Hi people this is my entry for the BNZ literary competition please tell me what you think.
Prey
By Siabhaon Emmerson-Goodwin
Landing with a soft thud Claire winced expecting Rufus to bark waking her sleeping grandmother. Letting out a sigh of relief that Rufus was still asleep Claire continued on her way.
For three days now every night another person disappeared, all of them had vanished without a trace, leaving no record of their existence behind apart from one drop of blood on the statue in the museum, the statue of “The Beast”
The statue had arrived in town nine days ago and Claire was sure it was the cause of the disappearances, for everyone who had been taken was inside the museum at night.
Suddenly tensing Claire turned expecting to see a police officer or worse, her grandmother. Looking up and down the street the only thing Claire could see was a small hedgehog looking up at her a few paces away. Turning around she realised she was nearly at the museum. Claire tried desperately to remember all she could about “The Beast”. He is the guard of the Underworld, loyal companion to Hades, has three heads, and he eats human flesh.
Suddenly having the odd thought that this wasn’t a good idea Claire turned on her heel only to see the strange little hedgehog staring up at her with something in it’s eyes almost begging her to keep going. For some unexplained reason she did, Claire turned, walked up the steps and was about to climb in a window when the door opened. Peering inside the darkness started to suck her in, a black hole to unknown terrors.
Once inside the dark musty smell washed over her like a wave, gone was the normal vanilla smell of the museum; replacing it was the smell of death. Hearing the door slam shut behind her Claire knew she was trapped.
Gingerly taking a step forward Claire slowly made her way to the exhibit. After going through the Romans, and the Egyptians she finally found the Greek God Hall, Hades was at the very back, she knew that from her previous visits but this time she had a strange feeling she wouldn’t be coming back again.
After what seemed like hours Claire stumbled up to the exhibit trying to find the statue, Claire frowned, she knew exactly where the statue was, and it wasn’t on the pillar. Hearing a low growl from behind her Claire suddenly tried to hug the floor. Not ducking fast enough Claire received a long cut on her arm from which sprung forward a single drop of blood landing on the foot of the dog-like creature in front of her. Claire did the only thing she could think of. She ran.
She hit the wall. Frantically trying to find the back door in the darkness she felt the beast’s hot breath on her neck. Slowly, Claire turned, finally she accepted her fate. Claire was that nights prey. Another meal for the Beast.
Claire squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the beast’s teeth to tear into her flesh. When nothing happened for a few seconds Claire peeked through one eye. Claire was amazed to find that she was no longer in the museum. A glittering hall of obsidian and moonstone was in front of her. A sudden snuffling noise startled her, reminding her of The Beast. Claire had a sneaking suspicion it was right behind her. Claire’s heart sank. Turning around she saw hat had come to life was sitting a few steps away. It was waiting for something. Something to happen.
Slowly Claire approached the statue. Reaching out to touch the beast, she jumped back. The beast had growled. It was alive. Stumbling backwards Claire brushed something. Looking up Claire froze. A dark imposing figure stood over her. His shadow loomed over Claire. His voice was deep and strangely calm when he spoke.
“I hear you are interested in my dog Ms Claire”. Claire gulped. Biting back her initial remark Claire hurried to think of what to say. “It’s a dog?” she asked trying to hide her surprise. He smirked “Well what else would it be?” “Um I don’t know a monster that eats people?” Claires quick remark made it out of her mouth before she had even thought. “So who are you supposed to be?” Claire asked. “My name however important is not irrelevant, for now lets stick with Cerberus here. Why did you think that this particular statue had something to do with the disappearances?” “Wow this guy didn’t like talking about himself. “Well it was a bit easy, you see the disappearances started when that freaky statue showed up. So yeah pretty easy I’d say.”
“Very smart, or was it on my part very clumsy, well you are the guest here so lets say you are very smart…” “Thank you.” Claire interrupted. His voice boomed throughout the hall. “Let me finish! Yes you are smart maybe to smart for your own good.” “Where am I!?!?” Man this guy was getting on her nerves. He paused to stroke his dog. “Welcome, Ms Claire, welcome to hell.” Claire screamed.