The Bloodied Horn: A Collection of Unicorn Murder Mysteries

By Myria Hopkins

Welcome to a world where unicorns are not just magical, but also deadly. In "The Bloodied Horn: A Collection of Unicorn Murder Mysteries," you will be taken on a thrilling journey through a world where these mythical creatures are at the center of a series of mysterious and gruesome murders.

 

From the haunted woods to the enchanted forest, each of the stories in this collection explores a different aspect of unicorn magic and mystery. Follow detectives, hunters, and adventurers as they try to unravel the secrets of these mystical beasts and solve the crimes that surround them.

 

In this book, you'll encounter cursed unicorns, vengeful unicorns, and even unicorn ghosts. But no matter how bizarre the story may seem, you'll find yourself drawn into each tale and eager to solve the mystery.

 

If you're a fan of murder mysteries and the supernatural, "The Bloodied Horn: A Collection of Unicorn Murder Mysteries" is the perfect book for you. Get ready for a journey into a world where magic and murder collide, and unicorns are not just beautiful creatures, but also fierce killers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean Benoit
• Release date: Apr 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215800812

Myria Hopkins

Myria Hopkins is a fresh and exciting new voice in the world of fiction, starting her journey as a beginner author. Her passion for storytelling and deep understanding of the human experience are evident in her debut works, which showcase her ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate readers from beginning to end. Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences and a wide range of sources, Myria's writing is marked by its authenticity, emotional depth, and relatability. As she continues to develop her craft and explore new literary terrain, she looks forward to connecting with readers and sharing her unique vision with the world.

Book preview

Foreword

Dear Reader,

I am thrilled to introduce you to The Bloodied Horn: A Collection of Unicorn Murder Mysteries. This book has been a labor of love, combining my passion for fantasy and mystery into a unique and thrilling reading experience.

I have always been fascinated by the idea of unicorns, creatures both beautiful and dangerous, and the possibilities of incorporating them into the world of crime-solving. Each story in this collection takes you on a journey into a world where unicorns are both magical and menacing, and where solving the crimes requires not only detective work but also an understanding of the supernatural.

I hope that these stories will capture your imagination, thrill you with their twists and turns, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the mythical creatures that inspired them. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope you enjoy reading The Bloodied Horn: A Collection of Unicorn Murder Mysteries.

Best regards,

Myria Hopkins

The Killer's Curse

Hilda Curry stood at the edge of the forest, surveying the trees that surrounded her farm. It was a peaceful day, the sun shining down on the green grass and wildflowers that grew nearby. But something caught her eye in the distance, something that shouldn't have been there.

Hilda walked toward the object, a sense of unease creeping over her. As she drew closer, she realized what it was: the body of a unicorn, lying on the ground, blood seeping from its wounds.

Hilda's heart raced as she approached the scene, her detective instincts kicking in. She carefully examined the body, noting the deep gashes on its side and the broken horn lying nearby.

This wasn't an accident, she muttered to herself, the realization hitting her hard. Someone did this on purpose.

Hilda looked around, trying to see if she could spot any clues or signs of a struggle. But the forest was quiet, the only sounds coming from the birds chirping in the trees.

She knew she had to investigate further, to find out who was responsible for this heinous act. Hilda took a deep breath and set off into the forest, her eyes scanning the trees for any signs of movement or disturbance.

As she walked deeper into the woods, Hilda noticed something strange. The normally serene forest seemed to be filled with an eerie energy, a feeling of unease that sent shivers down her spine.

She tried to shake off the feeling and focus on her task, searching for any clues that might lead her to the killer. But as she moved deeper into the forest, she couldn't shake the sense that she was being watched.

Hilda came across a small clearing, and there she found something else that didn't belong in the forest: a small circle of rocks, arranged in a strange pattern.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Hilda approached the rocks and examined them closely. As she did, she felt a sudden chill in the air, as if the temperature had dropped several degrees in an instant.

She looked up, expecting to see someone or something nearby, but there was nothing. Just the trees and the rocks, silent and still.

Hilda shook her head, trying to clear her mind. She had work to do, a killer to catch. She set off once again into the forest, determined to solve this mystery.

As she walked, she heard a faint rustling sound in the distance. Hilda quickened her pace, following the sound until she came across a group of unicorns, huddled together in a small clearing.

At first, they seemed wary of her presence, but as Hilda approached them, they seemed to sense her goodwill. They allowed her to approach them, and she was able to examine them more closely.

None of the unicorns seemed to be injured, but Hilda could see the fear in their eyes. She knew that something was wrong, that the curse placed on them so many years ago had been reactivated.

