December 17, 2025 • 49 mins
Dive into this chilling Christmas horror story where a centuries-old witch's curse entwines with a doomed romance. From the icy Middle Ages to modern-day Strickfield, discover how true love battles a dark, supernatural force in a tale filled with eerie twists and mature themes.
Unwrap a spooky story perfect for fans of horror stories and chilling holiday tales during the spooky season. Join us as we explore love, betrayal, and curses this Christmas Eve, where some romances end not in joy, but in blood and shadow. Press play, my spookies—and ask yourself: if love can be a curse, how do you ever know when it’s real?
A Christmas Romance — by Rob Fields
🎧 LISTEN NOW and subscribe for spine-tingling horror stories every week!
🎉 Unlock exclusive bonus episodes and support the show on Patreon!
👉 WeeklySpooky.com/Join
📬 Contact Us / Submit Your Horror Story!
🎵 Music by Ray Mattis 👉 Check out Ray’s incredible work here !
👨💼 Executive Producers: Rob Fields, Bobbletopia.com
🎥 Produced by: Daniel Wilder
🌐 Explore more terrifying tales at: WeeklySpooky.com
Unwrap a spooky story perfect for fans of horror stories and chilling holiday tales during the spooky season. Join us as we explore love, betrayal, and curses this Christmas Eve, where some romances end not in joy, but in blood and shadow. Press play, my spookies—and ask yourself: if love can be a curse, how do you ever know when it’s real?
A Christmas Romance — by Rob Fields
🎧 LISTEN NOW and subscribe for spine-tingling horror stories every week!
🎉 Unlock exclusive bonus episodes and support the show on Patreon!
👉 WeeklySpooky.com/Join
📬 Contact Us / Submit Your Horror Story!
- Twitter: @WeeklySpooky
- Facebook: facebook.com/WeeklySpooky
- Email: WeeklySpooky@gmail.com
🎵 Music by Ray Mattis 👉 Check out Ray’s incredible work here !
👨💼 Executive Producers: Rob Fields, Bobbletopia.com
🎥 Produced by: Daniel Wilder
🌐 Explore more terrifying tales at: WeeklySpooky.com
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
A witch kneels at the blade on Christmas Day, and
with her last words, she curses a bloodline. Centuries later,
in Snowbound Strickfield, a college romance ignites too fast, dreams
turn into warnings, and a Christmas Eve wedding rings like
(00:20):
a trap. The hell weaver is listening, and she wants
what was promised? How did you get in here? Oh?
(00:42):
What's that? You want? To be scared her to come
with me. This is Weekly Spooky. Hello, my spookys, It's Wednesday,
(01:17):
and you know what that means. It's time for a
little spooky in your weekly I'm your host and narrator,
Enrique Kuto. And well, there's actually been spooky every day
in December, and I hope you've been enjoying it as
much as I have. Nothing quite brings me happiness like
(01:39):
spinning a scary story, especially on the backdrop of a beautiful, peaceful,
colorful holiday season. Tonight's story may sound like it belongs
on the Hallmark Channel, but don't you worry. Don't judge
a gift by its wrapping paper. Before we get to that,
(02:01):
I want to say thank you all so much for
joining me on Weekly Spooky and allowing me to be
a part of your holiday season. Make sure you're subscribed
because tomorrow we drop yet another story. In this time
it's a novella featuring the return of a certain angel
(02:21):
of death, so you won't want to miss it. And
if you love what we do here at Weekly Spooky
and want to support us, we'd certainly appreciate it, head
to Weeklyspooky dot com slash join for as little as
one dollar a month. You get two bonus shows every
single month and over five years of exclusive creepypasta readings
(02:45):
and audiobooks at Weeklyspooky dot com slash join. And on Friday,
I'll be returning on cutting Deep into Horror talking about
a ghostly, wintry holiday horror film called dead End, so
don't miss that either. And on Saturday, we have one
more massive compilation of Christmas horrors for you to enjoy,
(03:07):
whether you're traveling, doing housework, wrapping presents, or anything and
everything in between, because now is the time when the
season has its foot heavy on the pedal, and we're
here to keep it spooky. Now. As for tonight, what
(03:28):
if a witch's last words on Christmas Day did not
die with her but echoed through the snow for centuries,
waiting for the right couple to collide. What if the
person you can't stop thinking about isn't fate at all,
(03:48):
just a trap with a heartbeat. And what if the
closer you get to Christmas, the closer something ancient gets
to you. If you're ready for a winter romance where
the vows are real but the love might not be,
(04:11):
then listen close and bundle up because it's cold out there.
A Christmas Romance by Rob Fields. The Middle Ages. Muriel
(04:34):
Arcam was being taken through her village by two guards
on Christmas Day. The people stood along the snowy dirt streets,
many of them chanting curses and other vile things at her,
which demon woman, Satan's whore, Hell's daughter. Muriel struggled to
(05:00):
get free, but the guards holding her were far too strong.
Even if she did break loose, she wouldn't have gotten
far with her wrists tied together behind her back. She
staggered a few times, but the men kept her on
her feet and moving. There's no question of your guilt,
(05:23):
which one of them said. You're tasting the blade this
very day. You were caught seducing the magistrate's only son,
the other added there was no question about her being
found with Chardon Capwell. The two of them had been
in a state of intimacy when Magistrate Capwell burst into
(05:47):
her bedchamber with two guards and ordered Muriel to be
arrested immediately. Naked, she had been taken to the dungeon
and given lashes across her back. What hurt Muriel even more.
What hurt Muriel even more was that Shardan never once
(06:09):
stood up for her, in spite of their secret romance
to her. His betrayal hurt even worse than the whip itself.
The emotional pain felt heavier when she saw the magistrate
and Shardan standing together. Next to them was the very
(06:31):
blade the guard mentioned, in the form of a guillotine.
The blade was raised all the way to the top.
Just in front of it, at the bottom was a pillow.
The guard forced Muriel to climb the steps leading to
the platform. They brought her to the podium and forced
(06:55):
her to kneel in front of Magistrate Capwell. Went quiet fast,
you stand before me on this Christmas day, Muriel Arkham.
He said loudly. The citizens of the village of Miron
should be home celebrating the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead,
(07:20):
you force us to deal with you. On this day.
You were witnessed time and again using magic in the
form of your potions. You are even observed seducing my
one and only son. It was Shardon himself who chose
his soul over allowing you to bring him to hell.
(07:42):
Whom you serve lies all lies, Muriel screamed. Shardan stepped
forward and slapped her hand across the face, drawing blood
at her mouth. She looked up at him, showing even
more pain and hurt at both the injury and his
(08:04):
further betrayal. She couldn't hold back any longer and began
to cry, your tears will not save you, which Chardon
told her scornfully. I cannot believe I allowed myself to
love you, an evil witch. You nearly claimed my soul
(08:25):
for Satan, your lord and master. Let us see if
he helps you out of the hand that you have
dealt yourself. Muriel raised her teary eyes. It was you
who claimed my heart, Chardon. You made me believe that
you truly loved and cared for me the way I
(08:48):
did for you. But you have betrayed me to save
face in front of your own father. If you truly
mean to end my life, then your betray shall not
go unpunished. Be silent, witch, Magistrate Capwell ordered her, or
you shall he shook his head quickly enough place the
(09:13):
witch within the guillotine Immediately. Muriel's hurt turned to anger.
