Lantri awoke from a nightmare about failing the Aptitude Day test and reached for the vial on their nightstand. All that studying. All that preparation and the future came down to a single test. What if they were selected for… Continue Reading
The ticking clock accented the deep snores from beside her. She listened intently, making sure his breathing was deep and natural. Minutes passed. Then an hour. Then two. She worried he was faking it, that he could feel how frantically… Continue Reading
The famous Rikk’s Interstellar Pawn was bustling with activity when Glophous 5 glided through the front doors. Patrons from all over the quadrant milled around, inspecting the shop’s wares. Opulent jewelry sat alongside various trinkets, antiques, and other odds and… Continue Reading
Raymond Marino hustled into work every day for scenarios like this one. As he was taught by his father, Nunzio, who worked for 18 years at the original Barney’s of New York, Raymond understood he was not just a salesman,… Continue Reading
Barefoot and dressed in an earth-toned robe, Miaoshan climbed the steep hills at the break of dawn, balancing a yoke on her shoulder with two wooden pails swinging on each end. The monks had sent her to fetch water. From… Continue Reading
A baby bit Janey’s heart and then her heart turned black. Her heart had been a live, beating thing; it had led her first to Harry and then to the white waiting room with little wooden blocks painted in primary… Continue Reading
Every night as a child, Hannah’s Oma had tucked her into bed with tales of changelings that switched with children if parents weren’t vigilant. Hannah still knew the rules to find a Wechselbalg: they can’t touch iron, can’t eat eggshells,… Continue Reading
“You were born during the summer of locusts,” Cole’s mother would explain when he asked why he was different, why he was the way he was. But it never made sense. He had no long, beefy hopper legs. No antennae.… Continue Reading
The weaverwoman clips bat wings in the forest every night. I’ve heard but never seenmyself until now, how she breaks their bones. Bat skins twirl like kites in the moon’s glow. “Leave the poor thing alone, dear.” I say. The… Continue Reading
Hey girl! We haven’t talked in forever, how have you been? Just hosted a makeover party for your Aunt Trisha. Wish you could’ve been there so we could catch up! Everyone had such a nice time. Really fixed the vibes… Continue Reading