The beast

This story is by Karen Russell and was part of our 2023 Fall Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.

Wandering this jungle and mountains with the daylight fading into darkness, I’ve lost count of the many moons that have risen over this island. Ancient magic binds me to this place for unknown reasons. At least not any I can remember. It’s been too many years and my memory wains.

The beast in me becomes more powerful. To keep my human form is an ongoing struggle. Strength and willpower alone will not be enough. My animal will take over, and my humanity lost.

As of late, my dreams are confusing, disturbing. Images of a young woman with deep-green, emerald eyes. Her face obscured by a swirling of light-brown hair. I’m sensing a connection, unexplainable. Is she my salvation or my downfall? I must find out before my sanity is gone forever.

***********

Tabitha awakens from a deep slumber, shivering despite the warm and humid night air. Unzipping her tent, she walks out, the low light of the campfire burning. In the far-off distance, a sound rings out, a mournful wail of a distressed creature echoing through the jungle.

“I’m just imagining stuff. My dreams are strange enough. This island somehow seems alive or aware is a better word,” says Tabitha.

“Morning Tabs, how goes it?” asks Richard.

“Don’t call me that. The name is Tabitha. Think you can remember?” she asks while pushing back her light-brown hair. “You’re tolerated because I needed you to get here. Whatever your agenda is, I’d be careful. The island and its inhabitants don’t like anyone here. I’m here to fulfill a promise.”

“No problem, sweetheart,” says Richard, walking away. “Aren’t you afraid you might end up dead before you what you came to do?” he laughs.

“I really don’t like you,” says Tabitha.

“I’m not paid to be likable, and I won’t be leaving this island without what I came for,” mumbling to himself. Apathetic towards the myth of the beast who lives on the island and the curse that disallows the removal of anything from it, Richard is aware of the abundant wealth that can be acquired, and if he has to accompany this spoiled aristocratic brat to her desired destination, he accepts it. He’ll go home a rich man, with or without her.

The next day of the trip is identical to the day before. The jungle is so dense that it’s suffocating. As the trees dissipate, the group begins their ascent. A slight breeze is a welcome event and helps to cool the temperature.

“Let’s camp here for the night. Tomorrow we’ll start early,” says Tabitha.

“Whatever you want, boss,” says Richard, with a sly smile on his face.

A few hours before dawn, Tabitha emerges from her tent hoping to shake off the dream. The one that’s plagued her these past two months. She remembers when she told her grandfather and his reassertion that she must complete this task for him.

“You must return the stone,” her grandfather says to Tabitha. “It will break the spell which was cast upon the island.”

“I know. You’ve told me the story. I’m not sure if I believe it,” says Tabitha.

“You’ve seen many wondrous and strange things on our adventures together. How is this different? Our family didn’t cause the curse, but we hold the key to breaking it. You’ve seen the man and beast in your dreams. Imprisoned there for loving the woman he chose. Free him from this fate. Time is running out. Right this wrong for his sake and ours.”

“I will try, grandpa.” The last words spoken to him, four days later, he passes away. “I’m here now, grandpa. Hope this is right,” whispering to no one in particular.

From the tree line, a figure emerges. A human male with broad shoulders, dark brown hair, his blue eyes captivate her. She’s drawn to him, recognizing who he is. Her own fear stops movement.

“Why are you here?” asks the man.

“I know you, at least the image of in my dreams,” says Tabitha.

He stares. She’s the one he’s been seeking. He feels it deep down in his soul. “Your companions are here to steal; the island won’t allow it. Leave before you regret it.”

“I’m not here for that.”

“Let’s hope you aren’t,” says the man as he vanishes. Tabitha runs forward in time to hear his last words. “Wait for me. I’ll be back for you.” Off in the distance, a large wolfish beast leaps through the jungle.

“This must be him. There are no other inhabitants.” His deep, penetrating stare confuses and arouses her.