As she was placed within the guillotine, she yelled, I
shall not be silent in what I must say. I
have only used my gifts to heal others, But on
this twenty fifth of December, I shall use them to
(09:38):
curse you, chardon, since it was you who betrayed me
and wrongfully sent me to the guillotine, I shall curse
your lineage. Every son born unto your bloodline from this
day fourth shall become entangled with a member of my
own bloodline, as law sung. As the sun continues to
(10:01):
give scorn to the woman of my people, that he
meets his fate shall be sealed from there the dark
Mother herself, the hell weaver, shall claim his soul, not satan.
By the time Muriel finished her curse, the sky had
turned dark. Even though it was a bitterly cold winter day,
(10:26):
Lightning broke through the sky. Knowing her curse had been
both granted and sealed, she faced Shardon one final time,
catching his eyes. It is done, she hissed, Your fate
is sealed, Sharden Capwell. Only when one of your male
(10:47):
descendants truly gives his heart to an Arkham woman, shall
my curse truly end. Shardan turned and went to the executioner.
After ordering him away, he took hold of the rope
and let go of it without a second thought. The
(11:08):
sharp blade fell fast and hit its mark. Red lightning
shot downward and struck Magistrate Capwell dead on the spot.
Shardan screamed defiantly at the sky as he grabbed the
(11:30):
now decapitated head of Muriel Arkham by its long hair
and raised it high. For striking down my father this day,
this is what shall become of all of your kind,
dark mother, he screamed. Truly, this Christmas day would be
(11:53):
one to remember in the village of Mirn. The new
magistrate didn't take his tongue to mourn the loss of
his father. From there, he ordered his new troops into action.
He would find and obliterate each and every member of
(12:13):
Muriel's coven. If it was the last thing he ever did.
Present day, Grant Capwell worked in one of the science
labs at Strickfield University as he recorded the results of
his experiment, which was his final exam for chemistry class.
(12:39):
He couldn't wait to be done so he could start
the holiday break. When he saw that he was continuing
to get his desired results, he knew he had passed
the exam. When the professor saw this, he told Grant
to finish up and leave. No sooner had he left
(13:00):
the classroom. Then he saw his girlfriend, Spencer Mirn, across
the hall. She was easy to identify by the glistening
choker she wore around her neck. He went right to
her so they could share a few brief kisses. You finished,
she asked, Yes, ma'am he replied. She took his hand.
(13:26):
Then we're out of here until mid January. Let's go.
The two of them left University Hall and moved across
the campus. They decided to treat themselves to celebratory holiday
drinks at the Bitter End at Wilder Hall, the student
union building. They walked across the food court there and
(13:49):
entered the coffee house. Can I help you, A feminine
voice called out, to them. Spencer gave her order. When
she saw that Grant was looking over the fliers on
the bulletin board, she bumped his arm. You ordering, Grant
snapped out of it. Yeah, yeah, Then he turned to
(14:12):
face the barista. He was about to apologize for not
paying attention when his eyes met hers. The barista was
the most bewitching young woman he had ever seen. Her long,
raven black hair flowed elegantly. Her bright green eyes looked
(14:33):
like emeralds that glowed whether light was present or not.
Grant felt his heart pounding fast. Grant Spencer called out again,
breaking him out of his gaze. He shook his head
quickly and realized where he was. Sorry, Spence. He took
(14:56):
a deep breath and looked at the barista again. Sorry,
it's the end of the semester. Just getting used to
being on holiday break now. He glanced at her name
tag Muriel. That's okay, Muriel replied softly. What can I
(15:17):
make for you a peppermint mocha? Please? Grant replied. Spencer
went to pay, but Grant stopped her. When he gave
Muriel a bill, their hands met, he couldn't help noticing
how soft her hand felt their eyes met again. Keep
(15:41):
the change, Grant stammered. Muriel nodded, thank you. When she
went to make their drinks, Spencer narrowed her eyes on him.
Why don't you just ask for her number? Grant rolled
his eyes. Oh, come on, He took her hand. You
(16:03):
are my girlfriend, Spence, but she wasn't letting him off
the hook. You sure you're not imagining the two of
us in a threesome together. Grant gawked at her, jealous
are we? They were both silent. Soon, Muriel appeared at
the counter again and placed their drinks down. When Grant
(16:28):
went to take them, their eyes met yet again. Muriel
smiled at him. Have a nice break. Grant wished her
the same before he handed Spencer her drink. From there,
the two of them left Wilder Hall. Spencer had to
(16:49):
straighten out some things with one professor over an exam
and said she would meet him later. Grant thought about
returning to the Bitter End just to look at Muriel again,
but he remembered that Spencer had been his girl friend
since junior high. The two of them had many many
(17:11):
memories together. He decided to hang out at the Strickfield
Town Center Mall at least there he could get more
into the Christmas spirit by checking out that amazing winter
wonderland that was set up every season. He knew that
Harmony Miron owned the Mall and silently complimented her on
(17:33):
yet another series of new scenes. Grant looked forward to
hanging out at the Mall ever since Harmony had taken
it over and promoted Christmas year after year. He was
looking at an animatronic scene of elves loading up Santa's sleigh.
The reindeer were all turning their heads and waiting for
(17:56):
the Jolly Old Kringle himself to get aboard and command them.
Rudolph especially was waiting with his glowing red nose. But
what glowed even brighter than Rudolph's nose at that moment
were the two green emeralds that stared across the way
(18:17):
at him. Muriel, he whispered. The two of them moved
to meet each other halfway. She wasn't wearing her apron
from the Bitter End, but he remembered her outfit, a
dark blouse with a mini skirt on her feet. She
wore ankle boots. She still wore the choker with the
(18:40):
fire opal around her neck. I can't believe I ran
into you twice in one day, Grant managed to say, right,
She replied, so how are you. Grant and Muriel slowly
made their way around them, all talking about anything and everything.
(19:04):
It had never occurred to Grant that he was spending
time with another woman, nor was he thinking of Spencer
at all, or that they were holding hands fingers interlaced.
Grant finally realized this when the two of them went
to turn in opposite directions and were suddenly face to
(19:28):
face with one another. He found he had his free
arm around her back. Her perfume was evident as he
stared into those bright green eyes again. The two of
them refused to break eye contact. Grant was only dimly
aware that his heart was pounding rapidly, his lips were
(19:53):
just an inch from hers, and not caring who might
see them, Grant kissed her, Muriel kissed him back. It
lasted for several minutes before they finally disengaged. He couldn't
(20:15):
believe he had just and he kissed her again. Now
they had their arms wrapped around each other, they were
completely oblivious to the person who muttered get a room.
Grant and Muriel were indeed, in a room together, an
(20:39):
ancient room, they made passionate love again and again by torchlight.
Grant didn't want to stop touching or smelling her, and
he couldn't stop his heart from pounding. Neither of them
seemed to tire of their love making. They became exhausted
(21:02):
and lay together in the four poster bed, falling asleep
in each other's arms. Grant woke suddenly and realized he
was in his own bed sweating. Then he realized he
had had one of those dreams again after several years,
(21:25):
and went to the shower to clean himself up. As
he let the water rain down on him, he cursed
himself for not being true to Spencer. But she was
not there with him at the moment, was she No,
She was staying at her family home in the Mire
(21:46):
and gated community. It was no secret that her parents
did not approve of Grant, and had even told Spencer
she could do so much better. But how he muttered
to himself, Grant kept a four point zero GPA. He
always made good on his grants and scholarships. Sure, he
(22:10):
didn't come from money like Spencer's family, which is why
he figured her parents looked down on him, but she
still always gave him the time of day. She became
his girlfriend and the love of his life. But then
he met the beautiful Muriel Arkham. Why can't I stop
(22:33):
thinking about you? He asked her, even though she wasn't
there to answer him. Grant finished his shower and grabbed
a towel. He went into his bedroom and saw his
smartphone was lit up. He grabbed it and saw Muriel.
