
WILDE REDEMPTION
A Boy, a Bigfoot, and the Battle for a Soul
Bigfoot is real, but he’s not what you think.
Some say he’s a myth, others say he’s a monster. One boy is about to uncover the truth, and it will change everything.

Welcome to the World of Wilde Redemption
Where legends run deep & redemption runs deeper.
Some legends are hidden, waiting for the right moment to be revealed.
Welcome to the world of Wilde Redemption, an engaging story set in the Appalachian town of Amyville, West Virginia. On the outskirts of this small town, where countless, dense patches of forest and hidden, shadowy valleys coexist, a boy named Decker Wilde finds himself navigating the boundary between legends and the supernatural, fear and courage, despair and faith.
Though the full story has yet to be unveiled, its foundation is already laid, and its journey is well underway. As Decker wrestles with the mysteries of his past and the forces that would see him fail, his tale is being forged—chapter by chapter—toward its final revelation.
Until then, explore the world, uncover its lore, and meet the cast of characters who will shape Decker’s path. The legend is coming to life. You’re just getting a glimpse before the rest of the world does.
(This work is the intellectual property of its author and remains protected.)

Meet the Characters

Sneak Peak
“The boy stirred, his small body trembling as the orb's light cast unnatural shadows across the forest floor. His breath came in shallow, ragged gasps, and though his voice was small and hardly audible, his words carried weight beyond measure.
Hail Mary, he whispered, his voice breaking as he folded his hands tightly together. Full of grace…
The Old Man’s sharp ears caught the words, their cadence slow and uncertain but unwavering in their intention. The boy’s eyes were squeezed shut, tears streaking down his dirt-smeared cheeks. His lips quivered, but he pressed on. The Lord is with thee…
As the prayer rose from the boy’s trembling lips, the orb’s light wavered for the first time.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus…
The orb wobbled violently, recoiling from the prayer. A sharp crack echoed through the forest, the sound of tree branches snapping as the malevolent force seemed to lose its grip on the canopy above. The Old Man’s eyes widened as the orb flickered, its once bright glow now reduced to a faint, sickly shimmer.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, the boy’s voice grew steadier now, the fear in his tone giving way to something more profound—a desperate kind of hope. Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death…
The orb let out a low, grinding moan, its form shrinking, collapsing inward as though the words of the prayer had pierced its very essence. With one final, violent shudder, it shot skyward, disappearing into the sky beyond the treetops. The forest fell still.”
— Wilde Redemption, chapter 21.
“When he found the dog, the sight stilled him. Its life ebbed from a mortal wound in its belly, intestines partially exposed, the creature breathing in shallow gasps. Yet, as the Old Man approached, the dog raised its head weakly and bared its teeth in what the boy had once called a smile. Even in its agony, it offered him that same strange greeting.
…Kneeling slowly, the Old Man placed a hand on the dog’s shoulder. His rough, calloused palm absorbed the shuddering rhythm of the creature’s labored breath. He closed his eyes, and in his mind, he saw the damage—the torn flesh, the pooled blood, the weakening heart.
He whispered a prayer within his burning soul, a wordless cry that swelled in his chest and seeped into the air around him. His silent plea rose to the Creator, who had placed him in this unforgiving form, bound him to these shadowed woods, and burdened him with a penance that scorched him from within. The fire of his existence, ever-present and unyielding, now focused itself on a singular purpose: healing.
Heat spread through his hand, a searing yet cleansing warmth that pulsed with an intensity he recognized all too well. This was the same fire that tormented him in the presence of men, but now it transformed, its destructive nature bending to his will, turning into something restorative. The warmth poured from his rough, calloused palm into the dog’s trembling body, seeping into torn muscle and shattered bone.
The Old Man closed his eyes, his senses attuned to the miracle that was taking place within the flesh beneath his hand. He could feel the muscle fibers stretching out like threads, seeking their broken ends, intertwining once more as if guided by unseen hands. The ragged edges of the wound softened, smoothed, and sealed, knitting together as though they had never been sundered. The blood, which had flowed so weakly before, now surged through veins with renewed vigor, flushing out the pallor of death and returning the heat of life.”
— Wilde Redemption, chapter 21.