**********

The climb is arduous. Most of the tall trees have vanished. The underbrush is slowing their progress. Is there an unknown force trying to prevent her from reaching her goal? Blocked paths cause backtracking and loss of time and daylight. Halfway through the day Tabitha’s convinced they’re being followed. If the tingling on the back of her neck is any sign, she’s sure who.

Darkness comes early as they settle in for their evening meal. Tabitha senses the stranger from earlier is still with them.

“Now, Tabitha, tell me what you’re carrying? Is it worth any money?” asks Richard. His two buddies that are transporting the gear smirk.

“What do you mean? I have nothing,” says Tabitha.

“Listen honey, I agreed to take you out here, but I’m not going home empty-handed.” He grabs Tabitha, trying to pull away. Richard pushes her to the ground, landing with impact, causing her to scream. In a lust for blood, the beast flies into the camp, biting and clawing, fighting his way to Tabitha. Richard fires a weapon and hits the beast, he thinks. This only enrages it to stand and rise, howling and growling.

“Let’s get out of here. We’ll be back, Tabitha. You’re not keeping that stone. Receipt of payment to me is done. Just have to prevent you from keeping your promise. I’ll go home with the stone if nothing else.” Richard and his allies flee, leaving her alone with the beast.

“I’m sorry, can you understand me?” Fearful of what it might do, Tabitha edges her way towards the beast. “Stay still. I won’t hurt you. My name is Tabitha.” His nose nudges her face, and he licks her. “Don’t forgive me. My family’s at fault. You being trapped like this? I will honor my promise and fix it. I hope to save you.” A tear falls from her eye. “You’re bleeding. Hold on, let me get my bag.”

“I understand you, Tabitha. My name is Quentin. You remind me of someone I once lost. The island recognizes it as it is bound to me.” Turning, and a man is before her. “I can only support this shape for a few moments. Travel at night is unsafe. I will watch over you till tomorrow. I don’t condemn you, so don’t consider yourself responsible for another’s crimes.” Blinking, her eyes shut for a second. He’s back as a beast.

“The legend is true. Grandpa was right. It’s why I’ve dreamed of you,” whispers Tabitha.

Morning comes early. Noticing the beast is gone and no sight of Richard, she grabs her pack and heads up the mountainside. There’s no way the stone is leaving her possession. Not sure if it will fulfill what her grandfather predicts, but she’ll not let it fall into anyone else’s hands.

At the entrance to the cave, there’s little sound. I’m in luck, she thinks. Though doubtful of it, she pushes forward. I’m not sure of the way, though some power or force is guiding me. Arriving, she finds Richard and his companions, no sign of the beast or Quentin.

“Take all you want. There’s gold, jewels. It’s what you came for. No one to stop you,” says Tabitha.
“How generous of you, Tabs. I want the stone. Worth a bunch more,” says Richard.

“Sorry, don’t have it anymore. Lost it,” says Tabitha. She edges closer to the altar, where her grandfather told her to place the stone. It begins to glow and grow warm in her hand.

“I don’t believe you,” says Richard.

“Too bad.” she lunges forward, places the stone as Richard fires a shot hitting her, she thinks. There’s a dazzling burst of light. She feels pain and then it’s gone. Images from the legend she’s been told flash by, similar to a movie on fast forward. A massive sense of sadness overcomes her by what happened to Quentin. Sentenced to a life of solitude because of a vengeful woman.

“Tabitha, wake up,” says Quentin. Opening her eyes, she stares into those bold blue eyes.

“What happened? Did it work? I’m alive, right?”

“You’re alive,” says Quentin.

“Richard, his companions?”

“Don’t know what happened, but they’ve vanished. Don’t expect we’ll see them,” says Quentin.

“Guess the island will decide,” says Tabitha.

“To answer your question, the curse is gone. If you choose, you may leave, but I’d like you to stay,” says Quentin.

“I think I’d like to.”