(22:53):
Then he remembered the two of them had exchanged numbers.
Grant picked up his phone and saw three texts from her.
I can't sleep you there, can we talk? Grant started
to type a response, then he stopped and closed his eyes. No,
(23:17):
I love Spencer. I can't do this. Then he got
one more text from Muriel, I can't stop thinking about
you without any further restraint. He did Muriel one better
and responded by facetiming her. There was only a single
(23:38):
ring before Muriel's face appeared. I'm sorry, Grant, but I
really can't stop thinking about you. I want to see
you again. Grant could have told her why they shouldn't
enter into what would be a forbidden affair, but he
knew that he desired her just as badly as she
(24:01):
did him. I want to see you too, he conceded,
Where do you live? One second, she replied, There were
no torchlights or four poster bed As Grant and Muriel
were making heated love. The real Muriel was much better
(24:24):
than the one in his burning dream. In Muriel's loft,
they could literally feel each other, become each other, experience
each other fully. At one point, Grant cried out when
Muriel raked her finger nails down his back as she
screamed in climax. He wasn't sure if he was bleeding,
(24:49):
but he didn't care. He wasn't sure why he was
so unbelievably drawn to Muriel. It was almost mourning when
they finished making love and were resting together. Grant spooned
up behind her and was holding her close. They kissed
(25:09):
passionately several more times before they finally just held each
other and talked. Stay with me, she beckoned softly. He
squeezed her gently. No, I don't want to go. Eventually
the two of them fell asleep. Grant woke up and
(25:36):
knew he was still holding on to Muriel. He prayed
to whatever deity might have been listening that what had
happened wasn't all another steamy dream. As soon as Muriel's
scent filled his nostrils, he knew it was no dream,
especially when he felt her warm, silky back against his chest.
(26:03):
Grant saw the only thing Muriel wore was the choker
with the fire opal A part of him wanted to
remove it so he could kiss her neck there. As
he was about to, Muriel moaned softly and turned on
to her back. She got out of bed and took
(26:25):
his hand, bringing him to her shower, where they would
share some more passion together. Even then, Muriel never removed
her choker. He thought she looked damn sexy wearing just
that and nothing else. For a brief moment, Grant knew
(26:45):
that he had betrayed Spencer, but that thought was driven
from his mind as soon as he lost himself in
Muriel's embrace again. The pain on his back was evident
when mere Eel's hands caressed him there, they stopped kissing
so she could check him. Grant assured her that he
(27:08):
was all right. Then he caressed the side of her face.
I love you, he told her. A tear suddenly shot
down her cheek. I I love you. Grant shook his head.
What's happening, Muriel? We just met. He held her tenderly,
(27:31):
looking deep into her eyes, caressing her cheek, He asked,
do you want to stop this? She shook her head slowly. No.
I feel like I've waited for you forever. He smiled
a little funny, I feel the same way now, He looked, sad.
(27:57):
What am I going to tell Spencer? You don't have
to tell her by yourself, she promised. We'll talk to
her together. If you're really breaking up with her, she
should at least know who the other woman is. I
don't want to be your mistress. That afternoon, Grant and
(28:22):
Muriel really didn't need to explain everything to Spencer. One
of her friends had seen the new couple at the
mall and taken pictures with their phone. She couldn't send
the picks to Spencer fast enough. As for the meeting itself,
it didn't go very well. Spencer screamed and swore at Grant,
(28:46):
asking him what Muriel suddenly had that she didn't have
in the years they had been in their solid relationship together.
What the fuck did I do wrong? Grant? Tell me?
She came at him and started him with her fists.
You owe me that, you bastard. But Grant couldn't tell
her why he was so deeply in love with Muriel
(29:11):
or how she felt the same way for him. Even
Muriel didn't seem to know what to tell Spencer. She
pushed him away and pointed at Muriel, go ahead and
keep sleeping with her. I promise you both you'll be sorry.
Then she turned and walked away from them, crying and
(29:31):
in great emotional pain. Grant wanted to go after her
and say something, to try and make it right, but
who was he kidding. Muriel approached Grant and held him.
I'm sorry, I feel like such a bitch right now.
He held her in return and looked into her eyes.
(29:55):
I'm just as much to blame here, and I feel
rotten too. The two of them never made a move
to leave each other, making them both understand that it
was just them against the world. Now they really didn't
have to hide from anyone anymore. If anything, it would
(30:16):
make the most sense that Spencer's parents were glad that
their daughter wasn't seeing him anymore. It was Christmas Eve
when Grant finished moving into Muriel's loft. Now they were
again christening the bed they had first consummated their love
(30:40):
in the two of them threw their unbridled passion at
one another. This second time was even better than the first.
Muriel raked his back yet again during an intense climax.
Grant didn't care at all. This time, he knew that
he would bear anything for Muriel. The two of them
(31:04):
fell asleep together after a time, with him spooning up
behind her. In a flash, the scenery changed. Instead of
Muriel's loft, it looked more like an ancient dungeon. Like
the dream in the ancient bedroom, the dungeon was lit
by torches. Muriel suddenly appeared, but she was in a cell.
(31:31):
He himself was outside. Muriel wasn't wearing her choker. She
looked hurt and began to cry. Why, she choked out why,
Grant uttered, I don't understand what is all this? She
(31:52):
shook her head quickly. Why did you betray me? You
came to me when you were greatly ill. I cured
you of the disease that was killing you. You vowed
you would woo me and win my heart for saving
your life. You won my heart and my body. You
(32:12):
betted me many times saying that you loved me and
vowed to marry me. I believed your lies. She came apart,
and you betrayed me. Grant shook his head. But but
I didn't, Muriel. I truly love you with all my
(32:34):
heart and soul. Suddenly Muriel gasped and brought her hands
to her neck. Grant cried out in utter horror as
her skin parted all the way around her throat. Then
her head fell off and landed on the floor at
(32:55):
her feet. Her body fell flat on its back. Now
her head was staring right at him, eyes wide open.
You betrayed me, Muriel's disembodied voice echoed, I shall have
(33:19):
your very soul for this. Grant scream and bolted upright
in bed. He screamed again when he felt hands moving
around him, what's wrong? Upon hearing Muriel's voice, he calmed
(33:39):
down and looked at her. Then he grabbed her to
him and held her close. I keep having these dreams,
he confided, It's you and me. Each time this last
one ended horribly. Embraced him back. Talk to me, Grant
(34:05):
explained his reoccurring nightmares. Why is this happening, Muriel, he asked,
am I damned in some way? Is that what you
losing your head meant? You said, I betrayed you. I
know I betrayed Spencer by taking you as my girlfriend,
(34:25):
but he sighed, I'm so scared. They held each other
for a long while. Then Muriel said, I'm here for
you always. I've only known you for a few days,
but I feel like I've known you my whole life.
(34:46):
I know I love you, and I you, she returned.
They separated just long enough to look at each other.
Then Grant just blurted it out, marry me. She looked
at him with wide eyes. What he was about to
(35:09):
repeat what he had said, but she slowly raised her hand. No,
I heard you. I just could we really get married
just like that? I really don't understand why I'm having
these nightmares. I started having them just after I first
met you. I know it was you in the dreams.
