She carefully fanned open the book. Its spine cracked and Cassie's eyes seemed to meld to the page. The text scrawled upon the paper's yellowed surface was composed of squiggly lines and archaic symbols. The curls of each brushstroke felt forbidden, like Cassie had revealed something not intended for her eyes. Could it be cursed ? After all, it is said by her ancestors that this book would bring ten years of darkness and misery to the one who opened it or was it just something to scare the little kids at bedtime stories.
But before Cassie could process exactly what she was seeing, the book grew warm in her hands, and then threateningly hot. Within seconds the skin of her fingers was sizzling, and Cassie couldn't stop herself from crying out. Her flesh adhered to the book, and she couldn't pull her hands away despite the scorching pain.
She carefully fanned open the book. Its spine cracked and Cassie's eyes seemed to meld to the page. The text scrawled upon the paper's yellowed surface was composed of squiggly lines and archaic symbols. The curls of each brushstroke felt forbidden, like Cassie had revealed something not intended for her eyes.
Source
Her mother's face was stricken with fear, but she acted fast. She raised her palm and with one wide scoop batted the book out of Cassie's hands and onto the floor. Cassie released a whimper of relief, but the damage had been done. Her hands were singed red with throbbing, bubbling burns.
This is a continuation free write prompt which would eventually turn into a short story novel. Perhaps, not so short anymore; anyhow hope you enjoy it. Maybe as I go along I will decide which title is suitable The Circle or Book of Shadows