Uncover the Legends
Where does myth end and reality begin? Explore the origins of Bigfoot, the haunting influence of the Orb, and the deeper themes of Wilde Redemption.
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The Appalachian Mountains have long been a breeding ground for whispered legends, their dense forests hiding secrets older than time. Among them, one tale endures ”the legend of Bigfoot. A towering specter of the wild, it roams the secluded peaks and shadowed valleys of West Virginia, seen only in fleeting glimpses. Wilde Redemption brings this myth to life, weaving folklore, the supernatural, and a boy’s journey in the fictional town of Amyville, West Virginia.
A Being of Mystery: Flesh, Spirit, or Both?
In Amyville, locals share hushed stories about the creature they call the "Old Man of the Mountain." Some describe him as a massive, flesh-and-blood beast—his hulking frame covered in coarse, matted fur, and his eyes glinting with an unsettling, almost human intelligence. Hunters talk of guttural growls echoing through the trees, while hikers claim to find enormous footprints pressed into the mud after rainstorms.
But others believe the truth about this creature is far more elusive. Generations of stories suggest that Bigfoot isn’t just a physical creature but a supernatural being able to appear and vanish like smoke, leaving behind only fear and mystery. Accounts of glowing orbs in the woods, often seen near his alleged appearances, deepen the lore, as do claims of an uncanny feeling that his gaze can pierce straight to the soul.
The Old Man in the Mountain
One of Amyville’s most chilling tales speaks of the "Old Man in the Mountain," who is said to dwell high in the shadows of the fictional Lonetree Mountain. In this version of the legend, Bigfoot is more than a beast—he is a guardian spirit of the wilderness, tethered to the mountain's ancient secrets. Some whisper that the Old Man is the living embodiment of the forest itself, protecting it from human intrusion. Others claim he is a cursed soul, bound to a monstrous form as penance for unspeakable sins.
In Wilde Redemption, this enigmatic creature takes center stage as Decker Wilde ventures into the woods, uncovering truths that force him to confront the very nature of the "Old Man." Is Bigfoot merely a relic of an ancient race, a real creature of flesh and bone? Is he a supernatural being woven into the spiritual fabric of the mountains? Or is he something in between—a being caught between two worlds, his existence as layered as the myths surrounding him? The answers intertwine with Decker’s journey in ways he could never have imagined.
Real Accounts and Fictional Inspiration
While Amyville and Lonetree Mountain are fictional places, their lore draws from an enduring fascination with Bigfoot among those who live in the most remote regions West Virginia. The mystery doesn't end in that part of the country either. Across the United States, witnesses tell of strange encounters: distant wood knocks, unearthly howls, and fleeting glimpses of towering figures that seem to melt into the shadows. In Wilde Redemption, the mysteries of Amyville mirror these real-world accounts, complete with eerie details: livestock vanishing without a trace, claw-like markings etched into tree bark, and strange crashes echoing deep within the forest.
The Appalachian "Old Man in the Mountain" adds an even deeper layer to the mystery. Stories of a weathered figure, cloaked in shadow and watching from the tree line, have been shared for generations. While these accounts are part of the novel’s world, they evoke the primal and untamed forces people have long associated with the wilderness—and perhaps with the human spirit.
The Mystery Awaits
In Wilde Redemption, the legend of Bigfoot is more than a story—it reflects the fears, insecurities, and hopes that shape those who live in its shadow. As Decker uncovers the truth, readers are drawn into the mystery, where Bigfoot’s nature—a mix of the physical, the spiritual, and the symbolic—is revealed in ways that challenge perceptions of redemption, humanity, and the unknown.
Is Bigfoot a creature of flesh and blood? A supernatural being? Or something in between? In Wilde Redemption, the author offers a unique perspective, weaving together folklore and faith to propose a new perspective on the legend of Bigfoot. The author provides the answer through a tale that lies deep within the woods of Lonetree Mountain, where legend and reality intertwine. To uncover the truth, you’ll have to venture into the woods alongside Decker and discover the secrets for yourself.
