The opening paragraph sets the scene, say it's about a dark forest where strange noises are heard. I'd continue the story like this. I entered the forest, my flashlight barely cutting through the thick darkness. Every step I took seemed to echo, as if something was following me. Then, I saw a pair of glowing eyes in the distance. I froze, not knowing whether to run or stay still. The eyes started to move closer, and I could hear heavy breathing. I finally mustered the courage to run. Branches whipped at my face as I sprinted through the forest. I tripped over a root and fell. As I looked up, a large, shadowy figure loomed over me. It reached out with long, claw - like hands.
A good horror story opening usually has a creepy setting or atmosphere to draw you in right away. Maybe it's an abandoned house on a stormy night or a dark forest with strange noises.
You could introduce a mysterious character or an unexplained event. Make the reader curious and on edge from the get-go. Also, use vivid and spooky descriptions to set the mood.
A sense of isolation is often used. Such as 'Alone in the middle of the vast, deserted moor, he heard a howl in the distance.' It makes the character vulnerable and heightens the fear. There is no one around to help them, and they are at the mercy of whatever lurks in the unknown. This also helps to build tension as the reader anticipates what might happen to the isolated character.
Well, the opening theme typically has a sense of mystery. It might use dissonant chords and a slow tempo to build suspense. For example, the music might start softly and then gradually get louder, creating a feeling of unease. Also, the visuals in the opening often include creepy symbols and dark imagery that are associated with the horror genre.