, but quickly regained his footing.

Olivia knew she had to keep moving. She darted around trying to keep him off balance. She spotted a nearby shed and made a run for it, hoping to find something inside that could help her.

Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the area, throwing Olivia to the ground. She looked up to see a group of armed men emerging from the woods. They were dressed in military gear, carrying weapons that looked like they belonged in a warzone.

Get down! one of them yelled, motioning for Olivia to take cover. seemed unfazed by the bullets, continuing to advance towards her and the soldiers.

Olivia watched in horror as the two killers fought their way through the soldiers, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. She knew she had to get out of there before it was too late.

She opened her eyes to see a figure dressed in black, standing between her and the creature. It was a woman, wielding two swords with deadly precision. Olivia watched in amazement as the woman fought off Michael, delivering a fatal blow to his chest.

The woman turned to face Jason, ready to take him on as well. Olivia watched in awe as the two engaged in a fierce battle, swords clashing and sparks flying. In the end, the woman emerged victorious, plunging her swords into Jason's chest.

Olivia collapsed to the ground, exhausted and traumatized by the events of the night. As she looked around at the destruction and carnage, she knew that her peaceful weekend getaway had turned into a nightmare. And she had a feeling that it was only the beginning. The woman approached Olivia, extending a hand to help her up. Olivia hesitated for a moment, unsure if she could trust this stranger, but she was too shaken to think straight. She took the woman's hand and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet.

Who are you? Olivia asked, her voice shaking.

The woman didn't answer. Instead, she sheathed her swords and turned to walk away.

Wait, please! Olivia called after her. I need your help. I don't know what's going on here.

The woman stopped and turned back to face her. What's your name? she asked.

Olivia, she replied.

The woman nodded. My name is Sarah. And you're right, Olivia. You have no idea what's going on here.

She gestured to the destruction around them. This is just the beginning. The monsters have come to this town, and they won't stop until they've killed everyone.

Olivia's head was spinning. Monsters? What monsters?

Sarah's face darkened. The ones that should have stayed buried. The ones that no one thought could come back. But they have, Olivia. And it's up to us to stop them.

Olivia didn't know what to say. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Monsters? Resurrected killers from horror movies? It sounded like something out of a bad dream.

But as she looked into Sarah's eyes, she saw a steely determination that convinced her that this was all too real. She knew that she had to trust this woman if she wanted to survive.

What can I do? Olivia asked.

Sarah gave her a small smile. We'll figure that out together. But right now, we need to get out of here. It's not safe.

They made their way back to Olivia's car, avoiding the bodies and debris scattered throughout the town. As they drove away, Olivia couldn't help but feel like she was leaving a part of herself behind. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew that she couldn't go back to her old life.

As they drove into the night, Sarah began to explain what was really going on. She told Olivia about the organization she worked for, a secret group dedicated to fighting supernatural threats. They had been tracking the resurgence of the monsters for months, and had finally pinpointed their location in this small town.

We need your help, Olivia, Sarah said. You're not just a victim anymore. You're part of something bigger. Something that can make a difference.

Olivia listened to Sarah's words, feeling a sense of purpose for the first time in her life. She knew that she couldn't turn her back on this fight, no matter how terrifying it might be.

I'll help, she said, her voice firm.

Sarah nodded, a small smile on her lips. Good. Welcome to the team, Olivia. We're going to need all the help we can get. The rest of the drive was silent, the only sounds coming from the radio static and the occasional sigh from Sarah. Olivia didn't know what to say, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just entered a whole new world. A world where monsters were real, and there were people willing to fight them.

When they arrived at their destination, Olivia was surprised to find that it was an old abandoned mansion. Sarah led her through the overgrown gardens and up to the front door, which creaked open at her touch.

Inside, the mansion was dark and musty, the air thick with the scent of decay. Olivia shuddered as she followed Sarah through the winding corridors and up the stairs to a small room at the top of the house.

This will be your room, Sarah said, gesturing to the single bed and small dresser in the corner.

Olivia looked around the room, feeling a sense of unease settling in her stomach. She was miles away from home, in a creepy old mansion with a woman she barely knew, all because of monsters that she didn't even believe existed until a few hours ago.

But as she turned to face Sarah, she saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. A determination to fight back against the darkness that threatened to consume them.

We'll get through this, Sarah said, as if reading her thoughts. Together.

Olivia nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie with this woman she barely knew. They were in this together, and she knew that she could count on Sarah to guide her through the darkness.

The rest of the night was spent in training. Sarah showed Olivia how to fight with a sword, how to track monsters, and how to use her surroundings to her advantage. Olivia was a quick learner, her fear giving way to a fierce determination to protect herself and those around her.

As the night wore on, Olivia found herself thinking about her old life. Her boring job, her unsatisfying relationship, her small apartment in the city. It all seemed so insignificant now, in the face of the danger she was facing.

But as she lay in her bed that night, listening to the creaks and groans of the old mansion around her, she knew that she wouldn't go back to that life. She had found a new purpose, a new family, and a new reason to keep fighting.

The monsters might be out there, but Olivia was ready to face them head-on. The next morning, Olivia woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. She got dressed quickly, eager to start another day of training with Sarah. She found her in the mansion's kitchen, brewing a pot of coffee.

Morning, Sarah said, smiling at Olivia. Sleep well?

Olivia nodded, feeling more rested than she had in a long time. She took a seat at the kitchen table, eager to start their training.

But before they could begin, Sarah pulled out a thick, leather-bound book from a nearby shelf.

This is the journal of the previous hunter who lived in this mansion, Sarah explained. It's full of information about the monsters we'll be facing and how to defeat them. You'll need to read it, cover to cover.

Olivia took the book, feeling its weight in her hands. She opened it to the first page and began to read.

The more she read, the more she realized how little she knew about the world she was now a part of. There were creatures she had never heard of before, each with their own weaknesses and strengths. But the more she learned, the more she felt prepared for what was to come.

Days turned into weeks, and Olivia's training continued. She grew stronger, faster, and more confident with each passing day. She and Sarah grew closer, sharing stories of their past and laughing together in between training sessions.

But as they grew stronger, so did the monsters. Olivia encountered her first one in a nearby forest, a werewolf that had been terrorizing a nearby village. With Sarah's guidance, she was able to defeat it, but the experience left her shaken.

She realized that the monsters weren't just stories in a book, but real creatures with the power to kill. And they were growing bolder, more daring in their attacks.

As the months passed, Olivia became more and more ingrained in the world of monster hunting. She began to see it as her duty to