by Warren Benedetto “Everything you think you know about witches is wrong,” Selena sobbed. She struggled against the ropes binding her to the pole. Father Hugo stuffed kindling under the logs at her feet. He cocked an eyebrow skeptically. “Everything?” “Everything,” Selena insisted. “Brewing potions?” “Wrong.” “Casting spells?” “Wrong!” Father Hugo lit a match. […]
by Raven Corinn Carluk Gavin glowered at the townfolk gathered at the base of his tower. Their grumbles had grown in volume as they worked themselves into a frenzy against the wizard within. Amazing that one escaped experiment could so quickly whip up a mob. It wasn’t like they couldn’t birth more children or […]
by McKenzie Richardson Merlot-hued spatters stain white feathers as I snap the final bone, hanging my newest creation up for display. These heavenly angels have gotten soft in their home of clouds, always so trusting. That was their downfall, my advantage. I didn’t fall from Heaven—I was pushed. But I crawled my way back […]
by Scott Wheelock The people blanketed the ground as numerous as grains of sand upon the ocean floor. Now it stood before them as still and vast as a mountain. The God’s head rose far above their view in the gathering storm clouds, but what they saw was enough. They raised their arms as […]
by Shawn M. Klimek Spanning the stems of a prickly cactus, a spiderweb glittered in the morning dew like a sequined doily. When a yellow hornet—actually, a demon—descended nearby, the web’s owner warily revealed itself. “What now?” demanded the spider (also a demon). “Just watch.” Pimples like blackberry drupelets erupted all over the hornet’s […]
by Paula R.C. Readman Martha fed more sticks to the fire. Soon the cauldron bubbled. She took a deep breath and began to chant. She had to get it right. First, she added rosemary for remembrance and lavender for love. Would he appear before her as the old witch had promised? As the two […]
by Kelly Matsuura When Wizard Qarmel took to his death bed, I didn’t want him to die alone. “What’s Margaret’s address? I’ll send a letter,” I offered. The wizard’s wife had left years earlier, but no one knew her current whereabouts. “No need.” Qarmel smiled. “She’s with me, always.” “She’s gone. Remember?” “Margaret is […]
by K.B. Elijah Cold winds borne from grey skies whipped around me, mixing strands of my green hair with my tears. “Merle.” Acquisition Officer Karea fluttered down onto the bridge beside me. “You were reported for conducting an unauthorised child transfer.” Her breath caught as she followed my gaze down to the violent, swirling […]
by Neen Cohen She fluttered her bright blue eyes in the lights of the nightclub, taking the drink from his over-eager hands. “Now leave.” He turned, eyebrows knitting. Tomorrow he would wonder where all the money went with no hangover to show for it. “You make us look bad.” Teara shook her head despite […]
by Zoey Xolton Lucifer languished upon the immense, black throne forged of dragon glass. Slumbering by his side, Lilith’s great scaled tail wrapped around the dais, her bejewelled hide wreathed in living flame. The Fallen Angel reached out and stroked the beast. “Lilith.” She growled softly, deep in her throat, a rumble of contentment […]