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.  ...

Cassian gripped Marina’s hand, desperate to give her some kind of reassurance. He could tell from the way her eyes slowly dilated and her palm felt clammy, she was worried.  She’s trying to hide, but she’s failing so badly it’s almost funny.  Lanterns and candles cast dim flickers around the captain’s cabin. Deep greens and blues colored the walls in sea story tapestries. ...

A hundred more feet, Vesta thought to herself, hidden among the shadows. Her hood covered her face as she dodged the moonlight. Her chest heaved with worry, and her muscles tensed to focus on every step. Carefully, she avoided the squeaks of scattering rats, interrupted in their search for scraps. She could teleport with magic, ...

The ocean felt endless from the little dinghy. The press of Kila against my shoulder was overwhelming and sweaty. Three days since the The Pearl sank, Lanta sat in the rower’s seat. Despite my aching arms, I counted the seconds until my turn. The sun started to set over the horizon. “Should I scrounge dinner together?” ...

You can read chapter one of the story here. People always said that when you die you finally feel at peace. You are no longer bound by your obligations in the mortal realm. Can those people tell me why I still have a headache, and my neck still hurts? I just got executed. Where is ...

My charge, Anastasia, always says, “People do crazy things when they are in love.” Her impromptu trips to Earth turned her into a hopeless romantic. She always brings back these hologram movies where the girl is stuck in this impossible situation, and her true love can save her. I’ve always assured her that her husband ...