Story 95: The Hooded Stranger

In the quiet village of Ravenswood, nestled deep within the shadowy embrace of the Grimwood Forest, a chilling legend persisted. For generations, the villagers spoke in hushed tones of the Hooded Stranger, a figure whose appearance signaled death's arrival. No one knew where he came from or why he chose Ravenswood, but his presence was unmistakable—an omen of doom.

One stormy night, as lightning split the sky and rain lashed against the thatched roofs, old Marcus, the village's only blacksmith, heard a knock on his door. The sound was soft yet insistent, almost drowned out by the storm. Marcus hesitated, his hand trembling as it reached for the latch. He had heard the stories, but surely they were just tales to frighten children?