Raquel was known for her hauntingly beautiful voice, a talent that had made her the star of every local concert. Yet, what no one knew was the price of her mesmerizing songs. Every note she sang held a dark secret: it drained the life force of anyone who listened.
It all began years ago when Raquel stumbled upon an ancient, cursed sheet of music in her grandmother’s attic. The notes seemed to dance on the page, compelling her to sing. As her voice lifted into the air, she felt an exhilarating rush of energy. She didn’t realize then that it was the essence of her audience seeping into her.
Her first performance after discovering the music was at a small town festival. People gathered, captivated by her voice. As she sang, she felt stronger, more alive than ever. The audience, however, began to change. They looked fatigued, their faces pale and eyes hollow, but they couldn’t tear themselves away from her melody.
At the end of her song, the applause was weak, and many left looking unwell. Raquel noticed, but she convinced herself it was just a coincidence. The next performance, the same thing happened. A vibrant crowd at the start turned into a listless group by the end, with some collapsing on their way out.
Haunted by guilt and fear, Raquel tried to stop singing, but the call of the music was too strong. It whispered to her in dreams, the notes embedding themselves into her mind until she could no longer resist. She sang in secret, each time feeling the life force of her imaginary audience filling her veins.
One night, a stranger came to her door. He was old, with eyes that seemed to see through her. “You possess the cursed voice,” he said. “You must stop, or you will drain the life of this entire town.”
Terrified, Raquel swore to never sing again. She locked away the cursed music and isolated herself. But the urge grew unbearable. The silence was maddening, and she felt herself withering without the stolen vitality.
Finally, she could take no more. Raquel retrieved the cursed sheet and began to sing, softly at first, then louder as the familiar rush returned. She didn’t notice the shadowy figures gathering outside her window, drawn by her fatal melody.
Days later, the town was found eerily silent. Homes were empty, and the streets deserted. In the center of it all was Raquel, her beauty now otherworldly, her voice echoing through the still air. She had become a wraith, eternally singing, forever stealing the life force of any who dared to listen.
Gareth Ellis - Author 