(35:33):
At the same time it wasn't you. I remember making
love to you in the first dream for sure. Muriel sighed,
my family has a history of witchcraft and magic. But
(35:53):
how did I betray you? Grant groaned, That's what I
don't understand. Did I do something that caused your death?
And the nightmare. Muriel shook her head. Listen to me, Grant.
I'm here for you and we're living together now. Grant
(36:14):
put a gentle hand on the side of her face.
Maybe it is because I betrayed Spencer. Believe me, I'm
fully aware I'll have to live with that one. But
I promise I'll never betray you. I love you there now,
I've given you my heart and soul. He looked at
(36:37):
her solemnly, and yeah, I think I do mean it.
Marry me today today, She choked. How yeah, Grant, I'll
marry you. I love you with all my heart. But
how do we get married today? It's Christmas Eve? Who's
(37:00):
going to conduct a last minute wedding today? Grant turned
and grabbed his phone. I do, Grant said, looking into
Muriel's eyes. Then the judge spoke to her. I sure do,
she told Grant, looking deep into his eyes as well.
(37:25):
The judge pronounced them husband and wife. They kissed each
other as the judge witnessed Hugh kids were lucky. I
forgot I left my laptop here last night. Had to
drive all the way from Pendleton just to get it.
The judge told them. Besides, it's Christmas I wasn't going
(37:45):
to keep you kids from being happy. If this is
what you both really want, Grant and Muriel both thanked
the judge again and then left the courthouse. The judge
locked the doors behind them. Wow we really did it,
Muriel said, in disbelief. I just met you and and
(38:10):
I married you. I know. Grant replied with the same disbelief.
Then he took both of her hands in his I
mean it, Muriel, I won't ever betray you. I love you,
and I'll spend every day proving it to you again
and again. She squeezed his hand. Then take me home
(38:34):
and prove it to me. Grant found himself in the
Middle Ages again, only now he was standing on a platform.
He couldn't believe he was looking at an actual guillotine.
The blade itself was down, and there were splatters of blood,
(38:59):
especially on the pillow placed in front of the lethal
execution device. This is what became of me on Christmas
so many years ago, Muriel's voice called out to him.
Grant turned around and saw her standing before him. This
(39:19):
is what your betrayal meant for me, Muriel said, in
an eerie voice. You promised me your heart. I gave
you my own, but you chose wealth and prestige over me.
You betrayed me. Shardon. Grant noticed the choker around Muriel's neck.
(39:43):
Like in the present, it bore the same fire opal.
Muriel pointed at him. I cursed all male Capwell descendants
on this day. The curses finally ended because you, you
truly gave your love to another woman from my bloodline.
(40:05):
She laughed coldly. But I do not care. I shall
never release you. My rage has transcended my death. Then
she swore in a disembodied voice, you shall die. Muriel
withered as she stood in front of him. Then she
(40:29):
screamed and lunged. Grant woke up, gasping. Muriel woke as
well and turned on the lamp. He turned to her.
I'm still having those dreams. You're still in the Muriel.
I didn't betray you. I didn't condemn you to die,
(40:52):
and my name's not Chardon. Suddenly the door burst open.
Spencer Mirn entered with a shotgun in her hands. You
think I don't know who you really are, Muriel Arkham,
You're not the only one with a family that has
(41:13):
a history of magic. She looked at Grant I know
now you didn't betray me yourself. She ensnared you to her.
She glared at Muriel, I'm taking my man back, you bitch.
Muriel became angry. No, I just married him. His everything
(41:36):
is mine. Grant couldn't believe he had two women willing
to fight for him. Spencer pumped the shotgun. It's not
a guillotine, but it'll take your head off just the
same Muriel took Grant's arm. You swore you wouldn't betray me.
You have to stop her. You have to kill her.
(42:00):
At first, Grant hesitated, then he felt his body move
on its own. He shot off the bed and went
right at Spencer. He grabbed hold of her shoulders and
threw her to the floor. He yanked her back to
her feet and struck her down. She hit the floor hard.
(42:22):
Spencer moved fast and snatched the gun before Grant could
grab hold of her again. She swung the butt and
caught him under the chin. I'm sorry, love, but I
have to save you from her. With Grant dazed, Muriel
got out of bed. Her hands were claw like as
(42:45):
she glared at Spencer. His heart is finally mine. It
didn't have to be like this. I wanted to let
you down easy with the break up. It still hurts,
Spencer admitted, Then I'll ease your suffering. Muriel yelled, her
(43:06):
hands glowing. No chance of that. Spencer disagreed, not with
how much I love him. As Muriel was about to
use her magic, Spencer raised her shotgun and shot her
in the ribs. Muriel clutched her wound and fell to
one knee. Spencer pumped the shotgun and shot Muriel again
(43:31):
in the heart. This time, the naked woman fell onto
the bed and remained deathly still. Spencer turned to see
Grant getting up. What happened? He looked up Spence, She
dropped the gun and lowered herself to Grant. I saved
(43:53):
you from that witch. When they stood up, Grant grabbed
his pants and pulled them on. Then he listened as
Spencer explained everything. I couldn't just let you go, Spencer explained,
even when my parents told me to. We have too
much history together and I wasn't going to just let
(44:17):
you be ensnared by her. I love you, Grant, and
I always will. The two of them came together and
kissed passionately. When they came apart, Grant noticed Muriel's body.
He sat down beside it and unclasped the choker. When
(44:40):
it fell to the floor, they watched as the skin
began separating around the neck. Soon, Muriel's head fell off
her body and landed on the floor with a loud thud.
Grant shook his head. Let's get out of your Spence.
(45:03):
She retrieved her shotgun and the two of them made
their exit. When they entered their room at Strickfield Inn,
Grant snatched Spencer's shoulders and began to cry. I'm so
sorry I hurt you. It wasn't you, Spencer whispered. They
(45:27):
found themselves kissing passionately again. When they came apart, she
caressed the side of his cheek. I love you and
I forgive you. I have to. It's Christmas now. Grant
saw the clock by the bed twelve thirteen am. When
(45:50):
he turned back to Spencer, he saw her removing her clothes.
Then she got into bed. I'm waiting, she and but
Grant hesitated. I married Muriel, and after death did you part?
Spencer pointed out. Now, if you want to spend the
(46:14):
rest of your life with me, then come here and
make love to me. Grant felt like he didn't deserve
her in spite of knowing that Muriel had ensnared him,
but he knew he truly loved Spencer and was thankful
for this second chance on Christmas. In fact, Grant and
(46:40):
Spencer eloped in North Ridgeway before the new year had come. Well,
my spookies, that was a Christmas romance. And maybe the
snow outside your window looks peaceful right now, but you
(47:03):
know better, because in Strickfield, Christmas doesn't end when the
lights go out. It lingers, it waits, it watches, and
if you listen close enough, you can almost hear the
old curses moving under the carols. Soft as falling flakes,
sharp as a blade. So lock the door, check the window,
(47:26):
and if you're sharing your heart tonight, make sure it's
really yours to give, because tomorrow we're not doing a
cute little ghost story. We have a novella length nightmare
and a surprise return of someone you've missed for all
the wrong reasons. The Angel of Death, a snow choked highway,
(47:49):
a neon green fire that shouldn't exist, and a thing
that won't stay dead, and the kind of Christmas Eve
that turns your hometown into a crime scene, So subscribe
and come back here Tomorrowmorrow to hear it all. And
an extra special thank you to our Patreon podcast boosters,
folks who pay just a little bit more at Weeklyspooky
dot com slash Join to support the show and hear
(48:10):
their name at the end of it. They are Johnny Nix,
Kate and Lulu, Jessica Fuller, Micah Skewey, Jenny Green, Amber Hansford,
Karen we Met, Jack Kerr, and Craig Cohen. Thank you
guys so much, and if you want to hear your
name at the end of the show, just head to
Weeklyspooky dot com slash Join and sign up. At fifteen
dollars a month or higher. You'll get the two monthly
(48:31):
bonus episodes, you'll get over five years of creepy pasta
and audiobooks, and my undying gratitude Weeklyspooky dot Com slash Join.
