by Crystal N. Ramos

His father always wore a locket, an oddity the son couldn’t help but notice. When asked, his father tucked it inside his shirt and said, “It keeps the demon form locked away.” Curiosity inflamed; the son waited until his father was sleeping to open it.

Fire burst out and consumed them. The son screamed as it seared his body and soul, his clawed demonic form bursting through the human skin he had unknowingly worn.

“Let’s go meet your grandfather, son,” the demon said and put a claw on the son’s shoulder as a portal opened before them.

Crystal N. Ramos

Crystal N. Ramos lives with her husband and two replacement units in Georgia. She has won the Maggie Award twice and has an MA in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University. Some of her shorter work has appeared in Rescued Hearts: A Hidden Acres Anthology, Black Hare Press: Year Four, and The Dr T. J. Eckleburg Review. In her imaginary spare time, she likes to knit, cross-stitch, and play Minecraft. You can find her on

Facebook: @crystalnramos