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Legends of strange, floating orbs have persisted for centuries, appearing in folklore, eyewitness accounts, and even modern-day footage captured worldwide. These glowing spheres, often described as silent, intelligent, and eerily aware of their surroundings, have been linked to everything from ghostly apparitions to extraterrestrial phenomena. But in Wilde Redemption, the Orb is something far more sinister—an ancient force of fear, deception, and destruction.
A Harbinger of Chaos
Deep within the forests surrounding the fictional town of Amyville, West Virginia, the Orb is no mere trick of the light. It moves with unnatural intelligence, lurking just beyond sight, waiting to ensnare the weak and the vulnerable. Unlike Bigfoot, whose existence is debated between flesh and spirit, the Orb is unquestionably supernatural—a malevolent entity whose very presence warps reality. It feeds on fear, whispering doubts into the minds of those who encounter it, driving them toward despair, violence, or worse.
The locals of Amyville have their own whispered tales of eerie lights floating through the woods at night, darting between trees with impossible speed. Some claim they are restless spirits, others say they are omens of disaster, but none truly understand the nature of the force that haunts Lonetree Mountain. Only those who come too close realize its true intent—corruption.
A History of Unexplained Lights
While the Orb in Wilde Redemption is a force of demonic origin, it echoes real-world sightings of unexplained floating lights. For centuries, people have reported glowing orbs in remote areas—luminescent spheres that drift silently through the night.
One of the most famous American cryptid cases, the Mothman sightings of the 1960s in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, included multiple reports of strange, glowing lights in the sky. These orbs were often seen in the same areas where witnesses encountered the Mothman, leading some to speculate that they were connected to an otherworldly force beyond human understanding. Even more disturbing, sightings of these lights often preceded disasters—most notably the collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967, which killed 46 people.
Beyond folklore, orbs have entered modern discussions of the unexplained. Since the mid-2020s, reports of mysterious, glowing orbs in the sky have surged worldwide, with countless videos emerging of unidentified spheres hovering, moving with unnatural precision, and vanishing in an instant. Some claim they are advanced surveillance technology, others argue they are extraterrestrial, while a growing number suggest they may be supernatural—an intelligence beyond human comprehension.
The True Nature of the Orb in Wilde Redemption
Unlike modern UFO sightings, the Orb in Wilde Redemption has a clear purpose—it is an agent of destruction, a demon sent to manipulate and devour. It first appears at Decker Wilde’s birth, attempting to claim him before he can fulfill his destiny. As Decker grows, the Orb remains in the shadows, influencing events, twisting minds, and fueling the darkness within those it seeks to control—especially Tank, whose anger and insecurities make him a prime target.
Throughout the novel, the Orb serves as a force of temptation and terror, working to keep Decker and those around him from realizing their true strength. It is the embodiment of fear itself—paralyzing, suffocating, and relentless. It thrives in moments of doubt, whispered thoughts of worthlessness, and the creeping belief that one is alone.
What Are the Orbs?
The glowing orbs seen across history and into modern times remain a mystery, but Wilde Redemption presents a chilling possibility: What if some of these orbs are not mere lights in the night but something far darker? What if hidden among the anomalies, there are entities whose only purpose is to deceive, divide, and destroy?
As Decker learns, the actual battle is not against flesh and blood but against the forces of darkness that seek to twist the hearts of men. Is the Orb in Wilde Redemption merely a fictional representation of evil, or does it reflect something more—a hidden force that has haunted mankind for centuries, lurking just beyond the veil?
To uncover the truth, one must step into the shadows of Lonetree Mountain and face the fear that waits within.
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Fear is a powerful force—it isolates, controls, and distorts the truth. It convinces the weak that they will never be strong, the wounded that they will never heal, and the guilty that they can never be redeemed. But in Wilde Redemption, fear does not have the final word. At the heart of the novel lies a profound spiritual truth, one found in the very words of Scripture:
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." — 1 John 4:18
This theme, deeply rooted in Catholic theology, is woven through the struggles of Decker, Tank, and even Bigfoot himself. Each of them must learn that only through the forging of sacrificial, selfless love can they break free from the fears that hold them captive. Love, true and unflinching, is not a fleeting emotion but a choice—one that comes at great cost.