But now my Spooky's I gotta get back to work
because a whole novella will not record itself, especially not
if you're going to unwrap it tomorrow. So for myself,
for my executive producers Rob Fields and Bobbletopia dot Com,
(48:55):
my producer Dan Wilder, and of course my creepy composer
Ray Maddis. I'll talk. I'll catch you tomorrow. Thank you
for listening to me. Make sure to find your way
back next week. But for now you are safe. Trust me,
A witch kneels at the blade on Christmas Day, and
with her last words, she curses a bloodline. Centuries later,
in Snowbound Strickfield, a college romance ignites too fast, dreams
turn into warnings, and a Christmas Eve wedding rings like
(00:20):
a trap. The hell weaver is listening, and she wants
what was promised? How did you get in here? Oh?
(00:42):
What's that? You want? To be scared her to come
with me. This is Weekly Spooky. Hello, my spookys, It's Wednesday,
(01:17):
and you know what that means. It's time for a
little spooky in your weekly I'm your host and narrator,
Enrique Kuto. And well, there's actually been spooky every day
in December, and I hope you've been enjoying it as
much as I have. Nothing quite brings me happiness like
(01:39):
spinning a scary story, especially on the backdrop of a beautiful, peaceful,
colorful holiday season. Tonight's story may sound like it belongs
on the Hallmark Channel, but don't you worry. Don't judge
a gift by its wrapping paper. Before we get to that,
(02:01):
I want to say thank you all so much for
joining me on Weekly Spooky and allowing me to be
a part of your holiday season. Make sure you're subscribed
because tomorrow we drop yet another story. In this time
it's a novella featuring the return of a certain angel
(02:21):
of death, so you won't want to miss it. And
if you love what we do here at Weekly Spooky
and want to support us, we'd certainly appreciate it, head
to Weeklyspooky dot com slash join for as little as
one dollar a month. You get two bonus shows every
single month and over five years of exclusive creepypasta readings
(02:45):
and audiobooks at Weeklyspooky dot com slash join. And on Friday,
I'll be returning on cutting Deep into Horror talking about
a ghostly, wintry holiday horror film called dead End, so
don't miss that either. And on Saturday, we have one
more massive compilation of Christmas horrors for you to enjoy,
(03:07):
whether you're traveling, doing housework, wrapping presents, or anything and
everything in between, because now is the time when the
season has its foot heavy on the pedal, and we're
here to keep it spooky. Now. As for tonight, what
(03:28):
if a witch's last words on Christmas Day did not
die with her but echoed through the snow for centuries,
waiting for the right couple to collide. What if the
person you can't stop thinking about isn't fate at all,
(03:48):
just a trap with a heartbeat. And what if the
closer you get to Christmas, the closer something ancient gets
to you. If you're ready for a winter romance where
the vows are real but the love might not be,
(04:11):
then listen close and bundle up because it's cold out there.
A Christmas Romance by Rob Fields. The Middle Ages. Muriel
(04:34):
Arcam was being taken through her village by two guards
on Christmas Day. The people stood along the snowy dirt streets,
many of them chanting curses and other vile things at her,
which demon woman, Satan's whore, Hell's daughter. Muriel struggled to
(05:00):
get free, but the guards holding her were far too strong.
Even if she did break loose, she wouldn't have gotten
far with her wrists tied together behind her back. She
staggered a few times, but the men kept her on
her feet and moving. There's no question of your guilt,
(05:23):
which one of them said. You're tasting the blade this
very day. You were caught seducing the magistrate's only son,
the other added there was no question about her being
found with Chardon Capwell. The two of them had been
in a state of intimacy when Magistrate Capwell burst into
(05:47):
her bedchamber with two guards and ordered Muriel to be
arrested immediately. Naked, she had been taken to the dungeon
and given lashes across her back. What hurt Muriel even more.
What hurt Muriel even more was that Shardan never once
(06:09):
stood up for her, in spite of their secret romance
to her. His betrayal hurt even worse than the whip itself.
The emotional pain felt heavier when she saw the magistrate
and Shardan standing together. Next to them was the very
(06:31):
blade the guard mentioned, in the form of a guillotine.
The blade was raised all the way to the top.
Just in front of it, at the bottom was a pillow.
The guard forced Muriel to climb the steps leading to
the platform. They brought her to the podium and forced
(06:55):
her to kneel in front of Magistrate Capwell. Went quiet fast,
you stand before me on this Christmas day, Muriel Arkham.
He said loudly. The citizens of the village of Miron
should be home celebrating the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead,
(07:20):
you force us to deal with you. On this day.
You were witnessed time and again using magic in the
form of your potions. You are even observed seducing my
one and only son. It was Shardon himself who chose
his soul over allowing you to bring him to hell.
(07:42):
Whom you serve lies all lies, Muriel screamed. Shardan stepped
forward and slapped her hand across the face, drawing blood
at her mouth. She looked up at him, showing even
more pain and hurt at both the injury and his
(08:04):
further betrayal. She couldn't hold back any longer and began
to cry, your tears will not save you, which Chardon
told her scornfully. I cannot believe I allowed myself to
love you, an evil witch. You nearly claimed my soul
(08:25):
for Satan, your lord and master. Let us see if
he helps you out of the hand that you have
dealt yourself. Muriel raised her teary eyes. It was you
who claimed my heart, Chardon. You made me believe that
you truly loved and cared for me the way I
(08:48):
did for you. But you have betrayed me to save
face in front of your own father. If you truly
mean to end my life, then your betray shall not
go unpunished. Be silent, witch, Magistrate Capwell ordered her, or
you shall he shook his head quickly enough place the
(09:13):
witch within the guillotine Immediately. Muriel's hurt turned to anger.
As she was placed within the guillotine, she yelled, I
shall not be silent in what I must say. I
have only used my gifts to heal others, But on
this twenty fifth of December, I shall use them to
(09:38):
curse you, chardon, since it was you who betrayed me
and wrongfully sent me to the guillotine, I shall curse
your lineage. Every son born unto your bloodline from this
day fourth shall become entangled with a member of my
own bloodline, as law sung. As the sun continues to
(10:01):
give scorn to the woman of my people, that he
meets his fate shall be sealed from there the dark
Mother herself, the hell weaver, shall claim his soul, not satan.
By the time Muriel finished her curse, the sky had
turned dark. Even though it was a bitterly cold winter day,
(10:26):
Lightning broke through the sky. Knowing her curse had been
both granted and sealed, she faced Shardon one final time,
catching his eyes. It is done, she hissed, Your fate
is sealed, Sharden Capwell. Only when one of your male
(10:47):
descendants truly gives his heart to an Arkham woman, shall
my curse truly end. Shardan turned and went to the executioner.
After ordering him away, he took hold of the rope
and let go of it without a second thought. The
(11:08):
sharp blade fell fast and hit its mark. Red lightning
shot downward and struck Magistrate Capwell dead on the spot.