Hilda vowed to solve this case, to bring the killer to justice, and to break the curse once and for all. But as she made her way back to her farm, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was following her, watching her every move.

She glanced over her shoulder, but there was nothing there. Just the quiet of the forest and the distant sound of birdsong. But Hilda knew better than to let her guard down. She had a killer to catch, and she wasn't going to let anything stop her.

Hilda arrived back at her farm, her mind buzzing with the events of the day. She needed to gather more information, to understand what was happening to the unicorns and who was behind it.

As she entered her house, she saw a book lying open on her kitchen table. It was an old tome, filled with arcane symbols and ancient spells.

Hilda recognized it immediately. It was a book of magic, passed down through her family for generations.

She flipped through the pages, searching for anything that might be relevant to her current situation. And there, on a worn and yellowed page, she found it: the story of the curse on the unicorns.

According to the book, the curse had been placed on the unicorns by a group of dark wizards many years ago. The curse caused the unicorns to be hunted and killed by humans, their magical horns sought after as powerful spell components.

Hilda's heart sank as she read the words. She had heard of the curse before, but she had always believed it to be nothing more than a myth.

But now, with the dead unicorn in the forest and the sense of unease that seemed to be suffusing the entire forest, she knew that the curse was all too real.

Hilda felt a chill run down her spine as she realized that the murders she was investigating were almost certainly connected to the curse. Someone was targeting the unicorns, just as they had been targeted so many years ago.

But who? And why?

Hilda knew that she needed to investigate further, to find out who was behind the killings and put an end to their reign of terror.

She gathered her things and set off back into the forest, her mind whirling with questions and possibilities.

As she walked, she heard a faint whispering sound, like the wind rustling through the leaves. But there was no wind, and the trees around her were still.

Hilda felt a sudden sense of unease, as if she were being watched. She quickened her pace, trying to put some distance between herself and whatever was making the sound.

But the whispering grew louder, more insistent. And then she heard something else: a low, guttural growl.

Hilda spun around, her heart racing. And there, in the shadows of the trees, she saw a pair of glowing eyes staring back at her.

It was a wolf, massive and powerful, with fur as black as midnight. It snarled at her, its teeth bared in a menacing display.

Hilda felt a surge of fear, but she refused to back down. She knew that she had to stand her ground if she wanted to survive.

She raised her hand, calling forth a spell from the book she had read earlier. The wolf recoiled, as if struck by an invisible force.

Hilda took the opportunity to back away, putting some distance between herself and the creature. But the wolf was relentless, stalking her through the forest.

Hilda knew that she couldn't outrun the wolf, so she turned to face it. She raised her hands, calling forth a powerful spell that would hopefully incapacitate the beast.

The wolf lunged at her, but Hilda's spell struck true. The wolf was thrown back, its body convulsing with pain.

Hilda took the opportunity to flee, running as fast as she could through the forest. But she could still hear the wolf's howls behind her, and she knew that it would only be a matter of time before it caught up to her.

She needed to find a way to break the curse, to end the violence that was plaguing the unicorns and the forest itself.

Hilda ran as fast as she could, her heart pounding in her chest. She could still hear the wolf's howls behind her, and she knew that it was only a matter of time before it caught up to her.

She needed to find a way to break the curse, to end the violence that was plaguing the unicorns and the forest itself.

Hilda remembered a village not too far away, where her ancestors had lived many years ago. They had been the ones to place the curse on the unicorns, and perhaps their descendants would know how to break it.

Hilda made her way through the forest, her mind racing with thoughts of the curse and the wolf that pursued her. She could feel its presence behind her, and she knew that she needed to find safety soon.

As she emerged from the trees, she saw the village in the distance. It was a small, quaint place, with houses clustered around a central square.

Hilda made her way towards the village, her heart pounding with anticipation. She needed to find the descendants of the villagers who had placed the curse on the unicorns.

She approached a group of villagers who were gathered around a well in the center of the square. They turned to look at her, their eyes narrowing as they took in her disheveled appearance.

What do you want? one of them asked.

Hilda took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. I need to speak to the descendants of the villagers who placed the curse on the unicorns.

The villagers looked at each other, their expressions unreadable. Finally, one of them spoke up.

That curse is old magic, she said. We don't know anything about it.

Hilda felt a surge of frustration. She had come all this way, and now it seemed as though her quest was hopeless.

But surely someone must know something, she pressed. The curse is causing so much death and destruction. We need to put an end to it.

The villagers exchanged glances, and then one of them stepped forward. I might be able to help, she said. My great-grandmother used to talk about the curse. She said that there was a way to break it, but she never said how.

