Free Short Stories
Scarlett’s Pledge
The night breeze holds my secrets, even as it brushes against my sister’s ears. She can’t know where we’re headed, so today marks the first time I have lied to her. At least I only needed to convince one of my sisters that we need to find the map.
Ryker’s Promise
The other hunter yells my name from outside the van. “Just go!”
When did he learn my real name?
My van swerves around another tree and a streetlight flickers in the distance. I push down on the gas harder. The entire vehicle bumps and jerks over the uneven forest floor. My ass thumps against the seat and my head hits the ceiling. The Slynik tied up in the back won’t stop screaming through the tape around her mouth.
Ruby’s Vow
My lungs burn, but I’ll never stop running until I find my sister, Scarlett, and bring her home.
“Scarlett!” My other sister, Ruby, yells in the distance.
The hunter’s tire tracks disappear into sloshes of endless puddles. Heart pounding, veins pumping, I pant even harder. My muscles need the refreshing raindrops dripping down from the branches that add to my already soaked hair.
Olivia’s Date
I’ve made a decision. I will be seated at the best table inside Coco’s Cocoa for my date.
On the other side of the bay window, customers wait on Bewitcher Street, all the way around the block for the grand opening of this magical chocolate shop. Kids knock on the door excitedly and point to whatever has grabbed their attention. Hopefully the glass is charmed to not break, because those kids are reckless in their anticipation. At least the song carrying over the speaker is a band with a calm, mellow vibe.
Lou’s Tulips
The worst thing that could happen to a person is to die. And my Ouma must live forever or I’ll forget how to breathe. She’s the one who caught me the day I was born almost thirty years ago and deserves to continue on until the end of time.
Rynn’s Crush
Orange beams from the sunset slice through my parents’ windows. I toss my graduation gown, cap, and diploma on my parent’s kitchen counter, then rush upstairs to sulk in misery. Sure, I’m glad to finally be rid of this small Indiana town, but I’m angry as hell at myself for not working up the courage to ask Elias out as planned.
Piper’s Challenge
My date-of-the-month stares at me through pink sunglasses. I guess I could call her my ‘contender-of-the-month’ since we’re about to start a challenge.
“Let me get this straight, Piper…” Maxie sticks her hip out, all sass, the way I prefer women. “You expect me to believe that we’ve been transported into a magical land that is fueled by Pixie dust? But the dust is being devoured by a creepy shadow?”
Mora’s Thorn
I slam my hands on the counter again, flop my head down onto the cold surface and let out a loud groan. What other ingredients could possibly create this wretched ink? In my apothecary studio, the size of a closet, shadows flicker on the wall until the sole lamp finally burns out. That’s fine. I can work without light.
Eribelle’s Dream
How can I paint the taste of saltwater? I swipe more colors from my palate to stroke the beach I’m overlooking. How will the viewer experience the taste of the sea?
I’ve been raised to fear the waters and detest the merfolk who lurk Below. Yet I find myself licking my lips to savor a little flavor from the forbidden.
Isaac’s Curse
The fierce wind flapped the sheet in my hand, so I tightened my grip, shaking out the crumbs from last night’s dessert. At least Zeph had licked most of the cake off my abs, so it didn’t end up staining the blankets. The morning clouds camouflaged into the fabric, taking the form of a full sail, and I couldn’t tell where the sky ended, and the sheet began.
Kyra’s Ruin
How did I get into this mess—again? This douchebag is just like Dad.
I recoiled from Darnell’s atrocious kiss and gagged a little at the lingering taste of cheeseburger chunks. The fast-food bags littering his old car floor stuck to my boot and a rotten smell drifted up, viciously attacking me from all angles.
Grabbing my purse first, I quickly bolted into the warm night, then slammed the rusty car door shut. How Darnell even owned one of those ancient gas-fueled vehicles was beyond me. I didn’t think there were any left. He did always seem interested in vintage crap.
Jadox’s Spell
The strong smell of horses wafted through the autumn breeze. Bark scratched through my thin shirt as I shifted my back against the oak tree. When Isaac Nilson nodded and started walking through the yard, I straightened my posture and casually hovered my hand near the knife by my waist. Hopefully his extra two inches of height and broad shoulders wouldn’t give him too much of an advantage over my military background. But I had heard legends of this creep’s strength and I refused to be caught off guard.
Joanna’s Sacrifices
The shadow grew, blocking my only exit. But a shadow was harmless compared to the toxins Zohaib had poisoned me with over the years. He took my dignity, career, and body, but now—he had threatened my daughter. Fuckin’ deal-breaker.
Sometimes, while hiding in those dark tunnels, I greedily welcomed the possibility that all my pain could finally end. But I had sworn years ago that my death wouldn’t be from his choosing. I’d be the one to pull the trigger.
Phoenix’s Spies
The bony-fingered lady swatted me away from the glass faster than a soldier running from a grenade. Without breaking eye contact, she wiped away the smudges I created on her precious counter. Those near black eyebrows rose high, threatening daggers to my soul if I so much as hiccupped in her general direction. That fake crooked smile aimed for a sale, but her eyes harbored man-eating-hatred for any poor soul like me who inquired about engagement rings.
William’s Lies
A breeze blew in from the window, but I sweated bullets. I glanced at the grandfather clock in the hallway, somehow ticking at double speed. Ticking that matched the rhythm of my heartbeat. Raelyn would be home from school in two hours, and I couldn’t fathom the lies I’d have to create if she saw the briefcase.