Tag: fantasy

Writing

Angelic Findings Summary

Alexandra Diane

For over the last decade, the Angelic Findings manuscript has undergone multiple revisions. At the core, the story has stayed the same. A deceitful angel with a sly smile tricks our female lead into believing she’s safe with him, however she’s anything but. It feels like it’s been a lifetime developing the characters into something more than weak and whiny characters needing to be saved. For the first time I am feeling content with the story and because of that I have been able to write a summary, knowing these key points will not change. So without further ado, the Angelic Findings summary!

Cassandra’s battle with anxiety and insomnia is amplified by a mysterious nighttime phantom and her cousin Molly’s chaotic lifestyle. Despite her own fears and family problems, Cassandra attends a gala where she meets a mysterious man named Anderson. After a tense conversation at the bar, Cassandra stumbles upon a burglar in a restricted room and manages to foil his escape. The Angelic Findings’ soldiers storm in without making any noise and apprehend the burglar. This encounter leaves Cassandra with a mix of emotions and questions about the mysterious events of the night. The founder, Anthony Glau, pursues her. As they engaged in conversation, Cassandra’s initial unease grows as she observed unusual traits in Anthony. 

Anthony discloses his role in orchestrating the incident at a gala. He reveals video evidence of her unique abilities, claiming to want to protect Cassandra. Cassandra reflects on her family struggles and confronts the man, who hands her a photo showing angel wings behind her at the gala. She is shocked and curious about her own abilities. Despite feeling invaded, she stays to learn more about herself.

Cassandra vanishes from her family for three days. Upon her unexpected return, she awakens after a week of being unconscious. Cassandra discovered she possesses unusual powers. Molly helps her deal with her new abilities and introduces her to a kitten. However, a terrifying creature that turns things to stone appears, shattering their peaceful time. With the help of Anthony, they narrowly escape the danger. 

Cassandra and her cousins, Molly and Jonathan, land in a dark room. Anthony reprimands Cassandra for using excessive energy. Tensions rise as Cassandra confronts Anthony for not preventing the danger. He reveals they were never alone when the kitten transforms into the angel Puriel. This is a surprise to everyone because Puriel is Molly’s late fiancé. 

Anthony explains the significance of Cassandra’s mixed blood and the looming threat from the dark angel Azrael. Puriel interrupts their private moment, covered with blood and a gaping wound.

Anthony’s village is under attack by demons led by Azrael, wreaking havoc and causing chaos. Jonathan, amidst the turmoil, is entrusted with caring for angelic infants. When he feels his sister is in trouble, Morse, a dark-haired angel, takes Jonathan to an armory. Morse tells him to be careful before rushing to help. But Jonathan is too late. Azrael captures Molly.

Cassandra nervously waits outside the infirmary as healers desperately try to save Jonathan, who has been impaled by a spear. Despite insisting on seeing him, Anthony stops her, warning that the healer’s power is too dangerous for her. Overwhelmed by the fear of losing Jonathan, she lashes out with her fiery abilities. After finally seeing Jonathan, she discovers that he has been given a chance at life, but at a great cost – he will transform into a spirit. As she struggles to make sense of the situation, Cassandra finds herself drawn to Anthony, despite her anger and confusion. Eventually, they find solace in a peaceful meadow. But Cassandra’s guilt and uncertainty about Anthony’s true intentions linger.

Cassandra and Anthony explore stunning landscapes, and Anthony teaches her about angelic education, baby angels, and power struggles among angels. When they reach a grand building, the attendants strip Cassandra, bathe her, and dress her in opulent attire. Led into a daunting hall of ArchAngels, she defies their commands and asserts her autonomy. The revelation that she is the daughter of a goddess and bound to Anthony as his soulmate leaves her fuming. Anthony is tasked with taking her away to navigate the impending conflict with Azrael.

Trapped in a gilded cage by Anthony, Cassandra is determined to take control of her destiny. Despite her fear and guilt, she resolves to save Molly from the monstrous angel Azrael. Discovering her latent powers, Cassandra experiments with fire and breaks free from the confinement. As she learns about her divine heritage and family history, she forms a bond with Puriel. Together, they embark on a daring escape from the palace, defying the oppressive forces that seek to control them. 

Struggling with physical pain and emotional turmoil, Cassandra receives an unexpected offer from Anthony, but she hesitates, feeling unready for the commitment. Amidst their playful interactions, the moment is shattered when Cassandra is dragged underwater. As she fights for her life, a sense of urgency and danger unfolds, leaving her in a perilous predicament.

