The Witching Hour

By Billy Van

Enter a world of dark magic and otherworldly beings in "The Witching Hour," a collection of spine-chilling short horror and fantasy stories. From haunted cemeteries to ancient covens, each tale takes place in the witching hour, where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Explore the dangers of summoning spirits, the consequences of joining a coven, and the chilling presence of black cats. With each story more terrifying than the last, "The Witching Hour" will keep you up all night, eagerly anticipating what lurks in the shadows.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Billy Van
• Release date: Oct 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312626102

Billy Van

Billy Van is an accomplished author and content creator, born on December 11, 1975, in Eldorado, IL. He is best known for his thrilling works of fiction, including “The Willies” and “Whispers in the Dark”. Aside from his successful career as a writer, Billy is a devoted father to his two children and is in a happy and fulfilling relationship. Despite facing adversity, Billy has overcome obstacles and continues to pursue his passions. In August of 2021, he was involved in a near-fatal car crash. However, through his determination and resilience, he made a full recovery and has continued to produce compelling content for his YouTube channel. Billy Van is an inspiring individual who has shown that with hard work and perseverance, one can achieve their goals, no matter the challenges they may face along the way.

Book preview

Billy Van

The Witching Hour

A Collection of Short Horror and Fantasy Stories

First published by artisanPruett 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Billy Van

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

First edition

ISBN: 978-1-312-62610-2

Editing by WriteWord

Cover art by Wicked Design

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

Bralen Wade

Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword

By Your Side

The Life of G.G. McKinney

The Meadow

The Sovereign King

Three Nooses

Willows Weep

The Black Cat

Broken Wings

The Cabin and the Enchanting Tome

Ravenwood

Ghost in the Machine: MindLink

Ghost in the Machine: Echo

Ghost in the Machine: Serenity

I’ll Always Be There

Lonewolf

Watching Over You

About the Author

Also by Billy Van

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my children and my life partner, who have been my unwavering source of encouragement and strength throughout the writing of this book. Your love and support have been the inspiration that has driven me to bring this project to fruition, and I am eternally grateful for your unwavering belief in me.

To my dear grandson Bralen Wade, who has just arrived into this world, I want you to know that you are the shining star in our lives. As you grow and discover the world, always remember that you have the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Never forget that kindness and compassion are the greatest gifts you can give to anyone. And if you ever feel lost or unsure of your path, remember that your family will always be here to support and guide you, just as you have supported and guided us with your arrival.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being the light in my life and for giving me the strength and inspiration to write this book. May we continue to inspire and support each other as we journey through life together.

With love and gratitude,

B.V.

Foreword

As a long-time fan of the works of Billy Van, it is my pleasure to introduce his latest offering to the world of horror and fantasy literature, The Witching Hour. Building upon the success of his previous works, The Willies, Whispers in the Dark, and Dark Horizons, Billy Van has crafted another haunting collection of short stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Throughout The Witching Hour, Billy Van explores the darker side of magic and witchcraft, weaving tales of terror that will send shivers down your spine. From the secrets of a coven to the malevolent intentions of black cats, each story in this collection is expertly crafted to keep readers in a state of fear and anticipation.

What sets Billy Van apart as a master of horror and fantasy is his ability to create vivid and immersive worlds that draw readers in and refuse to let go. With each story in The Witching Hour, you will find yourself transported to a realm of darkness and intrigue, where the supernatural is all too real and danger lurks around every corner.

If you are a fan of horror and fantasy, then The Witching Hour is not to be missed. I have no doubt that this collection will join the ranks of Billy Van’s previous works as a masterpiece of the genre, and will leave readers eagerly anticipating what chilling tales they will conjure up next. So settle in, turn down the lights, and prepare to be transported to a world of fear and wonder. The witching hour is upon us, and with it comes a collection of stories that will haunt your dreams for years to come.

Best regards,

Adonis

By Your Side

Sam had always considered himself a realist. He didn’t believe in ghosts, time travel, or anything that couldn’t be explained by science. But all that changed when Tess died. It was a beautiful summer day in Summerlawn, IL, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. Sam watched helplessly as Tess’s car flipped over and burst into flames. He couldn’t believe that the woman he loved was gone forever.

A few days later, while going through Tess’s things, Sam found a watch that she had left for him. It was a beautiful antique piece, but it wasn’t until he wound it up that he realized its true power. The watch could take him back in time.

Sam toyed with it for a few days. Realizing it could shift time within hours and days. He even went to the computer and researched time travel online. He found that by continuing to toy with the watch he’d create a bootstrap paradox. He didn’t want that.

He then continued his research and read about the butterfly effect—about how changing one thing in the past can alter the present and have a damaging effect on the future.

At first, Sam was skeptical, but he soon realized that he had nothing to lose. He set the watch for the day of Tess’s accident and hit the button.