Shardan screamed defiantly at the sky as he grabbed the
(11:30):
now decapitated head of Muriel Arkham by its long hair
and raised it high. For striking down my father this day,
this is what shall become of all of your kind,
dark mother, he screamed. Truly, this Christmas day would be
(11:53):
one to remember in the village of Mirn. The new
magistrate didn't take his tongue to mourn the loss of
his father. From there, he ordered his new troops into action.
He would find and obliterate each and every member of
(12:13):
Muriel's coven. If it was the last thing he ever did.
Present day, Grant Capwell worked in one of the science
labs at Strickfield University as he recorded the results of
his experiment, which was his final exam for chemistry class.
(12:39):
He couldn't wait to be done so he could start
the holiday break. When he saw that he was continuing
to get his desired results, he knew he had passed
the exam. When the professor saw this, he told Grant
to finish up and leave. No sooner had he left
(13:00):
the classroom. Then he saw his girlfriend, Spencer Mirn, across
the hall. She was easy to identify by the glistening
choker she wore around her neck. He went right to
her so they could share a few brief kisses. You finished,
she asked, Yes, ma'am he replied. She took his hand.
(13:26):
Then we're out of here until mid January. Let's go.
The two of them left University Hall and moved across
the campus. They decided to treat themselves to celebratory holiday
drinks at the Bitter End at Wilder Hall, the student
union building. They walked across the food court there and
(13:49):
entered the coffee house. Can I help you, A feminine
voice called out, to them. Spencer gave her order. When
she saw that Grant was looking over the fliers on
the bulletin board, she bumped his arm. You ordering, Grant
snapped out of it. Yeah, yeah, Then he turned to
(14:12):
face the barista. He was about to apologize for not
paying attention when his eyes met hers. The barista was
the most bewitching young woman he had ever seen. Her long,
raven black hair flowed elegantly. Her bright green eyes looked
(14:33):
like emeralds that glowed whether light was present or not.
Grant felt his heart pounding fast. Grant Spencer called out again,
breaking him out of his gaze. He shook his head
quickly and realized where he was. Sorry, Spence. He took
(14:56):
a deep breath and looked at the barista again. Sorry,
it's the end of the semester. Just getting used to
being on holiday break now. He glanced at her name
tag Muriel. That's okay, Muriel replied softly. What can I
(15:17):
make for you a peppermint mocha? Please? Grant replied. Spencer
went to pay, but Grant stopped her. When he gave
Muriel a bill, their hands met, he couldn't help noticing
how soft her hand felt their eyes met again. Keep
(15:41):
the change, Grant stammered. Muriel nodded, thank you. When she
went to make their drinks, Spencer narrowed her eyes on him.
Why don't you just ask for her number? Grant rolled
his eyes. Oh, come on, He took her hand. You
(16:03):
are my girlfriend, Spence, but she wasn't letting him off
the hook. You sure you're not imagining the two of
us in a threesome together. Grant gawked at her, jealous
are we? They were both silent. Soon, Muriel appeared at
the counter again and placed their drinks down. When Grant
(16:28):
went to take them, their eyes met yet again. Muriel
smiled at him. Have a nice break. Grant wished her
the same before he handed Spencer her drink. From there,
the two of them left Wilder Hall. Spencer had to
(16:49):
straighten out some things with one professor over an exam
and said she would meet him later. Grant thought about
returning to the Bitter End just to look at Muriel again,
but he remembered that Spencer had been his girl friend
since junior high. The two of them had many many
(17:11):
memories together. He decided to hang out at the Strickfield
Town Center Mall at least there he could get more
into the Christmas spirit by checking out that amazing winter
wonderland that was set up every season. He knew that
Harmony Miron owned the Mall and silently complimented her on
(17:33):
yet another series of new scenes. Grant looked forward to
hanging out at the Mall ever since Harmony had taken
it over and promoted Christmas year after year. He was
looking at an animatronic scene of elves loading up Santa's sleigh.
The reindeer were all turning their heads and waiting for
(17:56):
the Jolly Old Kringle himself to get aboard and command them.
Rudolph especially was waiting with his glowing red nose. But
what glowed even brighter than Rudolph's nose at that moment
were the two green emeralds that stared across the way
(18:17):
at him. Muriel, he whispered. The two of them moved
to meet each other halfway. She wasn't wearing her apron
from the Bitter End, but he remembered her outfit, a
dark blouse with a mini skirt on her feet. She
wore ankle boots. She still wore the choker with the
(18:40):
fire opal around her neck. I can't believe I ran
into you twice in one day, Grant managed to say, right,
She replied, so how are you. Grant and Muriel slowly
made their way around them, all talking about anything and everything.
(19:04):
It had never occurred to Grant that he was spending
time with another woman, nor was he thinking of Spencer
at all, or that they were holding hands fingers interlaced.
Grant finally realized this when the two of them went
to turn in opposite directions and were suddenly face to
(19:28):
face with one another. He found he had his free
arm around her back. Her perfume was evident as he
stared into those bright green eyes again. The two of
them refused to break eye contact. Grant was only dimly
aware that his heart was pounding rapidly, his lips were
(19:53):
just an inch from hers, and not caring who might
see them, Grant kissed her, Muriel kissed him back. It
lasted for several minutes before they finally disengaged. He couldn't
(20:15):
believe he had just and he kissed her again. Now
they had their arms wrapped around each other, they were
completely oblivious to the person who muttered get a room.
Grant and Muriel were indeed, in a room together, an
(20:39):
ancient room, they made passionate love again and again by torchlight.
Grant didn't want to stop touching or smelling her, and
he couldn't stop his heart from pounding. Neither of them
seemed to tire of their love making. They became exhausted
(21:02):
and lay together in the four poster bed, falling asleep
in each other's arms. Grant woke suddenly and realized he
was in his own bed sweating. Then he realized he
had had one of those dreams again after several years,
(21:25):
and went to the shower to clean himself up. As
he let the water rain down on him, he cursed
himself for not being true to Spencer. But she was
not there with him at the moment, was she No,
She was staying at her family home in the Mire
(21:46):
and gated community. It was no secret that her parents
did not approve of Grant, and had even told Spencer
she could do so much better. But how he muttered
to himself, Grant kept a four point zero GPA. He
always made good on his grants and scholarships. Sure, he
(22:10):
didn't come from money like Spencer's family, which is why
he figured her parents looked down on him, but she
still always gave him the time of day. She became
his girlfriend and the love of his life. But then
he met the beautiful Muriel Arkham. Why can't I stop
(22:33):
thinking about you? He asked her, even though she wasn't
there to answer him. Grant finished his shower and grabbed
a towel. He went into his bedroom and saw his
smartphone was lit up. He grabbed it and saw Muriel.
(22:53):
Then he remembered the two of them had exchanged numbers.
Grant picked up his phone and saw three texts from her.