Fear as a Chain
Fear dominates the lives of the characters at the beginning of Wilde Redemption. Decker Wilde, born with physical limitations and haunted by self-doubt, is afraid to stand up for himself, afraid to confront those who torment him, and afraid that he will never be enough. Tank, his relentless adversary, masks his fears with aggression—fearing deep down that he is worthless, unloved, and destined for failure. Even Bigfoot, the mysterious figure watching over them from the mountain, carries his own burden of fear: the fear of facing his past, of confronting the consequences of his actions, and of believing he could ever be redeemed.
And then there is the Orb—the embodiment of fear itself: A whisperer of doubt, a tempter of rage, a force that manipulates the insecurities of those it targets. The Orb thrives in fear because fear paralyzes, divides, and destroys.
The Catholic Understanding of Perfect Love and Fear
In Catholic teaching, fear is often linked to a lack of trust in God’s providence. Time and again, the saints overcame the most significant trials not because they were fearless by nature but because they loved perfectly—choosing faith and sacrifice over self-preservation. Christ himself showed this in the Garden of Gethsemane when he faced the full weight of his coming Passion, but instead of giving in to fear, he surrendered completely to the Father’s will.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that:
"To love is to will the good of another." (CCC 1766)
Perfect love, then, is not about comfort—it is about self-giving, about sacrificing for the good of another, even when it costs everything.
Forging Perfect Love Through Hardship
In Wilde Redemption, the journey toward perfect love is anything but easy. It must be forged in the fire of hardship, suffering, and sacrifice.
Decker’s Trial: Decker’s fear of confrontation keeps him shackled in insecurity; however, through his struggles, he learns that standing up for the defenseless—even at personal cost—is an act of love. His transformation comes when he realizes that true strength isn’t found in overpowering others but in having the courage to do what is right, even when it terrifies him.
Tank’s Breaking Point: Tank believes love is weakness. Having never truly experienced it, he hides behind a hardened exterior, pushing others away. But when he is finally confronted with the reality of his brokenness—and the realization that he is not as unloved as he once thought—he begins his painful journey toward humility. He must learn that true strength is not about dominance but humbly willing the good of another.
Bigfoot’s Redemption: Bigfoot’s suffering is deeply tied to his past failures. He once lived for himself, consumed by selfishness and violence, and now he suffers the weight of those choices. His path to redemption is not through vengeance or pride but through love—choosing to guide, protect, and ultimately lay down his desires for the sake of his sons. Only by embracing perfect love can he finally break free from the suffering that binds him.
Victory Over Fear
Fear is loud. It demands to be heard. But perfect love, once embraced, drowns it out. When Decker finally stops running and faces his greatest trial, he does not do so without fear—he does so in spite of it, because he has learned that some things are worth fighting for. Tank, once a boy consumed by bitterness, finds the courage to choose a different path, not because it is easy, but because it is right. Bigfoot, who once believed he could never be redeemed, learns that love is not something to be earned—it is something to be given.
As Christ said in the Gospel of John:
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13
This is the love that drives out fear—the love that demands sacrifice, the love that transforms.
The Choice That Lies Ahead
In Wilde Redemption, the battle against fear is not won in a single moment. It is a struggle, a choice made again and again. But for those who are willing to take up that fight, there is something greater waiting on the other side: freedom.
The Orb thrives on doubt, on weakness, on insecurity. But perfect love is stronger. The only question that remains is whether Decker, Tank, and even Bigfoot will choose to embrace it before it’s too late.
What drives out fear?
Only love.
Perfect, selfless, sacrificial love.
Meet the Author
Damas Trailborne is a Catholic fantasy author whose stories blend faith, myth, and the battle between light and darkness. Inspired by the storytelling traditions of Tolkien and Lewis, he writes for those who seek not just adventure, but deeper truths hidden within legend.
A convert to Catholicism with a passion for theology, folklore, and the power of redemption, Trailborne crafts narratives in which grace, suffering, and faith are forged in the fires of trial. Wilde Redemption is a tale of courage, mercy, and the unseen battle for the human soul—a story that echoes the spiritual struggles we all face.
For readers who long for fantasy with depth, mystery with meaning, and stories that transcend the ordinary, Trailborne’s work invites you to step beyond the veil where legends whisper and redemption awaits.