Puriel, in falcon form, searches for Anthony and Cassandra. He finds them far from where he left them and notices a mysterious mark on Cassandra. Puriel and Anthony discuss her powers and determine she’s too powerful to bring along. Puriel shares news about Molly’s well-being and they plan to move Cassandra away from Azrael. Despite temptation, Puriel refrains from taking action. They agree to focus on getting Cassandra away from Azrael, dealing with her anger later.

Cassandra wakes up in a strange place next to Anthony. She questions him about his intention towards her. A disturbance at the door prompts Anthony to leave Cassandra alone, and she finds a small garden outside. There, she encounters a dragon-like creature that heals a mysterious mark on her leg. Anthony later reveals that she is being tracked and insists that she stays in the house. Despite his military duties, they eventually engage in intimate activities, leading Anthony to refer to her as his wife before she falls asleep.

Cassandra wakes up to the scent of cinnamon and finds Anthony at the foot of the bed, ready for breakfast. They banter and share pastries, which contain the angelic food ambrosia, suppressing hunger and providing sustenance. Anthony teases Cassandra, and they playfully struggle over the last bite of pastry. Later, she prepares herself for a formal dinner, and Anthony surprises her with a marriage proposal. Despite feeling betrayed, Cassandra faces a tense moment as she tries to resist her conflicting emotions for Anthony.

Cassandra awaits her fate as a wedding planner turned goddess, observing the lavish affair through a window. Her cousin Jonathan appears, bringing comfort and company. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, she is trying to understand her feelings for her fiancé. Tensions rise, secrets unravel, and the crowd’s reaction is far from welcoming. Cassandra seeks familiar faces for support, only to find herself engulfed by the unsettling atmosphere of the grand event.

Cassandra is ushered towards a throne, feeding her doubts about Anthony’s true intentions. Molly, her cousin, appears and warns her about Anthony’s deception. As Cassandra ascends the throne. The throne proves to be alive and fuses with her, imbuing her with divine powers. After an intense ceremony, she is left weak and hungry, but surrounded by supporters. Amidst tension with her husband and a confrontation with her rival, she asserts her newfound authority with a defiant act.

Grappling with her new reality, Cassandra struggles to come to terms with her transformation and the responsibilities that come with it, Cassandra steps away briefly, she entrusts her friends with the task of observing the unfolding events, seeking potential treacherous guests amidst the celebrations.

Cassandra, seeking solitude, finds herself in a garden where she encounters Anderson. He reveals he was meant to be her guardian angel. Anderson cautions Cassandra about the risks of ambrosia and attempts to display its effects. This leads to a transformation in Cassandra, revealing her hidden abilities. This unexpected turn of events leaves Anderson in awe of Cassandra.

Cassandra finds herself in a confrontation with Anthony, questioning his secrecy and manipulation. She challenges his motives and expresses her frustration with his lies. Anthony reveals his need for her to rule as a Demi-god, but Cassandra resists, asserting her independence and refusing to be used. In a final showdown, Anthony attempts to control her, but Cassandra defiantly asserts her true self. The tense encounter concludes with Anthony ordering her confinement, suspecting a threat to the palace.

Cassandra, angered, is locked in a room by Anthony. She sets the room on fire before Gabriel appears. She questions the concept of soulmates and the motives behind the power struggle. Gabriel explains the potential consequences of binding her soul and the true nature of soulmates.  He explains a plot to control both worlds by obtaining Cassandra’s soul. He reassures her that she is not bound by love. Gabriel reveals the fallen state of angels and the limited intervention in the human world is revealed. She seeks to save her cousin Molly and embarks on a journey with the guidance of Gabriel. Along the way, Cassandra faces doubts and challenges, questioning the true nature of those around her. 

Lent, Short Stories

Day 2: The Dark Watcher

Alexandra Diane

The rain didn’t bother her, even as it dripped in her eyes and soaked her shoes. She barely felt it. All that mattered was watching the blood run from the throat of the Black Annis. The creature wore a dress made of the flesh of the fourteen children she had stolen from the small town. In an attempt to protect the youngest, the authorities had enacted a curfew. But they didn’t know that the blue hag hunted day or night, luring children into the oak branches with the promises of sweets. Every morning, the local news would broadcast the face of another missing child.

Sarah had to wash away the evidence before Chris came home. He was none the wiser to what his stay at home wife did throughout the day. He thought she used her free time to maintain the home and run errands without a child on her hip. However, that was not the case. The fiery little redhead was more than just a mother. Something her husband would know if he could see past her looks. Just like he would notice how their son looked nothing like him. But Sarah checked all the boxes he needed to present the perfect family when he had to show up at functions. And he was too busy with mistresses for Sarah to care. She had her freedom to hunt the monsters that plagued the world.