I can't sleep you there, can we talk? Grant started
to type a response, then he stopped and closed his eyes. No,
(23:17):
I love Spencer. I can't do this. Then he got
one more text from Muriel, I can't stop thinking about
you without any further restraint. He did Muriel one better
and responded by facetiming her. There was only a single
(23:38):
ring before Muriel's face appeared. I'm sorry, Grant, but I
really can't stop thinking about you. I want to see
you again. Grant could have told her why they shouldn't
enter into what would be a forbidden affair, but he
knew that he desired her just as badly as she
(24:01):
did him. I want to see you too, he conceded,
Where do you live? One second, she replied, There were
no torchlights or four poster bed As Grant and Muriel
were making heated love. The real Muriel was much better
(24:24):
than the one in his burning dream. In Muriel's loft,
they could literally feel each other, become each other, experience
each other fully. At one point, Grant cried out when
Muriel raked her finger nails down his back as she
screamed in climax. He wasn't sure if he was bleeding,
(24:49):
but he didn't care. He wasn't sure why he was
so unbelievably drawn to Muriel. It was almost mourning when
they finished making love and were resting together. Grant spooned
up behind her and was holding her close. They kissed
(25:09):
passionately several more times before they finally just held each
other and talked. Stay with me, she beckoned softly. He
squeezed her gently. No, I don't want to go. Eventually
the two of them fell asleep. Grant woke up and
(25:36):
knew he was still holding on to Muriel. He prayed
to whatever deity might have been listening that what had
happened wasn't all another steamy dream. As soon as Muriel's
scent filled his nostrils, he knew it was no dream,
especially when he felt her warm, silky back against his chest.
(26:03):
Grant saw the only thing Muriel wore was the choker
with the fire opal A part of him wanted to
remove it so he could kiss her neck there. As
he was about to, Muriel moaned softly and turned on
to her back. She got out of bed and took
(26:25):
his hand, bringing him to her shower, where they would
share some more passion together. Even then, Muriel never removed
her choker. He thought she looked damn sexy wearing just
that and nothing else. For a brief moment, Grant knew
(26:45):
that he had betrayed Spencer, but that thought was driven
from his mind as soon as he lost himself in
Muriel's embrace again. The pain on his back was evident
when mere Eel's hands caressed him there, they stopped kissing
so she could check him. Grant assured her that he
(27:08):
was all right. Then he caressed the side of her face.
I love you, he told her. A tear suddenly shot
down her cheek. I I love you. Grant shook his head.
What's happening, Muriel? We just met. He held her tenderly,
(27:31):
looking deep into her eyes, caressing her cheek, He asked,
do you want to stop this? She shook her head slowly. No.
I feel like I've waited for you forever. He smiled
a little funny, I feel the same way now, He looked, sad.
(27:57):
What am I going to tell Spencer? You don't have
to tell her by yourself, she promised. We'll talk to
her together. If you're really breaking up with her, she
should at least know who the other woman is. I
don't want to be your mistress. That afternoon, Grant and
(28:22):
Muriel really didn't need to explain everything to Spencer. One
of her friends had seen the new couple at the
mall and taken pictures with their phone. She couldn't send
the picks to Spencer fast enough. As for the meeting itself,
it didn't go very well. Spencer screamed and swore at Grant,
(28:46):
asking him what Muriel suddenly had that she didn't have
in the years they had been in their solid relationship together.
What the fuck did I do wrong? Grant? Tell me?
She came at him and started him with her fists.
You owe me that, you bastard. But Grant couldn't tell
her why he was so deeply in love with Muriel
(29:11):
or how she felt the same way for him. Even
Muriel didn't seem to know what to tell Spencer. She
pushed him away and pointed at Muriel, go ahead and
keep sleeping with her. I promise you both you'll be sorry.
Then she turned and walked away from them, crying and
(29:31):
in great emotional pain. Grant wanted to go after her
and say something, to try and make it right, but
who was he kidding. Muriel approached Grant and held him.
I'm sorry, I feel like such a bitch right now.
He held her in return and looked into her eyes.
(29:55):
I'm just as much to blame here, and I feel
rotten too. The two of them never made a move
to leave each other, making them both understand that it
was just them against the world. Now they really didn't
have to hide from anyone anymore. If anything, it would
(30:16):
make the most sense that Spencer's parents were glad that
their daughter wasn't seeing him anymore. It was Christmas Eve
when Grant finished moving into Muriel's loft. Now they were
again christening the bed they had first consummated their love
(30:40):
in the two of them threw their unbridled passion at
one another. This second time was even better than the first.
Muriel raked his back yet again during an intense climax.
Grant didn't care at all. This time, he knew that
he would bear anything for Muriel. The two of them
(31:04):
fell asleep together after a time, with him spooning up
behind her. In a flash, the scenery changed. Instead of
Muriel's loft, it looked more like an ancient dungeon. Like
the dream in the ancient bedroom, the dungeon was lit
by torches. Muriel suddenly appeared, but she was in a cell.
(31:31):
He himself was outside. Muriel wasn't wearing her choker. She
looked hurt and began to cry. Why, she choked out why,
Grant uttered, I don't understand what is all this? She
(31:52):
shook her head quickly. Why did you betray me? You
came to me when you were greatly ill. I cured
you of the disease that was killing you. You vowed
you would woo me and win my heart for saving
your life. You won my heart and my body. You
(32:12):
betted me many times saying that you loved me and
vowed to marry me. I believed your lies. She came apart,
and you betrayed me. Grant shook his head. But but
I didn't, Muriel. I truly love you with all my
(32:34):
heart and soul. Suddenly Muriel gasped and brought her hands
to her neck. Grant cried out in utter horror as
her skin parted all the way around her throat. Then
her head fell off and landed on the floor at
(32:55):
her feet. Her body fell flat on its back. Now
her head was staring right at him, eyes wide open.
You betrayed me, Muriel's disembodied voice echoed, I shall have
(33:19):
your very soul for this. Grant scream and bolted upright
in bed. He screamed again when he felt hands moving
around him, what's wrong? Upon hearing Muriel's voice, he calmed
(33:39):
down and looked at her. Then he grabbed her to
him and held her close. I keep having these dreams,
he confided, It's you and me. Each time this last
one ended horribly. Embraced him back. Talk to me, Grant
(34:05):
explained his reoccurring nightmares. Why is this happening, Muriel, he asked,
am I damned in some way? Is that what you
losing your head meant? You said, I betrayed you. I
know I betrayed Spencer by taking you as my girlfriend,
(34:25):
but he sighed, I'm so scared. They held each other
for a long while. Then Muriel said, I'm here for
you always. I've only known you for a few days,
but I feel like I've known you my whole life.
(34:46):
I know I love you, and I you, she returned.
They separated just long enough to look at each other.
Then Grant just blurted it out, marry me. She looked
at him with wide eyes. What he was about to
(35:09):
repeat what he had said, but she slowly raised her hand. No,
I heard you. I just could we really get married
just like that? I really don't understand why I'm having
these nightmares. I started having them just after I first
met you. I know it was you in the dreams.
(35:33):
At the same time it wasn't you. I remember making
love to you in the first dream for sure. Muriel sighed,
my family has a history of witchcraft and magic. But
(35:53):
how did I betray you? Grant groaned, That's what I
don't understand. Did I do something that caused your death?
And the nightmare. Muriel shook her head. Listen to me, Grant.
I'm here for you and we're living together now. Grant
(36:14):
put a gentle hand on the side of her face.
Maybe it is because I betrayed Spencer. Believe me, I'm
fully aware I'll have to live with that one. But
I promise I'll never betray you. I love you there now,
I've given you my heart and soul. He looked at
(36:37):
her solemnly, and yeah, I think I do mean it.
Marry me today today, She choked. How yeah, Grant, I'll
marry you. I love you with all my heart. But
how do we get married today? It's Christmas Eve? Who's
(37:00):
going to conduct a last minute wedding today? Grant turned
and grabbed his phone. I do, Grant said, looking into
Muriel's eyes. Then the judge spoke to her. I sure do,
she told Grant, looking deep into his eyes as well.