Hilda felt a flicker of hope. Please, tell me what you know, she said.

The villager hesitated, as if considering her words. I remember her saying something about a sacrifice, she said finally. But I don't know what kind of sacrifice, or who it would have to be.

Hilda felt a chill run down her spine. A sacrifice? What kind of sacrifice could possibly break the curse?

But she knew that she had to find out. She thanked the villager for her help and set off back into the forest, her mind whirling with thoughts of what lay ahead.

As she walked, she heard the whispering sound again, louder now, more insistent. She quickened her pace, trying to put some distance between herself and whatever was making the sound.

But then she heard something else: a low, guttural growl.

Hilda spun around, her heart racing. And there, in the shadows of the trees, she saw the wolf again, its eyes glowing in the darkness.

Hilda raised her hands, calling forth a spell from the book she had found. But the wolf seemed immune to her magic, its eyes fixed on her with a feral intensity.

Hilda backed away, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she couldn't fight the wolf alone.

Suddenly, she heard a sound behind her. She spun around, expecting to see the wolf, but instead, she saw a group of unicorns standing in a clearing.

Hilda stared in disbelief at the group of unicorns standing before her. They were beautiful creatures, with shimmering coats and spiraled horns. But their eyes were filled with fear, and Hilda could sense their unease.

She took a step towards them, her hand outstretched in a gesture of peace. Don't be afraid, she said softly. I'm here to help.

The unicorns eyed her warily, but they didn't run away. Hilda felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps these creatures could help her break the curse.

But then she heard a sound behind her. She spun around, her heart racing, and saw the wolf emerge from the shadows once again. It was closer now, and Hilda knew that she was running out of time.

She turned back to the unicorns. Please, tell me what you know about the curse, she pleaded.

But before any of them could respond, she heard footsteps approaching from the direction of the village. She spun around and saw a group of villagers hurrying towards her, their faces grim.

Hilda felt a sudden sense of unease. Something wasn't right here.

The villagers stopped a few feet away from her, and one of them stepped forward. It was the same woman who had spoken to her earlier.

We need to talk, she said gravely. There are things that you need to know.

Hilda nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that the villagers were keeping secrets, and she suspected that they knew more about the curse and the murders than they were letting on.

The villagers led her to a small cottage on the outskirts of the village. Inside, Hilda could see that the walls were lined with shelves full of old books and artifacts.

The woman who had spoken to her earlier gestured for her to sit down at a table. We've been keeping some secrets from you, she said. But it's time that you know the truth.

Hilda leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the woman. What secrets? she asked.

The woman hesitated, as if searching for the right words. The curse wasn't placed on the unicorns by our ancestors, she said finally. It was placed by a powerful witch who lived in these woods many years ago.

Hilda felt a chill run down her spine. A witch? This was worse than she had feared.

But why did your ancestors take the blame for it? she asked.

The woman looked down, her expression troubled. The witch was a member of our village, she said. She was ostracized and feared, and when the curse began to affect the unicorns, our ancestors believed that they were protecting the village by taking the blame for it.

Hilda felt a surge of anger. But that doesn't excuse the murders, she said. Why didn't you do something to stop them?

The woman looked up at her, her eyes filled with sadness. We tried, she said. But it was too late. The curse had taken hold, and there was nothing we could do to stop it.

Hilda felt a sense of hopelessness wash over her. If even the villagers couldn't stop the curse, how could she?

But then she heard a sound outside the cottage. It was the wolf, and it was getting closer.

Hilda sprang to her feet, her heart racing. We have to leave, she said urgently.

The villagers nodded, and they all hurried outside. Hilda could see the wolf in the distance, its eyes fixed on her with a ferocity that made her blood run cold.

Hilda's heart was pounding in her chest as she ran through the woods, the villagers and unicorns close behind her. The wolf was getting closer, its growls echoing through the trees.

They ran for what felt like hours, Hilda's legs burning with exhaustion. Finally, they emerged into a small clearing, and Hilda could see the wolf approaching from the trees.

She turned to the villagers. We have to do something, she said urgently. We can't just run forever.

The villagers nodded, and one of them stepped forward. I have an idea, he said. But it's risky.

Hilda didn't hesitate. Tell me, she said.

The villager gestured towards the unicorns. We need their help, he said. They have magic that can protect us.

Hilda looked at the unicorns, their eyes still filled with fear. How do we convince them? she asked.

The villager smiled grimly. I have an idea for that too, he said, and he led Hilda and the others over to a nearby tree.

Carved into the trunk of the tree was a message: Stay away, Hilda. You're next.

