After Howard and Jeremy closed their store for the day, they drove to Love and Locket Jeweler’s, run by Mrs. Johnson. When they entered the shop, they saw her daughter, Wendy, at the counter. “Hello there, can I interest you gentlemen in anniversary gifts?” “We’re actually here to ask you a question,” Howard said. “Jeremy, ...

Each mystery Anahí brought to light was an affirmation of men’s ignorance. Every new plant and animal walking those lands confirmed our sins were more outrageous than tales told. Otherwise, we would have borne witness to those wonders from the moment we were born. As we left the city, I showered her with questions, many ...

Athena’s Golden Champion did not scare her. She wouldn’t flinch at a pathetic mortal woman. So, why did her fingers tremble as she clenched her fist? Her nails bit into flesh and grounded her.  “She’s impassioned,” Hestia chuckled, oblivious to Persephone’s quaking. “I remember when Athena brought her to Olympus. Her spirited nature persists; not much difference exists today.”   Stop talking. Stop talking. Stop. Talking.    Persephone wanted ...

“What do I do now?” Lacey sipped her coffee as Syler’s clear boundary replayed in her mind. “When you figure that out, call me.” He was direct; he wouldn’t settle. Lacey had to decide if Brooke’s presence was worth the chaos. Her hand tightened around her mug so hard that her knuckles whitened. She felt ...

Back on the SS Survivor, I listen to the chorus of voices echo through Common B. “Good God! You took on a Rabid?” Helen’s tone rises an octave as she stares at Asher. “All by yourselves?” “We were lucky it was only the one.” Asher frowns, glancing at his dad. Warren’s face showed complete impassivity. ...

“Ridiculous! Sawyer wouldn’t steal!” Martha Benson declared. She slammed down a spoonful of mashed potatoes she was serving onto Jeremy’s plate. “We said the same, but this Pickiner guy won’t listen.” Jeremy wiped a glob of potato off his shirt. “Why go through that for a fancy rock? He thinks that wedding rings are an ...

Sur Nam Khaar was a place that changed only with the shifting seasons. Beyond that, male existence resembled that of an old tree–peaceful. We had our duties. Sewing, practicing arts, and cooking, but we also learned about humankind’s history and the Mother’s compassion. Our elders taught us about the Great Cataclysm and the Years of ...

“No one told me Persephone was so hot,” Warin remarked, as he slid  his sword into the stomach of another demon. Even in the midst of battle, he took nothing seriously. “You’re hopeless,” Helen sighed, used to his mischief. Unbothered, by the pile of dead demons at her feet. “And disgusting. You know the rumors about her.”  “And you’ve heard stories about me.” He ripped his blade out, and wiped ichor on the demon’s ...

An hour later, all five people were at the police station, talking over one another. “He is a thief!” the thin man exclaimed. “I swear on my life, I’m not!” Sawyer yelled. “Sawyer’s an honest guy; he’d never steal!” Jeremy said. “The evidence says otherwise,” the tall person said. “A gemstone falling out of a ...

They stared at the heavy wooden door as it slammed shut. One moment, Hades was there. The next, he was gone. A presence lingered in the air, hitting Persephone’s senses like a lightning bolt.  “Don’t,” Hypnos whispered, voice trembling. Unsteady fingers wrapped around her wrist, begging her to stay put.   “There’s someone out there.”  “I know,” he croaked. ...