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
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
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
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
Dari
Dariyus Lamanya sat in the rear wagon, watching the road behind. Dari had signed on as a guard with Master Charvis when Brother Balasar deemed him ready to face the world outside the village. Yarjerit Balasar, Vater’s clan brother, raised Dari in the male-dominated clan after Vater died in battle. Brother Balasar recognized Dari’s divine … Continue reading Dari
Won’t Get Away
Jory slid silently along the wall, staying in the shadows. He heard the sentries in the distance and knew he only had another moment to find the door that Cal had left open for him and slip into the house. As he rounded the corner and slipped into the open door, he heard breathing in … Continue reading Won’t Get Away
First Day of Camp
Dani stepped off the bus, backpack straps cutting into her shoulders. Did’ja have’ta pack it so full, Ma? The ten-year-old wriggled her back and arms, trying to ease the pressure. She switched the suitcase from one hand to the other. “Dani Beck?” asked a young woman, who came up and took the bag in her … Continue reading First Day of Camp
The City of Caer Vernalan
Ashja stood on the pier, marveling at the sight before her. This city was nothing like she had ever seen in her life. It was so very different from the city at the edge of the desert near which she had grown. But then, she had seen a lot of strange things in the last … Continue reading The City of Caer Vernalan
Storms
Gods, I hate the cold. Ashlee lay with the blanket tucked up tight around her neck, the top of her head the only part visible, not wanting to get out of the warm bed. She heard Tori moving around in the kitchen and hoped she’d laid a fire to warm the house. Ashlee threw the … Continue reading Storms
J.J. Shaun 