A young couple lurked in the shadows wearing elegant steampunk costumes. The man’s fob watch hung tucked into his patterned waistcoat. Piercing green eyes scanned the night like a cat. His top hat with aviator goggles, black hair and dark cravat contrasted with luminous pale skin.
The lady’s expression was aloof, lips pursed, and chin held high. Chestnut hair artfully curled beneath a hat fascinator surrounded by tulle. Short skirts ruffled around dark hose and thigh-length boots. Perhaps the uncomfortable leather corset dug in below her white shirt, causing her stern expression.
The silent couple trailed children in costume who raced from house to house, giggling way past their bedtime. Doting parents supervised from a distance as little rascals grabbed handfuls of sweets and made eerie noises in the dark. Torches flickered as they ran.
When small eager fists rapped on a door, the observers leaned forward in anticipation.
“Trick or treat?”
“Hello, little monsters. Who do we have here?” A rosy-faced lady offered a laden basket of treats evoking titters of delight.
“I’m Iron Man.” The eldest voice was confident.
“A kitty cat.” The youngest squeaked.
“A big bad witch.” The feisty middle child, seeking attention.
The encounter was swift before the children rushed away, watchful parents close behind.
The lady in the shadows drooled. “Mmm...such soft, delicious skin.”
“Blood sugars off the charts, my love, how revolting.” The man countered.
She sighed, a frown of disappointment. “Oh, I’m ravenous, but sugar is so icky. I much prefer an athlete with high iron.” Her painted lips curled in the dim light. “But Archie, did you see the fertile mound of an unborn child pressed tight against the woman’s dress. So much precious liquid for us to share.” Josephine licked her lips, her tongue running along the tips of pointed fangs in eager anticipation.
Archie grabbed her cinched in waist. “Your lust for blood matches my lust for you.” He kissed her deep and long in that practiced way of centuries-old vampire lovers.
When they came up for air, the children had disappeared down the street. Now eight o’clock, no further trick or treaters could be seen. No doubt, returning home with hoards of sweets, and already fatigued parents.
The porch light extinguished.
With a movement faster than the human eye could comprehend, the couple rapped on the door.
The mother-to-be‘s shining eyes and dimpled cheeks were aglow with delight. “Steampunk’s my fave cosplay. Sorry, I turned the light off, thinking the visitors were finished. I’ll turn it ba....”
The sound of his voice halted her departure.
“Dear lady, my name is Archibald Winston, and this is my dear wife, Josephine. May we enter a moment to better display our garments?”
The woman smiled. “Oh sure. Great job on your accent and formal speak too. It’s rad. Please come in, both of you.” She giggled with excitement. “Come, Peter, you have to see this.”
Fangs extended as the vampires took a synchronised step over the threshold.
You can get my story as well as a host of other spooky stories in the Halloween Flash Fiction anthology at the Fantasy and Sci-Fi Readers Lounge Halloween / Samhain Flash Fiction |