Rose

By Mubita Joseph Mubita

Four college students set out for a holiday getaway at an unsuspecting hotel. Little do they know, their initial encounter with the establishment is far from ordinary.

As the students find themselves inexplicably vanishing, the sinister presence of Rose, an enraged witch, looms over a nearby village where two of them seek refuge. Rose's malevolent actions cast a shadow of terror, leaving the remaining friends in a race against time to unravel the mystery.

In a desperate bid to halt Rose's haunting spree, the group discovers that the key lies in performing a sacred ritual with a mysterious music box. As the suspense tightens and the mystical forces intensify, they must navigate the thin line between the seen and the unseen to save themselves and the village from the clutches of an ancient and vengeful power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fictitious Collections
• Release date: Feb 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223507512

Mubita Joseph Mubita

Meet Mubita Joseph Mubita, an open-minded wordsmith with a passion for reading and writing. From the days of grade school, a longing to create stories has blossomed into a collection of tales that have found their home on various platforms. With each word, Mubita Joseph Mubita weaves worlds that captivate and inspire, inviting readers into realms shaped by creativity and a love for storytelling. Join the journey through imagination as Mubita Joseph Mubita continues to explore the boundless possibilities of the written word.

Book preview

Prologue

The villagers stood transfixed, their eyes fixed on the raging inferno consuming the house. The scorching heat penetrated their skin, leaving searing burns as a painful reminder of the unfolding disaster. A heavy silence settled over the crowd as they witnessed the gradual collapse of the house, it crumbled to the ground producing thunderous thuds.

As if summoned by the chaos, a ferocious wind swept in from the east, its force knocking down towering trees in its path. Flickers of lightning illuminated the darkened sky, followed by an ominous rumble of thunder that sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers.

In the midst of the chaos, a figure emerged from the engulfed flames. Clad in a bloodstained white dress, the woman soared through the air, her face obscured by a cascade of long, silky hair. A collective wave of terror gripped the villagers as they bore witness to the impossible. Horrified cries erupted from their throats, as they scattered in all directions, desperate to find refuge from the menacing apparition.

Meanwhile, Harriet, undeterred by the unfolding nightmare, withdrew a music box from her pocket and sank to the ground, assuming a meditative posture. With deliberate intent, she ignited seven candles and arranged them in a horizontal line before her.

Closing her eyes, Harriet delved deep into a trance, seeking solace within her inner sanctum. However, her concentration was disrupted by a haunting, monotonous laughter that seemed to echo through her soul. She recoiled, snapping back to reality, only to find her candles extinguished, leaving her in darkness. The devastating sight of people perishing before her eyes evoked a profound sense of guilt that coursed through her body like a poisonous current.

Harriet rose to her feet, her resolve firm. Without looking back, she raced into the depths of the forest, leaving the defenseless villagers in the clutches of Rose, their impending fate sealed by her malevolent presence.

Chapter I: Embarrassment

It was a balmy summer evening, and a gentle breeze rustled the small plants and tall trees, swaying them softly.

The windows of the classroom stood wide open, allowing fresh air to sweep inside, filling the room. It marked the final day of college, and the students eagerly awaited their release from the monotonous lecture of Professor Martin.

The majority of the students yawned silently, unable to keep up with Pr. Martin's lecture. They rested their heads on the desks, showing signs of weariness. Meanwhile, a few attentive students remained engrossed in his words.

Well, Pr. Martin concluded, we have reached the end of this lecture and the term. Don't forget to study the topics I assigned as they will be important for your upcoming final exam, which is just around the corner. He paused for a moment, scanning the room. Did I make myself clear, or shall I repeat what I just said?

The students enthusiastically yelled, No! signalling their desire for him to stop.

Alright then, off you go, said Pr. Martin.

With excitement, the students departed from the classroom, spilling into the hallway where their fellow classmates eagerly congregated. A sense of elation filled the air as they sang, drummed, and chanted various slogans of liberation. It felt as if they were breaking free from the confines of a prison, for, in the eyes of students, school often seemed like one.

George strolled down the hallway, intentionally jingling his car keys to catch the attention of two stunning young ladies engaged in animated conversation ahead of him.

The two girls leaned casually against a wall, one adorned in a vibrant red dress while the other wore a black trouser paired with a white shirt. Their hushed conversation remained exclusive.

