Even though I continued talking with my parents as if nothing had happened, my mind was churning with thoughts, and my throat was aching to speak. The conversation with Ji-Ah left a powerful impression on me. She made clear that the Great Mother had been listening to my prayers. Was that why the Late Sovereign ...

Riley gagged when she looked into the room. “Mind if I stay by the door?” she questioned, clutching her stomach. “If you’re that sensitive, I’ll be quick.” I slipped into the suite and returned with the photo of the smiling woman and what appeared to be a large, uncut black opal that fit in the ...

“You’re a witch!” Hawthorne holds her hands up. If it were anyone else, it would be a symbol of surrender. But from a witch, it’s a threat. Her eyes darted around desperately. “But I–” “But what? Did you poison the tea?” The knife shook in my hands. “No, I swear! I’ll leave; you’ll never see ...

Calm smoothed over the landscape as quickly as the turbulent weather erupted. I perched on my grandmother’s bedroom window and watched the sun’s rays battle the clouds for dominance. As it strained to break through, I struggled against the feeling of my lungs closing up. The fresh, earthy smell of Gran’s backyard after the recent ...

Hypnos heaved a sigh of relief when he blinked into existence in the open-air atrium of Slumber. A massive fountain sprayed scented water behind him, the sound soothing an ache that had formed in his chest. This was the only place he felt alive. He could function here, able to keep his eyes open for ...

Sam choked as his heart sprang into his throat. On the next block, her hair thrown together like an abstract painting, a familiar figure waited at a bus stop. He shuddered, his legs weakened, and for a moment, he understood the plight of deer when a car barrels towards them. His sensibility devolved as he ...

The best thing about living on a boat during the apocalypse? Is how easy it is to forget the world has gone to shit. When I am not fighting off zombies, I’m just a regular twenty-year-old trying to make and maintain friendships and maybe even find love. “Hey.” Asher’s already at one of the cafeteria ...

The summer sun gave way to the falling leaves, marking the onset of fall. For once, Lacey found herself blanketed in the comfort of a routine. Her guard fell with each passing month. Syler’s intentions remained steadfast, and he proved himself daily. His kind personality helped her heal her heart after the traumatic first months ...

The knife comes loose with a tug as I inspect the wall. There isn’t much damage, but it will need to be refinished. I’ll need to have dad cleanse the house when he gets back. Another chore. Another day. Downstairs in the kitchen, the poorly wrapped cake mix sits on the counter. I shove it ...

“Yes, Master.” I choke out the words to relieve the pressure on my throat. Finally, Kaelthar releases me. I stumble back, gasping for air.   He stands from the desk and stalks toward me. I slink away as he draws close.   “The others won’t believe you if you tell them.” Is he reading my thoughts? “They took my word about the planet, and they’ll do the same now.”   He’s right. They’re trained to trust him, have been their ...