The Figure by the River

April 11, 2026

by Thalia

1 min read

Story Premise 1 min read (194 words)

"In the old family home by the water, three sisters shared a room. Their house was large, passed down through generations, and often filled with visiting relatives. That night, they had returned late from a town festival, weary from the celebrations. Elara’s bed sat near the large window that overlooked the dark river. The window […]"

In the old family home by the water, three sisters shared a room. Their house was large, passed down through generations, and often filled with visiting relatives. That night, they had returned late from a town festival, weary from the celebrations.

Elara’s bed sat near the large window that overlooked the dark river. The window was divided down the middle, each half sliding on a wooden track. In the deep of the night, she awoke, thirsty from the sweet drinks she had enjoyed earlier. She rose and went to the kitchen for water.

Returning to her bed, she paused by the window. Moonlight shimmered on the water’s surface. Then she saw it—a tall, slender shape standing perfectly still on the opposite bank. It was too dark to make out any features, but she felt certain it was looking directly at her. A cold stillness filled the air.

She slid the window halves shut as quietly as she could, her hands trembling. She did not wake her sisters, but lay awake for a long time, watching the dark shape until the first light of dawn touched the sky and the far bank stood empty.

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