George, though aware that he was in his final year of college while the girls were likely in their second year, presumed that they already had boyfriends. Ignoring their apparent disinterest, he approached the girl in the red dress, determined to seize the opportunity before anyone else did.

Despite the girls' evident indifference, George approached them. He introduced himself with a touch of confidence, Hello there, ladies. I'm George. I couldn't help but notice you from a distance. May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?

The girl in the red dress replied in an arrogant tone, We neither asked for your name, nor are we interested in divulging ours.

George felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. However, undeterred by his embarrassment, he resorted to a previously used lie that had worked on other girls in the past.

It seems that you ladies fail to recognize greatness when you see it, he began, attempting to captivate their attention. Did you know that I'm a key player on the college soccer team? Although I play sporadically, the team reserves me for the significant matches.

He extended his hand, subtly displaying the car keys, and continued, As you can see, this is one of my car keys. I own two cars back home. This one is my preferred choice due to its low maintenance costs and fuel efficiency. If you're not busy, perhaps we could go out for dinner. What do you say?

The arrogant girl exchanged a glance with her companion, forcing a strained smile. George convinced that his lie had won them over, had no clue that his humiliation was just beginning.

The girl glanced back at George and remarked, That's interesting. So, what do you really want?

To take you out... he quickly replied.

Alright then, she paused and called out loudly, Hey, everyone!

Instantly, students halted in their tracks, forming a crowd around George and the two girls.

Among the crowd that stopped at the arrogant girl's command were George's friends: Emily, Lucy, and Thomas. The hallway became congested, making it nearly impossible to navigate without bumping into someone.

In hushed whispers, Lucy asked Emily, What trouble has George gotten himself into this time?

Emily replied in a low voice, I warned him to cease this behaviour of his. But he's too stubborn. He has no inkling of what Alison is capable of...

Alison, the arrogant girl, made an announcement that caught everyone's attention. It appears that this gentleman, she emphasized, gesturing towards George, desires to take me, Alison Walker, out for dinner.

Laughter erupted from the students who were acquainted with Alison. It was akin to witnessing a comedy show for them.

Alison locked her gaze onto George and inquired, So, your name is George, as you mentioned earlier?

Yes, George confirmed.

She continued, her tone laced with derision, Well, darling, I have no qualms about your name. However, I do take issue with your attire, your mode of transportation, and your fabricated persona.

George's forehead wrinkled, reflecting his growing unease.

Alison continued her critique, unrelenting. Just take a look at yourself, darling. Your beard is rather unappealing, and that hairstyle doesn't flatter you at all. Your muscles resemble a grilled carrot. And those blue jeans you're wearing seem more suited for cleaning cars in a junkyard. Speaking of cars, you mentioned having three of them... Impressive, but the dilapidated vehicle you're currently using can't hold a candle to my gardener's car. Moreover, my grandfather possesses a far superior vehicle compared to yours.

She paused briefly before delivering the final blow, And as for your claims about the college soccer team... Did you really think I wouldn't find out? My uncle happens to be the head coach of the team, and my boyfriend serves as its captain. I have access to all the team line-ups before any match, and unfortunately, your name doesn't even appear among those warming the bench. So, next time you decide to lie, at least choose something within your league.

The students erupted into laughter as George, engulfed in embarrassment, turned away and walked off. He maneuverer through the crowd, his ears assaulted by the grating sound of mocking laughter. The embarrassment was so overwhelming that he wished he could vanish into thin air.

Thomas Bettencourt, Lucy Summers, and Emily Mwemba rushed to rescue George from the humiliating situation. They pulled him away and hurriedly ushered him into the college library. Even after shutting the doors behind them, the reverberating laughter from the hallway persisted. It was a profoundly embarrassing moment for George.

Suddenly, a voice behind them questioned, Why are you fleeing from the very drama you created?

Startled, they froze in fear, as they hadn't anticipated finding anyone else inside the library. Slowly, they turned around to see who had addressed them.

Chapter II: Holiday Plans

As they made a complete rotation, their eyes fell upon a figure seated in a chair, surrounded by stacks of books on both sides. An open book lay before her.

Lucy sighed. If it isn’t Kimberly Williams, what are you doing here?

Kimberly, without looking up from her book, replied, "I was engrossed in a work