Flayed Flesh (A Clive Barker Tribute)
By Steve Stred
The catacombs bustled this time of year.
Thousands of tourists above, tramping the city streets in search of random knick-knacks and keepsakes to bring home from their travels.
Below their feet through the dark, winding halls, moans and screams echoed; the distinct sounds of pleasure mixed with pain.
I flew over on a red-eye, my contact finally coming through. I’d heard the rumors that such sights existed and now with the newspaper approving my piece, I arrived, unsure of what was to greet me.
Led by a man with a torch, we hustled through the labyrinth, the sounds growing louder and louder. Along the way we passed people rushing back to the surface.
Eyes down, skin pale.
Turning the last corner we arrived at the altar.
Dozens of people fixed in place by chains, their skin peeled back, their flesh being flayed.
I felt my knees grow weak as I was handed a whip.
I’d flown all this way, I wasn’t about to be disrespectful.
‘Anything for the story,’ my boss always preached.
As the whip cracked through the air and shredded the persons back, I couldn’t stifle my grin.
Steve Stred
Steve Stred writes dark, bleak horror fiction.
Steve is the author of three novels, a number of novellas and four collections.
He is proud to work with the Ladies of Horror Fiction to facilitate the Annual LOHF Writers Grant.
Steve is also a voracious reader, reviewing everything he reads and submitting the majority of his reviews to be featured on Kendall Reviews.
Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.
You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred
You can follow Steve on Instagram @stevestred
You can visit Steve’s Official website here
Oooh! Nice one 😊