Maxwell Stegner is also an avid survivalist who grew up in the rugged wilderness of Northern California. His heart belongs to the outdoors and this is where he finds his sense of adventure that fuels his writing. His expertise in surviving harsh conditions and overcoming challenges adds realism and excitement to his stories. He shares his knowledge and skills with his readers and shows them how to adapt and thrive in any situation.
Maxwell Stegner was born in 1984 and lived most of his life in Ukiah, California before moving to the Bay Area where he currently resides with his beautiful wife and two children. He invites you to join him on his writing journey and discover the wonders of speculative fiction. He promises to take you on a thrilling ride that will challenge your mind and stir your emotions.
You can read more from Maxwell right HERE.
SUMMER AT THE PIER
by
Maxwell Stegner
The pier was the place to be on hot summer nights with the cool breeze pushing off the coastal waters. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie orange glow across the sky, the atmosphere took on a sinister undertone. The laughter and joy that once filled the air seemed to fade away, replaced by an unsettling silence that sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to venture onto the pier after dark.
On this particular night, a group of friends decided to test their bravery and explore the pier's mysteries. Sarah, a thrill-seeker with a penchant for the supernatural, led the way. Her friends, Alex, Mark, and Emily, followed hesitantly, their hearts pounding in anticipation of what they might encounter.
As they walked along the wooden planks, the sound of their footsteps echoed eerily, amplifying the sense of foreboding that hung in the air. The cool breeze that once brought relief now felt icy against their skin, causing goosebumps to rise. Unbeknownst to them, a malevolent presence lurked in the shadows, watching their every move.
Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the silence, causing the group to freeze in terror. They turned to see Emily, her face contorted in fear, pointing towards the end of the pier. There, standing alone, was a figure cloaked in darkness. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, reflecting the moonlight like two burning embers.
Heart pounding, Sarah mustered the courage to approach the mysterious figure. As she drew closer, she noticed something unsettling - the figure had no face. It was as if its features had been erased, leaving behind a hollow void. Fear gripped her, but curiosity pushed her forward.
"Who are you?" Sarah's voice trembled as she spoke, her words barely audible over the crashing waves.
The figure remained silent, its presence growing more menacing with each passing second. Suddenly, it raised its arm, pointing towards the ocean. Sarah's eyes followed its gesture, and her blood ran cold. The once calm waters now churned violently, as if a tempest was brewing beneath the surface.
Without warning, a monstrous creature emerged from the depths, its grotesque form illuminated by the moonlight. Its jagged teeth glistened with a sickly green hue, and its eyes burned with an insatiable hunger. The friends stood frozen in terror as the creature lunged towards them, its deafening roar echoing through the night.
In a desperate bid for survival, the group scattered, desperately searching for an escape. Sarah, fueled by adrenaline, led her friends towards a dilapidated shack at the end of the pier. They barricaded themselves inside, their hearts pounding in their chests as the creature's thunderous footsteps grew closer.
As the creature clawed at the door, Sarah noticed a faded photograph hanging on the wall. It depicted a group of people, their faces filled with joy, standing on the very pier they now found themselves trapped on. In that moment, Sarah realized the horrifying truth - they were not the first to encounter this malevolent force.
With a surge of determination, Sarah grabbed a nearby lantern and smashed it against the creature's face, momentarily blinding it. Seizing the opportunity, the group made a daring escape, sprinting towards the safety of the shore.
As they reached the sandy beach, they turned back to see the pier consumed by darkness. The malevolent presence that had haunted their every step was now trapped, forever confined to the pier's cursed domain.
From that day forward, the pier became a place of cautionary tales, a reminder of the horrors that lurked beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic summer night. The laughter and joy that once filled the air were replaced by whispers of the pier's haunted past, serving as a chilling warning to those who dared to venture there after dark.