Terror on Mount Katsuu — Supernatural/Horror Novel Preview

This is a draft chapter from my upcoming supernatural/horror novel “Gates of Okinawa.”

Pre-order or preview here.

Why is the scene set on the mountain?

What inspired it?

This audio commentary explains.

Day hikes are good fun exercise. But if it’s a night hike it’s usually a necessity. As I trudged up the mountain path, sweat collecting in every crevice of my anatomy, the danger of the dark tunneled my focus on our objective.

The summit of Mount Katsuu, Okinawa’s tallest peak.

“Are we almost there?” Mia asked. Her voice pitched with a breathy whine as she huffed and puffed between steps. “How much — further?”

“Aw c’mon Mia, I thought you liked to work out?” Ethan said with a taunting tone. His strides among the rock-strewn path were long and deliberate. He aimed the beam of his flashlight in front of her feet.

“Yeah, I do. But…” she smacked her tongue and swallowed, “…not this kind. I’m all sweaty. I’m hungry, and there’s a rock in my shoe.”

Ethan chuckled, “You good, you good. Just keep stepping and watchout for — ”