Adrah had never felt truly at home in the village, where people called her “Wanderer,” though no one knew exactly where she’d wandered from. They whispered as she passed, casting quick glances at her face, hoping to glimpse whatever secrets she carried. She’d grown used to their stares, but it was the mirror that made … Continue reading Reflections
Stories
Don’t Look Now
Smoke curled from the vendor stalls, thick with the of charred meat and burned spices. The market pulsed with activity—flickering hands, quick bargains, laughter too sharp and sudden. Beneath it all, beat a different rhythm. It was the beat of watching eyes. Of footsteps that didn’t belong. Kael crouched behind a stack of dried reeds, … Continue reading Don’t Look Now
Qilynn: Thistle
Qilynn and the group met Master Vance at breakfast. “You’ll guard the wagon as we travel to Thistle,” he said. “We need to deliver supplies and medicine to the village. Questions?” “Aye,” said Tumorgi. “Don’t the baron have a squad o’ guards t’ send? Seems like the three of us won’t be much protection against … Continue reading Qilynn: Thistle
The Zucchini Incident
Sue woke early to the rustle of paws on the tiles, a clear sign the cats prowled the kitchen. Maynerd, the long-haired tabby perched on the windowsill, surveyed his imaginary kingdom. Toffee and Piper tangled on the floor, pawing a loose corner of the old rug. She threw on her robe, stuffed her feet into … Continue reading The Zucchini Incident
Zephyr Alterian
Zephyr Alterian balanced on the edge of the roof, knowing her next move would determine her future. If she tried to jump the span, she’d miss and the guards below would have her. If she swung down to the window below, the result was the same. So, she did the only thing a young, naïve … Continue reading Zephyr Alterian
Dreamstalker: Into the City
Dreamstalker walked into the city without leg irons for the first time. The sensation, while long in coming, felt odd. She kept looking over her shoulder for the guards that weren’t there. After her battle against Gellis and the hounds, the thunderous roar that broke out around the arena threatened to deafen her. The arena … Continue reading Dreamstalker: Into the City
Ashes and Echoes
The dagger was all too real. Talya’s fingers hovered a breath above the obsidian blade resting on the velvet-lined pedestal; its edge shimmered beneath the flickering lamplight like oil on water. Magic hummed through the room like the buzz of insects—low, invisible, suffocating. She never nicked nothing like this before. Now, she wasn’t sure she … Continue reading Ashes and Echoes
Qilynn: Dinner and Requests
Qilynn soaked in the hot water as long as she dared before stepping out and wrapping herself in a luxurious robe. Padding into the bedroom, she saw the chambermaid had left a clean gown on the bed. No sooner had she realized she had no lady’s maid to help her dress than a light knock … Continue reading Qilynn: Dinner and Requests
The Final Storm
The wind howled through the peaks of the southern Dragonspine Mountains, carrying the fury of the coming blizzard. Far below, in a valley nestled between two great ridges, the village of Thorne’s Hollow sat like a topaz on the snow-covered plain. The villagers, accustomed to the harsh weather of winter, were well-prepared for the storm. … Continue reading The Final Storm
The Taste of Denial
Dense, tropical heat hung in the air, heavy with the scent of saltwater and damp earth. The sun hung low in the sky, casting its golden rays across the town nestled at the edge of the sea. Waves crashed against the shore. The slow susurrations against the sand, a reminder of nature’s unwavering pulse. Inside … Continue reading The Taste of Denial
