Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition

The ruined train hissed as it settled into silence, the last traces of its ghoulish energy dissipating into the cold air. Beyond the obsidian gates, an ancient fortress of decay loomed beneath the swollen moon.

Draven tightened his grip on his shotgun. "I'm guessing that's where we don't want to go."

Mira exhaled, steadying herself. "And yet, we have no choice."

The Rotting King stood at the threshold, his skeletal frame wrapped in a decayed cloak, the air around him thick with the scent of old death. His hollow eyes fixed on Mira.

"The Book has chosen you," his voice slithered through the wind. "But do you truly understand its price?"

Elias stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. "She understands enough. Question is, do you?" He uncorked his flask, the scent of blessed whiskey burning the air.

The Rotting King let out a low, rumbling laugh. The gates creaked open.

Beyond them, shambling corpses stirred, some with bones gleaming through rotted flesh, others bound in chains of blackened iron. They moved in eerie unison, their heads snapping toward the survivors with dead, hungry stares.

Zara drew her knives. "Yeah, I don't like this."

The ground trembled. A towering beast emerged from the shadows—a monstrous flesh golem, its stitched-together body pulsing with dark magic. A grotesque ribcage gaped open, revealing a vortex of wailing souls.

The Rotting King raised a decayed hand. "Enter willingly, and you may yet leave whole."

Mira glanced at the Cursed Book, its pages still damp with her blood. She knew that whatever lay beyond that gate was more than just another nightmare. It was a test.

The Hollow Man was waiting.

She turned to the others. "We go together. No matter what."

Draven pumped his shotgun. "Then let's finish this."

The survivors stepped forward. The Hollow Gates groaned shut behind them.