The Thirty Seven Victims of The Crimson Beast - By Madison Dean

Written By: Madison Dean

Category: Horror and Gothic Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Madison Dean's entry, "The Thirty Seven Victims of The Crimson Beast," is a gripping exploration of horror and gothic fiction. Submitted to the distinguished Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece plunges readers into a chilling narrative of fear and despair. Madison's work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, crafting an atmosphere that is as haunting as it is captivating. The story's theme revolves around the ominous presence of a merciless beast and the tragic fate of its victims, inviting readers to explore the depths of human trepidation and resilience.

About the Work

Madison Dean's narrative weaves a tapestry of suspense and horror, skillfully using vivid imagery and intense emotions to capture the reader's imagination. The work portrays a harrowing scene where the protagonist faces the wrath of a crimson beast, a metaphorical embodiment of rumor and hysteria. Through evocative descriptions and a haunting atmosphere, Madison immerses the audience in a world where fear is palpable and the struggle for survival is both a physical and psychological battle.

The Thirty Seven Victims of The Crimson Beast

Original Submission by Madison Dean

The Thirty-Seven Victims of the Crimson Beast

How could this have happened? I couldn’t comprehend how the people I’d once perceived to be friends had been so gullible. How could I be sentenced to such a horrific fate because of something as insignificant as a rumor?

The crimson flames licked my forearms, leaving only charred remains behind. I feebly attempted to assess the damage done by this beast set upon me, but my restraints inhibited me from gazing upon anything other than the villagers who surrounded me. Though their faces had grown dark and blurry through the smoke that now shrouded my vision, their mocking shouts and taunting jeers beat persistently through my head, perfectly in sync with my throbbing heart.

The ravenous monster clawed its way further up my arms, now tearing at my shoulders with its sweltering tendrils. I barely had the strength to keep my head above the ever-reaching flames, but my will to live remained as strong as the steel I had once believed myself to be made of. I could feel the skin on the back of my neck being slowly lacerated by the wooden beam securing me in the center of the flames climbing closer to my face. The tears I had attempted to hold back came streaming from my eyes and seemed to long for the warmth of the scarlet beast at my neck, luring it steadily higher towards me.

The pain I had struggled to ignore charged through my veins, triggering a blood-curdling shriek to catapult from my lungs. The crowd erupted into exhilarated applause and angry howls, as each scream emerged from my body. I could no longer discern their voices. All that I could make out was a disordered droning blare radiating around me as the beast climbed.

Higher,

Higher,

Higher.

I desperately tried to distract myself from the searing pain this beast was inflicting upon me, though it was to no avail. Flashing through my mind were images of the rest of them: the thirty-six others who would suffer the same fate as I.

I can’t believe they believed that rumor. I can’t believe that everyone believed it! How could they? I made every effort to concentrate on anything but the scorching flames, as an anger rivalling the heat of the monster consuming me began constricting my chest.

My mind urged me to fight off the restraints preventing my escape, but my body refused to move. My body had been reduced to gray, ash-covered bones and scraps of charred flesh. I used the last of my dwindling strength to stretch my head away from the monster’s grasping claws, so it would no longer be able to use my own tears to attack me further. I knew that the majority of my face had been replaced by blisters from my boiling tears, so I fought to keep myself alive for just a little longer, though I was rapidly losing sight of my will to live.

The scorching pain increased rapidly throughout my body, and I attempted to fight back my screams to save my strength, though I knew it was useless. The agony seemed to be never-ending. Until it wasn’t. The torture I felt began to dissipate as the monster left only ash in the places of my body it devoured. I let out one final scream as the monster continued to consume what remained of me. I could feel it clawing at my heart–crushing it. Under the pressure of the beast, my heart grew weaker. It beat

Slower,

Slower,

Slower.

My heart rate continued to slow, as I struggled for one last breath, but all that my lungs would accept was gulp after gulp of black smoke. I could feel my airways closing as my heart beat final time.

Nothing. I felt nothing. I could no longer breathe; I could no longer feel the beating of my heart. My vision blurred, and I could feel myself slipping away. I attempted to urgently grab hold of anything that could keep me from falling, but all I could see was the monster propelling me further into the eternal darkness that surrounded me.

I knew there was nothing left I could do, but I couldn’t shake that thought. That terrible, terrible thought. I knew that I was the first of the thirty-seven young women to fall victim to the crimson beast.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of storytelling across various genres, including poetry, short stories, and creative writing. This prestigious competition invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and narratives, fostering a community of creativity and literary excellence. Participants like Madison Dean bring forth stories that challenge, inspire, and captivate, contributing to a rich tapestry of global literature.

We extend our gratitude to Madison Dean for sharing "The Thirty Seven Victims of The Crimson Beast" with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your contribution adds depth and intrigue to the world of horror and gothic fiction. Thank you, Madison, for your creativity and for inviting us into your darkly captivating narrative.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.