Does it have to be this dark in here? Pinpricks of topaz, amethyst, and chrysoprase dot the ceiling like fine-cut stars, but with the house lights out, shadow consumes the masked and painted faces surrounding me. Carefully crafted homages and stiff, die-punched facades blur together in a sea of indistinct bodies, writhing to the amateur ...

Silence filled the throne room as Marina flexed her fingers to calm the column of water into stillness. She moved the bowl aside, and the now-quiescent liquid rippled like a common puddle.  Just where I wanted him to be. Now he’ll give me all the answers I need. She moved carefully so as not to ...

“Do it,” Lucian said. He lounged back into his black, ornate throne. His dark eyes glinted with anticipated pleasure.  “No,” Marina answered. “I’m too tired. You’ve worn me out.” She stood, chained at her ankles, in front of him.   Lucian let out an inhuman growl. “You will. I own you. You are mine.”  “What if I refuse this time?” she asked.   He tugged on ...

“Open the sails. Catch the breeze and keep her easy, boys.” Captain Aquilla said as they approached the charcoal-colored isle. A huge, inky cloud hung over the land like an ill omen that blotted out the stars. The sea, too, kept to a whisper as gentle, land-bound waves pushed at the ship’s hull.   Darius stood next to the Captain, ...

I love staring at my mother’s butt. Iona is jealous of parades, like the planet unfurls before us god-beings walking down the middle of the street, then avalanches to bury the spectators cheering from the sidelines.    That’s only something you can believe from the crowd. The domos squash any hope of sightseeing with their mechanical insistence on procession. It’s ...

Can we trust him? Cassian tracked the black dot on the horizon.  He’s turned on his master once. If the asshole’s word is to be trusted. Could these miserable three months form some nefarious snare? A man might say anything to save his life. Especially with my sword dancing at his throat.  He gripped the helm tighter. Boundless ocean surrounded them, waves heaving between ...

Memories flooded Marina’s brain as she pressed her palms against the glass. If only she could touch it, feel the gem under her fingers. The jewel in the storefront window mesmerized her. She knew that necklace. The light’s gleam made it shine teal.  Visions from her childhood danced in front of her as if she were reliving the memories. Marina ...

This storm is getting worse. Marina fought for balance on the slick deck as the ship pitched across choppy waves. Gray-blue water splashed and soaked the hurried crew as they rushed to keep afloat. Swirling winds curled the sails into thrashing the mast and rigging.  Over the ocean’s roar, Captain Aquilla’s voice boomed commands. As the frigid rain attacked, the pirates struggled to stabilize ...

Inky clouds turned the afternoon into an early midnight as an ebony vessel coasted into Port Victoria. Doomsday itself fell over the pirate town, and for once, everything stood silent.  From the deck, an armored figure watched the citizens with a crimson-flecked stare that promised bloodshed.  “Sir, we await your orders.” His spindly personal attendant hovered somewhere behind him.  “Prepare to dock and ...

Cassian’s boots echoed on the wooden planks as he moved towards the busy town of Port Victoria. His rigid posture struck a stark contrast with his pained expression. He struggled to keep his gaze pointed straight ahead.  By gods, she looks ridiculous! Laughter escaped before he could stop it, and a hand reached out to smack his shoulder.  “I’m sorry, love. But you look like an overstuffed sausage.” He put his hands up to soothe his wife.  ...