The Devil's Talons

By Tammy L Brown

In the heartland of Iowa, where fields of golden corn sway in the breeze, a sinister force lurks within the towering wind turbines. "The Devil's Talons" is a gripping horror novel that plunges readers into a nightmarish world where the wind carries a deadly secret.

Meet Miranda, a tenacious widow grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of her husband, who fell victim to a relentless lung cancer. Left alone to care for her 13-year-old daughter, Sarah, Miranda's life is forever changed as the shadows of despair close in around her. Little do they know that their journey has just begun.

As ominous winds sweep across the plains, Miranda and Sarah embark on a perilous cross-country odyssey. Along the way, they cross paths with a disparate group of strangers who unveil a horrifying truth: the wind turbines, once a symbol of hope, have become conduits for an ancient and malevolent evil, determined to eradicate humanity through insidious diseases like cancer.

In "The Devil's Talons," Miranda and Sarah must summon their inner strength and determination as they confront an age-old malevolence. With the support of their newfound companions, they find themselves thrust into an epic battle of good vs evil. Will they unveil the dark secret in time to save humanity from a chilling fate, or will they fall prey to the malevolent wind's sinister grasp?

Prepare to be entranced by this spine-chilling horror novel that weaves a tale of resilience, familial bonds, and the relentless fight against an unspeakable terror. "The Devil's Talons" will keep you awake at night, questioning the whispers in the wind and with the buzzing emanating from the talon-like blades.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tammy L Brown
• Release date: Oct 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223693291

Book preview

Tammy L Brown

Copyright © 2023 Tammy L Brown

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner.

without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 9798861152532

For Dad...

In memory's embrace, I hold you near,

My handsome father, forever dear.

Though you're gone, you still shine so bright,

I miss you every day and night.

In every page, in every word I've penned,

I hope your spirit finds the message I send.

For in this book, a tribute to you,

I aim to make you proud in all that I do.

INTRODUCTION

They drove along the lonely two-lane highway, Mother   and daughter, the desolate landscape offering no distraction or enjoyment as the late afternoon sun blazed through the windshield and beat against their faces.

The temperature in the old Toyota had been steadily rising for hours.

The wide-open spaces were filled with an eerie stillness, broken only by the faint humming of the behemoth wind turbines that lined the roadsides. Their twisted white metal blades slowly turned like giant metallic fingers, rasping against the internal machinery, as they spun in the wind, almost like they were reaching out for someone, creating a low, menacing background noise. A distinct contrast to the lush green Iowa farmland with its rows upon rows of towering corn stalks.

The car windows were rolled down, yet the tiny sliver of wind that made its way inside was hot and humid, making their feelings of desperation seem even more palpable than the air around them.

Miranda was filled with a sense of dread and anticipation as she took in the eerie atmosphere outside; an oppressive presence that made them feel like they were being watched by unseen eyes.

The sunlight filtered through the dust-covered windows, its warm touch heating the air trapped inside. The holes and cracks in the dashboard were covered by bits of paper and scraps of cloth. The old car was never cleaned out, but no one had ridden in it since Matthew's death. His things—work papers, inspection lists for the wind farms and bank statements—were still there, tucked into the cracks between seats and shoved into the side door pocket panels. One could almost imagine him opening the car door at any moment with a sheepish grin of apology, looking at his clutter like he was seeing it for the first time.

When Matthew was first diagnosed, she had tried to remain optimistic, but the fear and desolation had broken her spirit somewhere along the way. Now she was just going through the motions. One foot in front of the other, day to day. Their daughter, once a vibrant and outgoing little girl, was now transformed into a withdrawn and sullen thirteen-year-old, sitting in the back seat of her dead father's car, her head bowed in defeat. They had tried to stay optimistic when they ventured out on this drive, but the miles had worn their resolve away town by town and state by state until they were both completely exhausted.

The Toyota slowly wound its way along the highway. As they drove, the eerie humming of the wind turbines grew louder, more oppressive, and the high-pitched ringing they created seemed to pierce right through their skin. It seemed to be getting louder, as if warning them that something terrible was waiting for them just around the bend.

