Curse of the Blacknoc Witch

Samuel dreamed of being a lot of things, but a monster trapped in a forest realm never entered his mind. The Blacknoc Curse wasn't supposed to be true, only a children's story meant to persuade them away from evil. Yet, here he was tasked with hunting cursed kids. There's nothing left for Samuel except the horror surrounding him. Layla, a young girl tormented by the same curse, is dropped into the terrifying forest every night, running from the monsters intent on taking her life. She meets Samuel and vows to save all the children, especially Samuel, from their torment. Working together can they defeat the Blacknoc Curse?

I have no will to run this time, so I climb the nearest tree and wait. A strange-looking crow hops close to me and hisses, flashing sharp teeth. If that so-called bird was the first thing I saw on day one in the forest, I might have screamed. Instead, I break a stick off and swing it at the ugly bird. “Shoo!” It flaps out of the tree, squawks, and leaves me be. Good riddance. I suck in air and carefully release it, trying to transport my mind to a place of peace. The stars are so entrancing up here, they could almost make me forget the evil that lurks beneath. Unshed tears burn my eyes. Am I a hypocrite to call the monsters evil? Samuel’s words return like a hammer. It’s only when we’re punished for our actions that we don’t mean them.