As Winona stumbled through the dense, dark forest, her heart raced in terror. The shadows seemed to dance and twist around her, whispering eerie secrets in her ear. She knew she was not alone in this nightmare world.

Suddenly, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the trees, causing her to freeze in fear. Winona looked around frantically, trying to locate the source of the sound. And then she saw him.

A figure emerged from the shadows, moving like a phantom through the darkness. Underneath his bloodstained cowboy hat his face was a grotesque combination of flesh and bone, half skull and half rotting flesh. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, a sickly green that sent shivers down her spine.

She tried to scream, but no sound would come out. Her body felt paralyzed, as if she were trapped in a nightmare from which there was no escape. The figure drew closer, his movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring the fear that emanated from her.

She tried to turn and run, but her legs felt like lead, weighed down by an unseen force. The figure reached out a skeletal hand towards her, his fingers ending in sharp, jagged claws. Winona could see the hunger in his eyes, the desire to consume her very soul.

As he drew closer, she could smell the stench of decay that clung to him, a sickly sweet scent that made her stomach churn. She closed her eyes tightly, hoping that this was all just a terrible dream, that she would wake up safe in her bed.

But when she opened her eyes, he was still there, looming over her like a nightmare come to life. Winona could feel his cold breath on her face, could hear the sound of his ragged, rasping breaths.

And then he spoke, his voice a harsh whisper that sent chills down her spine. "Dark depths, where terrors twine. Horrors lurking, bones entwine."

She tried to ask him what he wanted, but her voice came out as a mere whimper. She felt a sense of overwhelming dread wash over her, a feeling that this creature was not of this world, that he existed solely to torment and destroy.

He reached out a hand towards her, his fingers brushing against her cheek in a cold caress. She could feel the chill of his touch seeping into her very bones, a sensation that chilled her to the core.

And then, with a flash of movement, he plunged his claws into her chest, ripping through flesh and bone with a sickening crunch. She could feel the warmth of her own blood spilling out onto the forest floor, could hear the sound of her own screams echoing through the darkness.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Winona awoke with a start, her heart pounding like a war drum in her chest. She had been plagued by nightmares again, the horrors of her past haunting her sleep. As she sat up, There was a loud knocking on the door, interrupting her thoughts.

"Room service!" a familiar voice called out.

Winona took a deep breath to steady herself. "Come in Tabitha," she replied.

The door opened, and Tabitha stepped inside with a bright smile and carrying a breakfast tray filled with pancakes, eggs, and coffee. She placed it on the table before Winona. "Good morning, Miss McCray," Tabitha said with a warm smile. "I hope you slept well."

"It was...restful," Winona said, her voice still slightly shaky. "I brought you breakfast," Tabitha said. "I know you didn't have much time to eat last night."

"Thank you," Winona said. "That's very kind of you."

The two women sat down at the table and began to eat.

"So, what brings you to Horse Leg Creek this time?" Tabitha asked.

"Business," Winona replied vaguely. "I'm here to look into some...matters."

"I see," Tabitha said. "Horse Leg can be a bit of a rough place, especially with the miners getting sick."

"So I've heard," Winona said. "That's one of the reasons I'm here."

"Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Tabitha said. "I know a lot of people in this town."

"I appreciate that," Winona said. "Infact that's why I was going to look for you today." Winona couldn't help but feel drawn to Tabitha. She had a kind and gentle nature, despite the dangerous business she was involved in.

"Tabitha, I need to ask you something." She said with hesitation. "What is it?" Tabitha asked. "I need to get into the mine," Winona said. "I know it's dangerous, but I need to find out what's happening down there."

Tabitha frowned. "I don't recommend it," she said. "The mine is a dangerous place, especially now that the miners are getting sick."

"I know," Winona said, "but I have to do this. I need you to speak to some of your clients. See if you can pull some information from the miners"

Tabitha looked at her for a moment before smiling "for you, I can do better" she said. "I might be able to get the key from Colton. Im suppose to..visit him tonight. I'll see what I can do." Said finished with the same mischievous smile.

"Thank you," Winona said. "I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

"Don't worry about it," Tabitha said. "I owe you one for saving my life last year"

"Well, I'm not so sure I agree with your profession" Winona said, "but I appreciate your help."

"I understand," Tabitha said. "Not everyone agrees with what I do, but I'm just trying to survive."

"I believe you," Winona said. "And I'm grateful for your help."

"I'll meet you back here tomorrow morning," Tabitha said. "I'll have the key for you then."

"Thank you," Winona said again.

Tabitha nodded and left the room. Winona sat at the table for a long time, thinking about what the day ahead would bring. She knew it would be dangerous, but she was determined to find out the truth about the mine and the sick miners.As the sun began to rise, Winona made her way out of the hotel and into the bustling town of Horse Leg Creek She had a long day ahead of her, but she was ready for whatever it brought.