Claimed by the Incubus

“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll be fine. Have a good Halloween without me, alright?”

“Ok, Mitch. Just be careful.”

I stare down at my laptop, watching as my wife waves goodbye. She’ll be on her own for the next few weeks—after this call, I won’t have any phone or internet access. I’m heading to one of the most remote corners of the Amazon. It’s a place untouched by modern civilization.

This is the longest I’ve ever been away from home, and I’m gonna miss taking my sons trick-or-treating. I won’t lie though, it’s nice to get away from the autumn weather. It’s still hard to believe the university gave me clearance for this trip. This type of research budget is usually reserved for more senior professors, but I guess I got lucky.

Alongside the small team I’ve gathered, I’ll be searching for something truly extraordinary—one of the largest and oldest trees known to man. Named the “Ancient Sentinel”, it’s never been photographed before. Explorers and botanists have whispered of its existence for generations. I’ve dreamed of this expedition ever since I started studying botany, and it’s finally happening.

I received permission from the Brazilian government, and they’ve negotiated my safe passage with the local indigenous tribe. I’ll be hiking out to their village and spending time with the inhabitants before setting up camp near the ancient giant. Once I’ve taken photos and a small core sample, I’ll return home to study the findings.

Some might think my fascination with trees is silly, but this is my passion. My entire life has been leading up to this moment.

“Ready to go?” My native guide, Thiago, enters the room as I close my laptop.

“Just a minute—I need to make one more call.”

I pull out my phone and call Steve—the head of the archaeology department. He’s a veteran of the field, and he helped me get funding for this trip even though I’m just a botanist. I’ll be forever in his debt.

“Stephen Wilkes’ office.” His deep voice vibrates against my ear.

“Hey, Steve. It’s Mitch. I’m about to head into the jungle and wanted to check in.”

“Ah, perfect. Is everything in order? Were you able to get the necessary supplies?”

“Yep. The guide you arranged has been a big help.” I look at Thiago and smile. “I won’t have cell or internet access after this, but I promise to call as soon as we’re back from the expedition.”

“Three weeks, right?”

“Yeah. Three weeks exactly.”

“Alright, Mitch. Be careful while you’re out there. I know you’re young and excited, but it’s important to take things slow. If anything looks dangerous, don’t be afraid to turn back. I’ve seen young archaeologists get too greedy in the past, and it never ends well.”

“Don’t worry, Steve. I can take care of myself.” I laugh. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

I end the call.

“Is it time, sir?” Thiago asks.

“Yep. Let’s get this show on the road.”

I rise and follow him out of the hotel lobby. I linger for a moment, staring up at the shabby building. This is it…we’re leaving the world behind. Soon, I’ll be in the jungle’s belly.

Thiago is a strong young man with sleek black hair and leathery skin. He’s agreed to accompany us to the native tribe, but he won’t go any further than that. He says people avoid this part of the jungle—it has something to do with local lore.

“Alright, team!” I hoist my backpack onto my shoulders. “This is an adventure you’ll never forget! We’ll be the first to ever photograph the specimen. Let’s make history together!”

With Thiago by my side, I turn and march to the jungle’s edge. It doesn’t take long for us to pass into the darkness. The sounds of the city fade while thick fog fills the morning air. Twigs crunch beneath our feet while leaves rustle overhead.

A chill runs down my spine as I inhale the humidity. At the surface, the jungle looks so tranquil…but there’s activity all around us. Strange howls in the trees…hissing and croaking in the shrubs…

We’re trespassers in this world. We need to be careful.

If something goes wrong, there won’t be anyone to rescue us.

“I go no further, sir.” Thiago stops in his tracks, causing me to bump into him.

We’ve been hiking for days, and it’s already taken its toll on me. Bug bites…sore muscles…a weird rash on my stomach…thank god we’ve finally arrived.

Thiago doesn’t seem excited though. He’s been cheerful and curious the entire voyage, but his demeanor has rapidly morphed. A scowl is etched into his face. His eyes dart about while his brows furrow.

I squint, peering through the fog. It takes a moment, but I finally see it.

The village emerges like an eerie apparition.

Huts hide amongst the trees, their roofs woven from vines and leaves. Faint torchlight flickers, casting long, dancing shadows through the fog. Deep voices echo, but it’s too hazy to see anyone.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come, Thiago? Don’t you want to see the Ancient Sentinel?”

“No, sir. It’s not safe. My people are forbidden from coming here. They say there are spirits—creatures that the trees have locked away. The plants here are protectors. They keep the darkness restrained.”

“Sure, sure.” I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “I’ve been studying botany for years, and I’ve never heard of anything like that. It’s just superstition. Let’s go see this tree.”

“I’m sorry. I won’t risk it.”

“Well, we appreciate your help. Keep an eye out for our photos in the papers.”

I beckon my team forward, and we begin our march. Thiago stays motionless, his athletic silhouette growing fuzzier and fuzzier as we leave him behind.

A strange ambiance builds as we approach the village. Tall poles are erected around the perimeter, each bearing a different tribal mask. The faces are contorted into frightening grimaces, almost like they’re screaming in agony. I won’t lie, it puts me on edge. Is this a warning to outsiders?

We enter the village, but the voices have fallen silent. There’s a firepit roaring with nobody around it.

“What…?” I glance around with confused eyes.

“Welcome, Dr. Hawthorne.” A deep voice echoes behind me.