I’ve never felt pain like this. My brain reels as I fight for consciousness. “What do you mean she isn’t awake yet?” Asher demands on my right. Someone sighs. “These wounds are tricky. It’s hard to tell when she’ll wake.” A light pressure squeezes my hand, and I squeeze back desperate for comfort. “Izzy?” Val’s ...

The roar of Hades’ heart was deafening as he reformed in his office. He had never spoken so coldly to Persephone. For so long, he’d been her punching bag, allowing her to berate him for a mistake he’d never meant to make. The story had become so twisted that only they knew the truth.  His ...

“Dress nice, but not black tie,” Lacey reminded herself as she stood in front of the mirror. Syler’s words replayed in her head for what seemed like hours. This was the third and final outfit combination. At last, it felt right. She styled her hair in loose curls, slipped into a green flowy blouse, and ...

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. It is an adaptation inspired by the fairy tales owned by the Grimm Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm. This story is not associated with Disney’s adaptations, their added characters, or story elements. The path leads to Ashvale, a town I only know from childhood studies. Smaller than Valenlorë yet ...

Nobody questions how the Sorcerer Kaelthar grows the most potent herbs in Anacaris, but an hour into tilling his garden, I discover the bones. I loft a glittering femur, too long for a dog, too short for a stag, and present it to Ember’s kneeling form. “What is this?”   Ember snaps to attention, sandy hair ...

Focus on your breathing. This feels like training, except now real-life monsters lurk in the shadows. My heart thuds against my ribs. I force a short laugh, brittle with fear. This isn’t helping. Asher shoots me a questioning glance. He leads our squad through a maze of abandoned cars, moss and vines constricting around each ...

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. It is an adaptation inspired by the fairy tales owned by the Grimm Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm. This story is not associated with Disney’s adaptations, their added characters, or story elements. Lyanna and I push deeper into the forest, the world closing in around us. The path tightens ...

In 1859, Darwin introduced his theory of human evolution. He described “survival of the fittest” as the idea that those most adapted to their environment were more prone to live and procreate. Perhaps Charles underestimated that survival involves more than physics. Fast-forward to the present. Our intellect, ability to mimic socially desirable skills, willpower, and ...

I was too far into my memories to detect the emptiness of the wooden house; the silence that fell to the pigeons perched on the branches of the mango tree outside. The rocking chair, with its comforting creaks, grew quiet behind me, and the warm sensation that permeated my body and relaxed my soul vanished ...

I followed Riley to catch up with the group. Our discussion left me feeling a little uneasy. The mention of a cult was disturbing. I stashed this idea for future contemplation. “So, you think all people are characters? Can you envision our roles?” I eyed the others. “I mean, Kathy is the sweetheart, but I ...