Hilda felt a chill run down her spine. Someone knew her name, and they were threatening her.

The villager pointed at the message. We've been finding these all over the woods, he said. We think the killer is leaving them for you.

Hilda felt a wave of fear wash over her. What do we do? she asked.

The villager pointed towards the unicorns again. We use their magic, he said. If we can convince them to help us, we can protect ourselves from the killer.

Hilda nodded, her mind racing. She had to stay alive long enough to break the curse.

The unicorns eyed her warily, but Hilda stepped forward, her hand outstretched. Please, she said. We need your help.

For a moment, nothing happened. But then Hilda felt a strange energy flowing around her, and she knew that the unicorns were using their magic to protect her.

The wolf emerged from the trees, its eyes fixed on Hilda. But as it approached, it slowed down, its movements becoming hesitant.

Hilda felt a surge of hope. The unicorns' magic was working.

But then the wolf let out a howl, and suddenly Hilda felt a searing pain in her side. She stumbled backwards, clutching at the wound.

The villagers rushed forward, their faces filled with concern. We have to get you out of here, one of them said urgently.

Hilda nodded, her head swimming with pain. She could feel blood soaking through her shirt.

They helped her to her feet, and together they stumbled through the woods. Hilda could hear the wolf howling in the distance, and she knew that it was still chasing them.

As they ran, Hilda's thoughts turned to the curse. She had to find a way to break it, or the killing would never stop.

But how? She had no idea where to start.

Suddenly, Hilda felt a sharp pain in her head. It was like someone had turned on a switch, and her thoughts were suddenly filled with a jumble of images and voices.

She stumbled to a halt, clutching at her head. What's happening to me? she cried.

The villagers looked at her with concern, but they had no answers.

Hilda tried to focus, to make sense of the jumble of thoughts and images that were swirling through her mind. And then she saw it: a vision of a woman, a witch, with a twisted smile on her face.

Hilda's vision of the witch filled her with a sense of dread. She knew that this was the person responsible for the curse and the killings in the woods.

Without hesitation, Hilda took off towards the direction of the vision. The villagers followed closely behind her.

As they ran, Hilda's mind raced with questions. Who was the witch? Why was she doing this? How could Hilda stop her?

They emerged from the trees into a clearing. In the center of the clearing stood a figure cloaked in black. Hilda could feel the anger and malice emanating from the figure.

You, Hilda said, her voice shaking with rage. You're the one responsible for this curse, for these killings.

The figure chuckled, a twisted sound that made Hilda's skin crawl. Yes, my dear Hilda, the figure said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I'm so glad you could join me. I've been waiting for you.

Hilda felt a knot form in her stomach. She knew this person, but she couldn't place them. Who are you? she demanded.

The figure stepped forward, revealing a twisted smile. Don't you recognize me, Hilda? she asked. I'm your sister.

Hilda felt a wave of shock wash over her. Her sister? It couldn't be. But as she looked at the figure more closely, she saw the resemblance.

But why? Hilda asked. Why would you do this?

Her sister laughed, a cold and bitter sound. You always got everything, Hilda, she said. The attention, the love. But I was always the forgotten one. And then, when you inherited the family fortune, I knew I had to do something. So I made a deal with a dark power, a power that would curse you and bring you down. And now, with your death, I will inherit everything.

Hilda felt a surge of anger. You would kill your own sister for money? she asked.

Her sister shrugged. Money means power, Hilda. And power means everything.

Hilda could feel the rage building inside of her. She had to stop her sister, no matter what it took.

The two sisters faced off, each one ready to fight to the death. Hilda could feel the energy flowing through her, the magic of the unicorns giving her strength.

Her sister raised a hand, and a bolt of dark energy shot towards Hilda. Hilda raised her own hand, and a wall of light appeared, blocking the attack.

The battle continued, each sister throwing spells and counter-spells at the other. Hilda could feel the exhaustion setting in, her energy draining with each attack.

But she couldn't give up. She had to stop her sister, to break the curse and save the village.

With a final burst of energy, Hilda unleashed a massive blast of light towards her sister. The blast hit her sister square in the chest, sending her flying backwards.

Hilda approached her sister cautiously. Her sister was lying on the ground, her breathing shallow.

You...you can't do this, her sister gasped.

Hilda knelt down beside her sister. I have to, she said. For the village, for myself.

Her sister's eyes flickered with anger. You...you don't know what you're doing, she said. You'll regret this.

And with that, her sister's eyes closed, and she stopped breathing.

Hilda felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She had loved her sister once, but now she was gone, lost to her own greed and jealousy.

