A Christmas Special - Spooky holiday flash fiction

A little bit back, I got invited to what looks to be a fun new Christmas tradition for those who have a love for flash fiction--the I Saw Lightning Fall Shared Storytelling. For the past couple years, Loren Eaton, who runs the I Saw Lightning Fall blog, has invited a number of authors to write spooky, creepy, or otherwise unsettling flash fiction pieces (100 words, exactly), all centered on holiday themes. Each author then posts their entry to their personal blog, which are rounded up on ISLF for all to enjoy.

So, without further ado, here's mine:

The Rift of the Magi

Each year. In the sky. The star grows ever larger, until it looks less a star. More a scar, bleeding blue-white with rotting purple edges.

Each year. Across the lands. Men both foolish and wise are captured by its light. Their skin fades to match its bloodless rays. They rise as one, as two, as three, and more.

Each year. To the birthplace. The supplicants march, bearing themselves as offerings to the newborn, whose unblinking eyes reflect the rift in the heavens.

Each year. With each birth. The star snares more minds and souls. Until all the earth shall see.

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Be sure to check out the ISLF blog to see all the other entries! It isn't a contest, so there's no need to vote. Just a chance for writers to share in a creative holiday spirit. 

Merry Christmas, everyone!