As he arrived in the past, Sam quickly realized that he had gone too far back. He was in Summerlawn, but it looked completely different. It was a small, dusty town with a few wooden buildings and a dirt road. Sam looked around, bewildered, until he was approached by a man who introduced himself as Bob Martin—Tess’s grandfather.

Who are you? Sam asked, taken aback by the old man’s sudden appearance.

I’m Bob, Bob Martin, the old man replied, extending his hand. I’m assuming you’re Sam?

How did you know my name?

Tess told me about you. She travels back to see me from time to time. It seems like it’s been a spell since I’ve seen her kinda think of it, he said, rubbing his chin. She said you were the love of her life.

Sam felt a pang in his chest at the mention of Tess. He had loved her more than anything, and losing her had been the hardest thing he had ever faced.

She’s gone, ain’t she? the old man asked, seeming to sense Sam’s sadness. She was a remarkable woman. I’m sure I’m in Heaven with her right now. Or…later.

Sam nodded, not sure what to say.

The old man cleared his throat. I couldn’t help but notice that watch you’re wearing. It’s quite remarkable.

Sam looked down at the antique piece on his wrist. Yeah, Tess left it to me. I didn’t realize it had this kind of power.

The old man’s eyes widened. Power? What kind of power?

It can take me back in time.

The old man laughed. Yeah, just be careful with that thing. That’s what got Tess hooked.

I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. I’ve used it to come back here to try and save Tess.

The old man’s expression turned serious. You can’t save her. The past can’t be changed, my dear boy.

Well, I gotta try.

The old man shook his head. You can’t change the past. What’s done is done.

Sam felt a wave of frustration wash over him. Why couldn’t anyone understand that he had to try?

I have to try, he said, his voice low.

The old man studied him for a moment before speaking. If you’re going to try, you have to be careful. Time is a fragile thing, and meddling with it can have dire consequences.

I know, Sam said, his heart pounding.

Take the watch, but be warned. If you mess up, there’s no telling what might happen.

Sam nodded, taking the watch off his wrist and placing it in his pocket.

Good luck, the old man said, his eyes following Sam as he walked away.

Sam set the watch for the day of Tess’s accident and hit the button.

As he arrived in the past, he realized that he had gone too far back. He was in Summerlawn, but it looked completely different. It was a small, dusty town with a few wooden buildings and a dirt road. He looked around, bewildered, until he was approached by a young woman. It took Sam a moment to recognize her, but then he realized that it was Tess.

Tess? he said with disbelief in his voice.

Tess looked at him, confused. Do I know you?

Sam tried to compose himself. No, I’m sorry. I must have mistaken you for someone else.

Tess smiled politely and continued on her way. Sam watched her go, his mind racing. He had gone too far back, and now he had no idea how to get back to the day of the accident.

He wandered around Summerlawn, trying to figure out his next move. He eventually found himself outside of a small cabin on the outskirts of town. The door was open, and he could see an old man sitting inside.

Sam approached the cabin cautiously. Excuse me, sir?

The old man looked up. Yes?

I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m a bit lost. Do you know how I could get back to town?

The old man smiled. You’re not from around here, are you?

No, I’m not.

Well, you’re in luck. I’m a bit of an expert on this town’s history. Maybe I can help you out.

Sam’s ears perked up. Really? That would be great.

The old man motioned for Sam to come inside. I was just about to make some tea. Would you like a cup?

Sam nodded, grateful for the old man’s hospitality.

As the old man brewed the tea, Sam explained his situation.

I’m trying to get back to a specific day. The day of Tess’s accident.

The old man’s eyes widened. Tess? You mean Tessie Martin?

Sam nodded.

I remember that day well, the old man said, his voice distant. It was a tragedy. A true tragedy.

I know, Sam said, his voice heavy.

Then it struck Sam. How did he know about the accident if it hadn’t happened in his time?

The old man handed him a cup of tea. I’m sorry for your loss.

Thank you, Sam said, taking a sip of the tea, still trying to piece together the puzzle.

The old man looked at him thoughtfully. I might be able to help you, but it won’t be easy. You see, time is a tricky thing. It doesn’t like to be messed with.

I know, but I have to try.

The old man nodded. I understand. I’ll do what I can to help.

They spent the next few hours going over the details of Tess’s accident. Sam took notes, trying to remember everything the old man said.

As the sun began to set, Sam realized that it was time for him to go.

Thank you for your help, he said, standing up.

The old man stood up as well. Remember what I said. Time is fragile. Be careful.

Sam nodded, putting the watch back on his wrist. He set it for the day of Tess’s accident and hit the button.

As he arrived in the present, he could see that something was different. The world around him was a blur, and he couldn’t make out anything. He stumbled forward, trying to regain his balance.

