Salt Of The Earth

Written by:  Ryan Holmes

“You’ve been working hard,” Emma told her husband. “I wanted to surprise you!”

A dozen candles, competing with a full moon, surrounded a picnic basket sitting on pavers under the covered walk of her family’s lake cabin. “I didn’t think you had it in you,” he said.

“I’m a Wiccan. If I can’t conjure up some romance, I need another hobby,” she said, smiling seductively. “Come on, before it rains.”

“When’d you get so kinky?” he asked, imagination running rampant.

She held his hand as they walked down the drive, “I figure after four years dating and sixteen married, I can be a little naughty.”

“What’s with the salt?” Course crystals were poured around the basket.

“I learned a new trick from mom’s book. It’s part of the surprise.”

“Let’s eat,” suggested Greg, “Then we can play with those candles.” Moving for the basket, he said, “I’m starving.”

Barring him with her arm, Emma said, “Stay out of the circle,” then stepped in. Opening the basket, she withdrew a meowing animal.

“Is that the neighbor’s cat?”

“One of them.” Lightning flashed glinting off something in her hand. She struck the cat.

“Emma!” yelled Greg.

It started raining.

“Spell needs a sacrifice,” she explained, indifferently. “You won’t spray our house again.” She used the dripping blood to trace a pentagram, depositing the carcass in the center.

“I’ve lost my appetite.”

“You’ll be hungry for me in a minute,” said Emma, grabbing his groin. “I guarantee it.” Reciting a Latin incantation, a shadowy, snaking, creature rose up within the pentagram, feeding on the cat’s carcass. Finished, it looked outward. Only a red glow indicated the creature possessed eyes and a mouth.

“Holy . . .”

“Shut-up, Greg!” snapped Emma. “If you want more, Shadow Soul, I will possess the beauty of Helen of Troy.”

The creature sneered as Emma’s body firmed, skin smoothed, and features softened. Greg ignored the creature overtaken by lust, “Emma, you’re the sexiest women I’ve ever seen,” he said, groping her.

“Say that to my sister, you cheating bastard?” she asked, pointing. Legs protruded from the bushes. Shoving hard, she yelled, “Join her in hell!”

The beast set upon Greg as he fell into the circle, entering through his mouth, devouring him from the inside out. Emma watched, pleased. Something wet passed over her open toed heels. Looking down, she watched a stream of rain water wash away the salt line. She tried to scream but choked as the Shadow Soul filled her throat.