Sarah's breathing was labored and erratic, a clear sign of the growing panic and anxiety that filled her chest. Miranda could see the sweat beads trickling down her forehead, and she knew that Sarah was about to break down at any moment. Miranda knew that she had to keep her wits about her, but her mind was clouded with the memories of the past.

Out of nowhere the car jerked to a halt, sending them both flying forward. Miranda hit her head against the steering wheel, causing a sharp pain to course through her body. She rubbed her forehead, trying to clear the fog from her mind. Outside, the turbines had stopped spinning, and the eerie silence was more unnerving than the noise they had made before.

What happened? Sarah cried, her voice trembling with fear.

Miranda looked around, trying to gauge their situation. She saw a figure standing in the distance, its outline blurred by the setting sun in the western sky. It was too far away to make out any details, but Miranda could sense that whoever it was, they had been watching them.

We need to get out of here, Miranda said, her voice barely louder than a whisper. Now.

She turned the key in the ignition, but nothing happened. She tried again, but the engine wouldn't start. Panic surged through her veins, and she quickly realized that they were stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way out.

Sarah was on the verge of a full-blown panic attack, her eyes wide with terror. What are we going to do?

Miranda took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew that she had to think fast for Sarah's sake. She remembered a motel just a few miles back, and she thought that they could make it on foot.

Grab whatever you can carry, Miranda said, gesturing to the backseat. We need to get to that motel. We'll be safe there and I could use the rest anyways.

They scrambled out of the car, grabbing their bags and anything else they could and started walking at a brisk pace back in the direction from which they had just come. Miranda kept stealing a nervous glance over her shoulder when she thought Sarah wouldn't notice but their mysterious observer didn't seem to be any closer, it appeared he was content to just watch. A chill went down her spine as the high-pitched ringing continued. The more she walked the harder it was to tell if the noise was coming from inside or outside her head.

Get a grip Miranda she told herself and laughed a nervous little laugh.

Chapter 1

Miranda

Miranda Thompson stood in front of the mirror, her emerald, green eyes reflecting a powerful resolve as she applied a thin layer of mascara. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, giving her a regal air even as she fought to put on a brave face. With a deep breath, she pushed away the weight of her emotions and focused on getting ready for the day.

Morning, mom came Sarah's voice from the doorway, her short, curly brown hair tousled from sleep.

Good morning, sweetheart Miranda replied with a soft smile, her heart warming at the sight of her daughter.

As she continued her preparations, Miranda couldn't help but think of her husband, Matt, and the way he used to tease her about her morning routine. She remembered his sandy blonde hair and those sparkling blue eyes that could light up a room. His laughter would resonate through their home, filling it with warmth and love. That was before the cancer. Before he started feeling sick all the time.

Miranda recalled the countless moments of shared laughter and support between her and Matt. She thought about how he would hold her close after a long day, whispering words of encouragement and strength. They had been each other's rock, and now she had to be strong for all of them.

Hey, mom Sarah said hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper, I just wanted to say... I’m scared too, but we'll get through this together, okay?

Okay Miranda nodded, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace. We'll get through this together.

Miranda's heart swelled with love for her family, knowing that they would need to rely on each other now more than ever. In the reflection of the mirror, she caught a glimpse of a photo of Matt, his arms wrapped lovingly around her and Sarah. He may not be as physically strong as he once was, but his strength of presence was still felt in their lives, and together, they would find the strength to face the challenges ahead.

Miranda stood at the kitchen counter, her fingers deftly chopping onions for tonight's dinner. The sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on her face, and highlighting her deep green eyes. Despite the heaviness she felt inside her chest, Miranda was determined to put on a brave face for her daughter, Sarah. She knew that it was important for them to keep living their lives despite the pain they were all feeling.

Morning, sweetheart, Miranda said with a forced smile as Sarah shuffled into the kitchen, still wearing her pajamas. How'd you sleep?

Like a log, Sarah replied groggily. You know me, I could sleep through anything.

It was a morning just like this morning not more than a few months ago that had begun a day that completely upended their lives. Everything stayed the same, yet it was all so different at the same time.

It was later that day when they found themselves in the sterile doctor's office, the ticking clock on the wall acting as an ominous countdown. The air felt heavy and cold, despite the sun streaming in from the window.

Mr. Thompson, the doctor began, her voice somber. "I don't know how to say this gently,