DeMonica Writes Flash Fiction

Editor: Unkown.

Dear Reader,

I’ve been so absorbed in Dracula researcher mode that I kind of forgot to remind folks that I also write fiction. I’ve been quietly working my own Gothic horror novel in the background of the Dracula Read Along under the working title, Rocky Mountain Gothic.

It’s been months since I shared any of my work on fiction, so please enjoy this little midweek flash fiction treat. No matter what form her story will take, I know I’m not done writing about Kate Reed. Please enjoy!

The preface to Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula, was written by an unknown editor. We all assume the editor is one of the Crew of Light. What if we were wrong?

June 21, 1897
London, England
Editor: Unknown 
Part one

The first time I see this final version of the book with my own eyes is at St. Pancras Station. Bright June sunlight filters through the magnificent ironwork trusses that crisscross the ceiling and seem to suspend the book in a spotlight. The sight alone is enough to send a jolt of cold adrenaline coursing through my veins, though it shouldn’t have been unexpected. My pulse races as I take in the sight of the bright yellow cover and bold red text. Well, it isn’t subtle.

Bram Stoker performed his role admirably and with all of the expected efficiency, but subtly was never part of the plan. I walk towards the book which rests, innocent as a lamb, as if pulled by some magnetism I should resist. Nobody thinks the book’s real, not after Kyllman had his way with the preface, but Kyllman wasn’t there.

After all, wasn’t it Cicero who said: “What I have described should be considered rather as the dreams of crazy persons, than as the judgments of philosophers?” When all of this started, we didn’t know that once the Count’s coffin was opened, and its bloody contents all spilled out, there’s really no putting it back in again. That story’s more than two thousand years old, I can’t believe I didn’t see it. I should have seen it!

I abandon Bram Stoker’s book in a stack of its fellows, and make my way to the platform. We did everything we could to bring an end to this evil, and much was lost in the process. Now we must wait. I pray it’s enough.

The End

Thanks for being here, Dear Reader. Thank you for caring about me and the words that trickle out of my brain. Until Friday, stay spooky.