Story Arc #1: The Castle of Shadows

The Hunt

A chapter of a ‘choose your own’ story.

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The monstrous panther takes a step closer and then another, drool dripping from its jaws. It looks quite like a snow leopard, but its fur is darker, and it is at least the size of a lion.

You have never seen anything like it in these mountains.

There is no way you can face or fight off that creature… and you don’t think you can run, either.

Surely it would be faster than you?

All the same, the doors to the houses are shut fast. The villagers are not coming to your aid — why would they?

If you are quick, perhaps the beast will focus on attacking the houses, and leave you alone…

Coming to a decision, you turn and begin to sprint away. First you run in between the two nearest houses in to the heart of the circular village. You then leap over some boxes and piles of bones left behind by the local villagers, then twist around and run hard to your right.

You are hoping that once you get to the outside of the village, you can skirt around the back of the area, then make your way across the field and back towards the mountain path.

But the creature is fast. You see a flash of a dark shape to your right, passing the backs of the houses, and realize that it has anticipated your movement. It is a hunter, and knows how its prey will behave.

You stop and hunker down beside one house, trying not to breathe too loudly, and peek around the nearest corner. Perhaps if you hide here, it will go away…

Moments later, you feel claws digging into your shoulders, and then its huge weight slams into your back. The struggle is brief, and as the monstrous panther lowers its jaws towards your throat, you know that this must be:

The End.

Or is it the end? You can zip right back to the previous chapter here.

And with this publication, you can always change the ending! Perhaps the protagonist was saved by the villagers at the last minute, or woke in the great cat’s lair and found a way to break free. It’s up to you. I’m stopping here, but this is a collaborative story, and you are welcome to write another chapter!!

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And for some inspiration for the next chapter of this story, check out my writing prompts below!