The villagers approached her cautiously. Is it over? one of them asked.

Hilda looked up at the villagers, her eyes filled with tears. It's over, she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The villagers let out a cheer, relieved that the curse had been broken and the killer had been brought to justice. But Hilda couldn't celebrate. She had just killed her own sister, and the weight of that truth was heavy on her shoulders.

As the villagers began to disperse, Hilda stayed behind with her sister's body. She couldn't bear to leave her there, alone in the clearing.

But as she knelt there, something began to happen. The air around her began to shimmer and distort, and Hilda felt a sense of unease.

Suddenly, her sister's body began to twitch and spasm. Hilda recoiled in horror as her sister's eyes snapped open, glowing with a sinister light.

Hilda, her sister said, her voice distorted and inhuman. You can't stop me. I'll always be with you.

Hilda scrambled backwards, her heart racing. What was happening? How was her sister still alive?

But then she saw it, the mark on her sister's forehead. It was the same mark that had appeared on the other victims, the mark of the cursed.

You...you're not my sister, Hilda said, her voice trembling. You're the curse.

The curse chuckled, a cold and malevolent sound. Oh, Hilda, it said. You're so clever. But you can't stop me. I'll always be with you, until the end of your days.

Hilda felt a surge of terror. This curse was not something she could defeat with magic or strength. It was something beyond her understanding, something ancient and evil.

But she couldn't give up. She had to find a way to stop the curse, to protect the village and herself.

As she stood there, lost in thought, she heard a rustling in the bushes. She spun around, her wand at the ready.

But it was just her old mentor, the one who had taught her about magic and unicorns.

Hilda, he said, his voice grave. You've done well, my dear. But there is more to this curse than you know.

Hilda turned to face him, her heart racing. What do you mean? she asked.

The old man looked at her with sad eyes. The curse is not just a curse, Hilda, he said. It's a doorway. A doorway to the realm of the dead.

Hilda felt a chill run down her spine. The realm of the dead? What did that mean?

The curse is a portal, Hilda, the old man continued. It allows the dead to cross over into our world, to wreak havoc and chaos.

Hilda couldn't believe what she was hearing. This curse was not just a petty act of revenge. It was a doorway to something much darker and more sinister.

But how do I stop it? she asked. How do I close the portal?

The old man looked at her with sad eyes. There is only one way, Hilda, he said. You must sacrifice yourself.

Hilda felt a wave of despair wash over her. Sacrifice herself? Was that really the only way?

But then she thought of the village, of the people she had sworn to protect. She couldn't let them suffer because of her fear.

Okay, she said, her voice steady. I'll do it. But how?

The old man looked at her with a small smile. You know how, Hilda, he said. You've always known.

Hilda took a deep breath and stood up, her wand clutched tightly in her hand. She knew what she had to do.

The curse, still inhabiting her sister's body, stood up as well. You're so foolish, Hilda, it said, its voice low and menacing. You think you can stop me? You think you can close the portal?

Hilda didn't respond. She knew that words wouldn't stop the curse. She had to act.

She raised her wand and began to chant a spell, a spell she had never tried before. The words flowed from her lips like water, and she felt the magic building inside her.

The curse snarled and lunged at her, its hands reaching for her throat. But Hilda was ready. She sidestepped the attack and continued to chant.

The curse howled in anger, and Hilda felt the ground beneath her feet begin to shake. The portal was opening, and the dead were starting to cross over.

Hilda felt a surge of fear, but she didn't stop. She couldn't stop. She had to close the portal.

The curse lunged at her again, but this time Hilda was prepared. She blocked the attack with her wand and continued to chant.

The ground shook harder, and Hilda could see the dead starting to emerge from the portal. They were twisted and distorted, their eyes glowing with malevolence.

Hilda felt a surge of terror, but she didn't falter. She continued to chant, her voice rising in volume and intensity.

The curse howled in anger and lunged at her again, but this time Hilda was ready. She dodged the attack and swung her wand in a wide arc.

A beam of pure white light shot from her wand and struck the curse in the chest. The curse let out a piercing scream and was thrown back several feet.

Hilda didn't waste any time. She continued to chant, the magic pouring from her in an unending stream.

The ground shook harder, and the dead were starting to emerge in droves. Hilda could see their twisted faces and their glowing eyes, and she felt a surge of terror.

But she didn't stop. She couldn't stop. She had to close the portal.

The curse, its body writhing in agony, let out a final scream and dissipated into a cloud of black smoke. Hilda felt the magic building to a crescendo, and she knew that this was it.

She raised her wand high and shouted the final words of the spell. The air around her crackled