Foreword: Book covers are a great source of inspiration for a short story or anecdote. Simply browse the internet, find a book cover image that stimulates your curiosity, and begin writing. This is a creative writing piece based off the “False Dawn” book cover (above). Enjoy!
An engine revved in the distance.
Eriq couldn’t see in the ink-black night, but he recognized the sounds of the notorious Serbian motorbike that could only belong to the Demon Host. Darting into his carapace of a home held together by old floorboards, Eriq hid in the corner. He prayed.
Eriq’s village was long abandoned: its inhabitants had been massacred three years ago. Since then, the sun had never risen. Black clouds plagued the sky, while soot and ash took the place of rain and snow. The endless night made sight nearly impossible. In the distance, a perpetual scarlet burned ceaselessly.
Gone were the days of light and peace; only a bloodred blackness remained.
It was rumoured that Wolfgang had an uncanny sense of smell. His eyes, fiery like the false dawn, glowed with power. Ripped gloves left his pointed claws exposed. A black leather jacket was draped over his shoulders, matching the leather of his Serbian motorbike. Painted on his face was a smear of blood and the smile of the devil. He was merciless. He was a hunter.
Eriq had never thought Wolfgang would return. But the sounds of the motorbike were unmistakably clear. The Demon Host was approaching.
Abruptly, the sound of the engine switched off. Eriq shrunk deeper into his corner, not knowing whether Wolfgang had left, or if he had been discovered. His heart pulsed relentlessly, and his breathing shallowed. After all he’d been through, he would not give away his whereabouts because of the sounds of his ragged breathing. Eriq swore not to make a sound, terrified to the core.
Little did Eriq know that he would never make another sound.