Beneath the Moonlit Sacrifice

By Evelyn Darkwood

"Beneath the Moonlit Sacrifice"

immerses readers in the enigmatic village of Eldritch Hollow, where ancient secrets and a malevolent cult threaten the fabric of reality. Alex, drawn to the village by tales of the unexplained, quickly finds themselves at the heart of a sinister plot. Under the blood moon, a dark ritual looms, aiming to breach the veil between worlds. With the help of Martha, an innkeeper touched by loss, and John, a villager marked by the cult's past atrocities, Alex leads a desperate fight to save Eldritch Hollow. This gripping tale weaves together elements of dark fantasy and supernatural thriller, exploring themes of courage, unity, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. As the community stands on the brink of annihilation or salvation, "Beneath the Moonlit Sacrifice" is a testament to the power of resilience and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unspeakable evil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Goldenleaf Press
• Release date: Mar 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224183135

Book preview

Beneath the Moonlit Sacrifice

Light Against Darkness: The Reclamation of Eldritch Hollow

Evelyn Darkwood

Copyright © 2024 by Evelyn Darkwood

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

Contents

1.The Unseen Path

2.Whispers in the Shadows

3.The Forbidden Woods

4.The Gathering Storm

5.Cloak of Darkness

6.Unveiled Truths

7.Allies in Shadow

8.The Blood Moon Rises

9.The Veil Tears

10.Dawn of a New Day

Chapter one

The Unseen Path

Alex's car rumbled along the neglected country road, the tires kicking up clouds of dust that hung in the air like specters. The GPS had long since given up, leaving Alex to navigate by an old map and the occasional, weather-beaten signpost. Eldritch Hollow wasn't marked on any modern maps; it was a place forgotten by time, mentioned only in obscure forums dedicated to the paranormal and the unexplained.

As the car crested a hill, the village came into view, a collection of dilapidated buildings nestled in a valley that seemed to swallow the last rays of the setting sun. Alex pulled over, their eyes scanning the horizon. The place exuded an aura of desolation, the silence broken only by the creaking of the car's cooling engine.

Looks like I've found it, Alex murmured to themselves, a mix of excitement and apprehension in their voice. They restarted the car and descended into the valley.

Pulling into what passed for the main street, Alex noted the lack of activity. The buildings, if they could still be called that, bore the scars of neglect: peeling paint, boarded-up windows, and roofs that seemed to sag under the weight of despair. At the end of the street stood an inn, The Weary Traveler as proclaimed by a sign that swung precariously in the gentle breeze.

Parking the car, Alex stepped out, the gravel crunching underfoot. They approached the inn, the door creaking ominously as they pushed it open. Inside, the air was stale, filled with the scent of old wood and something faintly metallic. A woman looked up from behind the counter, her gaze piercing under the dim light of a lone bulb.

Can I help you? she asked, her voice carrying a cautious curiosity.

Yes, I was hoping to find a room for a few nights, Alex replied, offering a smile that held a hint of nervousness.

The woman studied Alex for a moment longer before nodding. We have rooms. Not many visitors these days. What brings you to Eldritch Hollow?

I'm researching local legends, ghost stories, and such. This place has quite the history, from what I've read, Alex explained, their eyes wandering over the inn's interior, noting the layers of dust and the sense of time standing still.

The woman's expression shifted, a shadow passing over her features. You'll find plenty of stories here, but not all are eager to be told. Names Martha, by the way.

Alex. It's nice to meet you, Martha. I hope to learn as much as I can while I'm here.

Martha handed Alex a key, the metal cold and heavy. You're in room 4, upstairs. Dinner's at seven if you're interested. Not much, but it's hearty.

Thank you, Martha. I appreciate it. Alex took the key, their fingers brushing briefly.

As Alex made their way to the room, the floorboards groaned with each step, the sound echoing through the otherwise silent inn. The room was simple, a bed, a dresser, and a window that looked out over the village. The setting sun cast long shadows, and Alex felt the weight of the village's gaze as if the very buildings were watching.

Dinner was a quiet affair, Martha serving a stew that was indeed hearty, if not particularly flavorful. Alex tried to engage her in conversation, asking about the village and its people.

People here keep to themselves, Martha said, clearing away the dishes. They've had their fill of outsiders coming in, looking to stir up the past.

But there's so much history here, so many stories that are worth preserving, Alex protested gently.

"History is