(37:25):
The judge pronounced them husband and wife. They kissed each
other as the judge witnessed Hugh kids were lucky. I
forgot I left my laptop here last night. Had to
drive all the way from Pendleton just to get it.
The judge told them. Besides, it's Christmas I wasn't going
(37:45):
to keep you kids from being happy. If this is
what you both really want, Grant and Muriel both thanked
the judge again and then left the courthouse. The judge
locked the doors behind them. Wow we really did it,
Muriel said, in disbelief. I just met you and and
(38:10):
I married you. I know. Grant replied with the same disbelief.
Then he took both of her hands in his I
mean it, Muriel, I won't ever betray you. I love you,
and I'll spend every day proving it to you again
and again. She squeezed his hand. Then take me home
(38:34):
and prove it to me. Grant found himself in the
Middle Ages again, only now he was standing on a platform.
He couldn't believe he was looking at an actual guillotine.
The blade itself was down, and there were splatters of blood,
(38:59):
especially on the pillow placed in front of the lethal
execution device. This is what became of me on Christmas
so many years ago, Muriel's voice called out to him.
Grant turned around and saw her standing before him. This
(39:19):
is what your betrayal meant for me, Muriel said, in
an eerie voice. You promised me your heart. I gave
you my own, but you chose wealth and prestige over me.
You betrayed me. Shardon. Grant noticed the choker around Muriel's neck.
(39:43):
Like in the present, it bore the same fire opal.
Muriel pointed at him. I cursed all male Capwell descendants
on this day. The curses finally ended because you, you
truly gave your love to another woman from my bloodline.
(40:05):
She laughed coldly. But I do not care. I shall
never release you. My rage has transcended my death. Then
she swore in a disembodied voice, you shall die. Muriel
withered as she stood in front of him. Then she
(40:29):
screamed and lunged. Grant woke up, gasping. Muriel woke as
well and turned on the lamp. He turned to her.
I'm still having those dreams. You're still in the Muriel.
I didn't betray you. I didn't condemn you to die,
(40:52):
and my name's not Chardon. Suddenly the door burst open.
Spencer Mirn entered with a shotgun in her hands. You
think I don't know who you really are, Muriel Arkham,
You're not the only one with a family that has
(41:13):
a history of magic. She looked at Grant I know
now you didn't betray me yourself. She ensnared you to her.
She glared at Muriel, I'm taking my man back, you bitch.
Muriel became angry. No, I just married him. His everything
(41:36):
is mine. Grant couldn't believe he had two women willing
to fight for him. Spencer pumped the shotgun. It's not
a guillotine, but it'll take your head off just the
same Muriel took Grant's arm. You swore you wouldn't betray me.
You have to stop her. You have to kill her.
(42:00):
At first, Grant hesitated, then he felt his body move
on its own. He shot off the bed and went
right at Spencer. He grabbed hold of her shoulders and
threw her to the floor. He yanked her back to
her feet and struck her down. She hit the floor hard.
(42:22):
Spencer moved fast and snatched the gun before Grant could
grab hold of her again. She swung the butt and
caught him under the chin. I'm sorry, love, but I
have to save you from her. With Grant dazed, Muriel
got out of bed. Her hands were claw like as
(42:45):
she glared at Spencer. His heart is finally mine. It
didn't have to be like this. I wanted to let
you down easy with the break up. It still hurts,
Spencer admitted, Then I'll ease your suffering. Muriel yelled, her
(43:06):
hands glowing. No chance of that. Spencer disagreed, not with
how much I love him. As Muriel was about to
use her magic, Spencer raised her shotgun and shot her
in the ribs. Muriel clutched her wound and fell to
one knee. Spencer pumped the shotgun and shot Muriel again
(43:31):
in the heart. This time, the naked woman fell onto
the bed and remained deathly still. Spencer turned to see
Grant getting up. What happened? He looked up Spence, She
dropped the gun and lowered herself to Grant. I saved
(43:53):
you from that witch. When they stood up, Grant grabbed
his pants and pulled them on. Then he listened as
Spencer explained everything. I couldn't just let you go, Spencer explained,
even when my parents told me to. We have too
much history together and I wasn't going to just let
(44:17):
you be ensnared by her. I love you, Grant, and
I always will. The two of them came together and
kissed passionately. When they came apart, Grant noticed Muriel's body.
He sat down beside it and unclasped the choker. When
(44:40):
it fell to the floor, they watched as the skin
began separating around the neck. Soon, Muriel's head fell off
her body and landed on the floor with a loud thud.
Grant shook his head. Let's get out of your Spence.
(45:03):
She retrieved her shotgun and the two of them made
their exit. When they entered their room at Strickfield Inn,
Grant snatched Spencer's shoulders and began to cry. I'm so
sorry I hurt you. It wasn't you, Spencer whispered. They
(45:27):
found themselves kissing passionately again. When they came apart, she
caressed the side of his cheek. I love you and
I forgive you. I have to. It's Christmas now. Grant
saw the clock by the bed twelve thirteen am. When
(45:50):
he turned back to Spencer, he saw her removing her clothes.
Then she got into bed. I'm waiting, she and but
Grant hesitated. I married Muriel, and after death did you part?
Spencer pointed out. Now, if you want to spend the
(46:14):
rest of your life with me, then come here and
make love to me. Grant felt like he didn't deserve
her in spite of knowing that Muriel had ensnared him,
but he knew he truly loved Spencer and was thankful
for this second chance on Christmas. In fact, Grant and
(46:40):
Spencer eloped in North Ridgeway before the new year had come. Well,
my spookies, that was a Christmas romance. And maybe the
snow outside your window looks peaceful right now, but you
(47:03):
know better, because in Strickfield, Christmas doesn't end when the
lights go out. It lingers, it waits, it watches, and
if you listen close enough, you can almost hear the
old curses moving under the carols. Soft as falling flakes,
sharp as a blade. So lock the door, check the window,
(47:26):
and if you're sharing your heart tonight, make sure it's
really yours to give, because tomorrow we're not doing a
cute little ghost story. We have a novella length nightmare
and a surprise return of someone you've missed for all
the wrong reasons. The Angel of Death, a snow choked highway,
(47:49):
a neon green fire that shouldn't exist, and a thing
that won't stay dead, and the kind of Christmas Eve
that turns your hometown into a crime scene, So subscribe
and come back here Tomorrowmorrow to hear it all. And
an extra special thank you to our Patreon podcast boosters,
folks who pay just a little bit more at Weeklyspooky
dot com slash Join to support the show and hear
(48:10):
their name at the end of it. They are Johnny Nix,
Kate and Lulu, Jessica Fuller, Micah Skewey, Jenny Green, Amber Hansford,
Karen we Met, Jack Kerr, and Craig Cohen. Thank you
guys so much, and if you want to hear your
name at the end of the show, just head to
Weeklyspooky dot com slash Join and sign up. At fifteen
dollars a month or higher. You'll get the two monthly
(48:31):
bonus episodes, you'll get over five years of creepy pasta
and audiobooks, and my undying gratitude Weeklyspooky dot Com slash Join.
But now my Spooky's I gotta get back to work
because a whole novella will not record itself, especially not
if you're going to unwrap it tomorrow. So for myself,
for my executive producers Rob Fields and Bobbletopia dot Com,
(48:55):
my producer Dan Wilder, and of course my creepy composer
Ray Maddis. I'll talk. I'll catch you tomorrow. Thank you
for listening to me. Make sure to find your way
back next week. But for now you are safe. Trust me,
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