Criminal logo

Shadows of Theppam

When Darkness Awakens in the Countryside

By Narmatha DeivasigamaniPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
Shadows of Theppam
Photo by Nathan Wright on Unsplash

In the small countryside of Theppam, nestled amidst rolling hills and dense forests, lived a skilled carpenter named Raj. The village, known for its tranquility, was about to witness an inexplicable series of events that would blur the lines between criminality and horror.

Raj, a tall and reserved man, had earned a reputation for his craftsmanship, building exquisite furniture for the villagers. However, beneath his calm exterior, Raj harbored a secret passion for the occult. Late at night, when the moon bathed the countryside in an ethereal glow, he would delve into forbidden books of ancient rituals and black magic.

One gloomy evening, as the wind whispered eerie secrets through the trees, Raj stumbled upon an ancient tome that promised unimaginable power. Driven by curiosity and a desire for forbidden knowledge, he dived deeper into the dark arts. Unbeknownst to him, his actions would set off a chain of events that would haunt Theppam forever.

As Raj experimented with incantations and rituals, a sinister energy awakened within the village. The once peaceful streets grew haunted, and a thick mist veiled the countryside, shrouding everything in an ominous gloom. The villagers felt an unexplainable unease as nightmares plagued their sleep, blending the realm of dreams with a terrifying reality.

People began to vanish without a trace, leaving behind only a lingering sense of dread. The local authorities, unable to comprehend the inexplicable disappearances, turned to Raj for answers. Fearful of the consequences of his actions, Raj kept his dark secret hidden, feigning ignorance and innocence.

But as the malevolence grew stronger, Raj's guilt gnawed at him. The spirits he had unwittingly summoned demanded sacrifices, and they were not easily appeased. The carpenter's once peaceful nights turned into waking nightmares, haunted by the tormented faces of those who had disappeared.

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and guilt, Raj vowed to put an end to the horror that plagued his village. Armed with his carpentry tools and a newfound determination, he embarked on a perilous journey to confront the ancient evil he had awakened.

Raj delved into forgotten folklore and sought guidance from wise sages residing in the depths of the forest. With their help, he unraveled the truth behind the ancient tome and the rituals he had foolishly engaged in. He discovered that the spirit he had unwittingly summoned was an embodiment of evil, known as the Shadowmonger.

The Shadowmonger, an entity of darkness and despair, thrived on fear and suffering. Its presence had corrupted the peaceful countryside of Theppam, turning it into a breeding ground for horror. Raj realized that the only way to save his village and redeem himself was to banish the malevolent entity back to its dark realm.

Armed with ancient runes and enchanted artifacts, Raj confronted the Shadowmonger in a climactic battle that shook the very foundations of Theppam. The carpenter's craftsmanship was put to the ultimate test as he crafted weapons infused with spiritual energy, channeling his skills into a fight for the survival of his village.

In a cataclysmic clash of light and darkness, Raj's determination proved stronger than the Shadowmonger's malevolence. With a final stroke of his enchanted blade, the carpenter sealed the ancient evil within the depths of the forgotten tome, ensuring its imprisonment for eternity.

As the village of Theppam basked in the newfound peace, Raj stood as a hero and a symbol of redemption. The scars of the past would forever be etched in his memory, a constant reminder of the consequences of dabbling in forbidden knowledge.

But the horrors he had witnessed had also taught Raj a valuable lesson: true power lies not in the forbidden.

fictioninnocenceguilty

About the Creator

Narmatha Deivasigamani

I'm a Picky Reader selecting only thrilling and horror stories to start Writing one of them. You can see a variety of fictional stories in my Page. Hoping You would like them I will add more stories regularly. And once again Thanks.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.