by Kimberly Rei “We are gathered here to welcome Isabella into our church and our hearts.” The small group pulled closer, sighing with joy at the bundle in the priest’s hands. He held the baby over a font, dribbling water on her forehead as he spoke. For her part, Isabella didn’t cry. She hiccuped at […]
In a haunting coastal landscape in North Yorkshire, a creature lurks beneath the waves, captivating one unsuspecting woman and beckoning her towards a dark destiny.
A new mother watches shadows transform into something more while she sits awake with her young son. As Rudy grows older she frets about his development challenges and his silent world.
Venture into a world where the merry and the macabre collide, redefining your holiday season in just one-hundred-word festive bites.
by Alden Terzo Captain Belle and Bonecrusher Pete brought their dinghy alongside her ship. Belle stood, jewels in hand. “Sorry luv, you won’t be coming aboard.” Pete gaped. “You’re double crossing me?” “Maths was never your strength, was it sugar?” She smiled. “We double crossed that jeweller. This is a triple cross.” Pete stood, […]
by T.J. Gallasch “Hand over the necklace, in the name of His Majesty the King,” the officer ordered. “You’ll need to take it from me,” One-Eyed Sue declared. “What are you waiting for, man?” ordered the officer’s senior dressed in red. “Kill her and take what we’ve come for.” Without hesitation, the sailor lunged with […]
by Tracy Davidson Captain Drake “Ducky” Mallard never touched rum. Or Spanish gold. She’d seen what both did to fellow pirates. She preferred a clear head and curseless life. Well, relatively curseless. Once a month, hormones turned her into raving hellbeast. Her First Mate learnt to handle her (after having been tossed overboard two or […]
by Jenny Thompson The captain clambered up the rope ladder. “I’ve got it!” he called cheerfully before hopping the rail onto the deck of his ship. He tossed his leather map quiver to the First Mate. “The map’s a gift from the harbour master’s wife who turned out to be a most agreeable lady. Her […]
by Steven Holding I didn’t sign up for this ship! I was press-ganged; seduced by drink and the promise of riches. Slipped a mickey, woke afloat upon the ocean. Luckily, the cretinous captain doesn’t realise mutiny’s nothing new to me. Quick compliments (YOU’RE NO OAR BORE, YOU’RE B.O.A.T!) and I’m soon first and best mate. […]
by A.L. Blacklyn Tight together in a hidden corner of the storage decks, the former ship’s captain and I conspired for the lunar colony’s slave rebellion. I said. “I got it, but how do I know this isn’t a trap?” “I give you my word,” he answered solemnly. He smelled like engine-room rum. He was […]