When he finally stopped, he realized that he was standing in the middle of the road. He looked up and saw a car coming straight at him.

He tried to move, but his legs wouldn’t respond. He was frozen in place, watching as the car came closer and closer.

Just as he thought it was all over, he felt a hand grab him and pull him out of the way. He looked up to see Tess, alive and well.

Sam, are you okay? she asked, concern etched on her face.

Sam nodded, unable to speak.

Tess took his hand and let him to the side of the road. They sat down on the curb, and Tess looked at him expectantly.

Sam, what’s going on? Why were you standing in the middle of the road like that?

Sam took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. I was trying to save you. I went back in time with this watch, and I screwed everything up. I had to find a way to fix it.

Tess looked at him incredulously. What are you talking about?

Sam pulled the watch out of his pocket and showed it to her. This watch. It belonged to your grandfather. It allowed me to travel through time, but I went too far back, and everything got messed up.

Tess took the watch from him, examining it closely. I remember this. My grandfather used to wear it all the time. But how did it bring you here?

Sam explained everything to her, leaving nothing out. Tess listened intently, her eyes widening as he spoke.

I had no idea, she said, shaking her head. I can’t believe you went through all of that to save me.

Sam smiled wryly. I’d do anything for you, Tess.

They sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, Tess spoke up. So, what now?

Sam looked at her, uncertainty in his eyes. I don’t know. I fixed the paradox, but I don’t know what that means for me.

Tess took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. We’ll figure it out together.

Sam smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like everything was going to be okay.

As they walked back to town, hand in hand, Sam couldn’t help but think about everything that had happened. It had been a wild ride, but in the end, he had found his way back to Tess.

And that was all that mattered.

After they made it to town, a familiar face came tumbling out of a familiar car—the one that almost killed Sam, which initially killed Tess.

Oh, my! You kids okay? I could have killed you. My brakes locked up.

Sam looked at the man hard and realized it was the man from the past. The one that knew about the accident. He, too, wore the same watch.

The Life of G.G. McKinney

Prologue

The village of San Rafael in 19th century Spain was a place of peace and tranquility. But that peace was shattered when a mysterious stranger arrived in town. His name was Guadalupe González, and he was a man of strange and unsettling powers.

Some said that he was a Tlahuelpuchi, a creature of darkness and evil that fed on the blood of the living. Others believed that he was a healer, a man with the power to cure the sick and the afflicted.

But as time passed, it became clear that Guadalupe González was both of these things and more. He had a soft spot for children and often used his powers to heal them, but his appetite for blood was insatiable. Women went missing, leaving behind only rumors and whispers that he was the one responsible.

Despite the fear and suspicion that surrounded him, Guadalupe González remained an enigmatic figure, a man of great power and mystery. And when he died suddenly and without explanation, the secrets of his life and his strange abilities went with him to the grave.

This is the story of Guadalupe González, a man who lived and died in mystery, leaving behind a legacy of legends and rumors that would haunt the village of San Rafael for generations to come.

* * *

December 11, 1875

Dear ole Friend,

Blood is a flavored wine…a cocktail that quenches my thirst.

Today was another day of endless thirst. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve fed, but the hunger never seems to subside. Blood is a flavored wine to me, a cocktail that quenches my thirst. The taste is intoxicating, and with each drop, I feel a rush of power coursing through my veins. I’ve always known I was different, but now I understand why.

As I walked through the catacombs tonight, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. The echoes of my footsteps were the only sound in the empty space, except for the voices. The catacombs are where the voices live, the voices inside my head. They’re a constant reminder of who I am and what I’ve become. Sometimes they’re my only company, my only source of comfort.

The catacombs are where the voices live…the voices inside my head.

The voices urge me to embrace my true nature, to revel in the power I hold. But there’s a part of me that resists, a part of me that longs for the simple pleasures of life. I miss the sun on my skin, the taste of food, the feeling of warmth. But those things are no longer mine to enjoy.

As I return to my lair, I know the hunger will come again soon. The voices will whisper their encouragements, and I’ll give in once more. Blood is a flavored wine, a cocktail that quenches my thirst. And the catacombs are where I’ll continue to seek solace, surrounded by the voices that understand me like no one else can.

Until next time,

G.G. M.

* * *

The night was dark and chilly as the vampire made his way through the deserted streets of the city. He had been a creature of the night for decades now, and the thirst never seemed to subside. Blood was the only thing that could satisfy his hunger, and he had lost count of the number of times he had fed.

As he walked, he found himself drawn to the catacombs. It was a place of peace and solitude, where the echoes of his footsteps were the only sound he could hear. But he wasn’t alone, for the voices inside his head kept him company. They urged him to embrace his true nature, to revel in the power that he