The main character finally finds the source of the evil, which is an ancient cursed object. As they try to destroy it, they realize too late that the curse spreads through touch. They are consumed by the darkness, and their screams are the last sound in the now desolate place.
One idea is to start with an ordinary setting like a small, idyllic town. But then introduce a strange occurrence, such as all the animals in the town suddenly going silent. Another idea could be a character who inherits an old, creepy mansion and starts experiencing unexplained noises and apparitions at night. You can also write about a group of friends who go camping in the woods and encounter a menacing force that seems to be stalking them.
A house that seems normal during the day but at night, the walls start to bleed. The blood drips down and forms strange symbols on the floor. These symbols are a warning from the spirits trapped in the house. The people living there start to experience sleep paralysis and see terrifying apparitions that get closer each night.
One idea could be a haunted mirror. Every time someone looks into it, they see a distorted version of themselves with a sinister figure lurking in the background. As they keep looking, the figure starts to come closer out of the mirror until it reaches into their world.
A horror mystery story could revolve around a haunted mansion. A family moves in, not believing the rumors of it being haunted. Strange things start to happen - objects move on their own, they hear unexplained whispers. As they dig deeper, they find out that the previous owner was a deranged serial killer who hid his victims' bodies in the walls of the house, and their spirits are now trapped and angry.
One idea could be a haunted house where every night at midnight, the walls start to ooze a strange black liquid that whispers the names of the previous owners who died mysteriously in the house. The protagonist could be a young journalist looking for a big story and decides to stay in the house for a night to investigate.
A doll that comes to life at night. It has a creepy smile and moves around the house, leaving little footprints. It seems to be watching the people in the house all the time and can predict their every move, always staying one step ahead of them, creating a sense of constant dread.
A story about a cursed mirror. Anyone who looks into it sees their worst fears come to life behind them. The reflection slowly changes, showing a distorted and terrifying version of reality. The person is then haunted by the images they saw, and they start to lose their sanity as the mirror seems to have a hold on them.
Imagine a forest that is known to be cursed. People who enter it often get lost, even those who are experienced hikers. The protagonist is a journalist who wants to investigate the mystery of the forest. Once inside, he discovers that the trees seem to move and form mazes. He also hears voices that seem to be leading him deeper into the forest. As he tries to find his way out, he realizes that there are strange creatures watching him from the shadows.
One idea could be a haunted mirror. A young woman buys an antique mirror at a flea market. Every time she looks into it, she sees a figure in the background that gets closer each time. At first, she thinks it's just her imagination, but then strange things start to happen around her. Objects move on their own, and she hears whispers coming from the mirror.