“Fuck,” Sarah hissed, as she stitched the gash the Black Annis left in her calf. The iron talons were hard to miss and the first thing Sarah removed from the beast.

“Mommy,” a little voice whispered at the door. 

Noah tapped on the door. It was Chris’ turn to pick him up from aftercare, which meant that all her hunting had to be done before five. 

“One second sweety.” Sarah turned off the water to the shower, watching the last bit of evidence circle the drain. 

Gently, she pulled a pair of cozy sweatpants over the gash and a hoodie over her head. Shaking away the hunter, Sarah forced herself to smile. It was time to be the caring parent and hear all about the adventures Noah had been a part of. He was the only true joy she held onto. Everything else was a facade.

“Baby!” Sarah squealed, wrapping her arms around her son. “How was your day?” She asked, covering his face with kisses.

Noah skillfully dodged her kisses. “I’m not a baby anymore!” He said through giggles. “I’m 5 and 1/2.”

Sarah held him at arm’s distance, looking him over. “You’re right, you’re right. You’re most definitely not a baby anymore. My little elf, that’s what you are.”

“What? No, there’s no such thing as elves,” said Noah, shaking his head. 

Sarah frowned. “Who told you that?”

“Tommy,” Noah said matter-of-factly. “He said that all of that stuff is just make believe.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe that in kindergarten, Noah was already dealing with this kind of nonsense. Creatures revealed themselves to the world less than a decade ago, yet there were still skeptics. 

They probably have to be eaten by one to believe. Sarah thought. 

Sarah knelt down to be closer to Noah’s size. “Baby, there are creatures out there. Good ones and bad ones, just like people.”

Noah nodded slowly. “You mean like the one who is taking all the little kids?” 

“Yes, just like that monster.” Kneeling was killing Sarah’s calf, but she would not let a bit of pain stop her from comforting Noah. “But I don’t think sh— it will be a problem anymore.”

Noah gasped. “Did the police get him?”

“They sure did, baby.” Sarah said with a sigh. “What did daddy pick up for dinner?”

Noah fidgeted with his shirt. “He said we couldn’t stop because the monster would eat me.”

Heat spread across Sarah’s cheeks. What was Chris thinking telling their son that a monster would eat him? That man never woke up to Noah screaming from his night terrors. Sarah ruffled his hair. 

“Ignore daddy. Nothing is going to eat you.” She smiled, pulling him into a hug. “You’re too strong for that.”

They left Sarah’s bedroom and headed for the kitchen. It was a stunning cottage core kitchen, straight out of Sarah’s Pinterest board. Chris had it done for her one summer while Noah and her were visiting Chris’ family. He was always too busy to travel. Or that’s at least what he told his overbearing father and demeaning mother. Sometimes Sarah understood why her husband was cold as ice. However, he was a grown adult. He couldn’t blame everything on his family. He made the choices and aging into them was that choice. 

Planting a weak kiss on her cheek, Chris eyed Sarah’s attire. “With all your shopping trips, I would assume you owned more than hoodies and sweats.”

Sarah patted his arm. “Well, if you spent more than 15 minutes at home, you’d know that I do.” She kept her voice low so Noah wouldn’t hear. “Maybe one of your childless whores would be more comfortable in negligees.” 

Chris’ eyes went wide as Sarah scooped up their son. Noah’s brown eyes bore into Chris’ blue ones. Sarah had explained her father had brown eyes. It was hard to dispute when she had green eyes and both her parents were dead. Chris had hoped that Noah would have his same blonde hair as him, but the child had neither his light locks nor Sarah’s fire red ones. His hair was dark as night. Behind Sarah’s back, Chris had taken Noah in for a paternity test. Or so he thought. The lab sent the results through the mail. Because of someone’s preference for business trips over family time, Sarah had enough time to edit the results and reseal the envelope. 

“Of course, my dear,” He smiled at Noah. “What delicious meal have you prepared for us tonight.” 

They seamlessly transitioned into the roles of parents and friends. Because before Noah, Sarah truly loved her husband. It wasn’t until she was pregnant did his attention drift from his wife, to his secretary, to their accountant, and eventually the nanny. Some days, she longed for the life they had before their child. Traveling the world and going on grand adventures. But knowing what she knows now. There is not a doubt in Sarah’s mind that Chris had been faithful even then. A drunken night or two as they cleaned up the kitchen, Sarah got up the courage to ask Chris why he even stayed.  

“Because divorce looks bad for a politician that runs on family matters.” He shrugged. “That and I should have listened to my parents when they wanted me to sign a prenup.” 

Sarah had expected his words to have wounded her. However, after years of romantic neglect, they had already turned into roommates. She didn’t know where Noah came from, but she knew he wasn’t Chris’. Years of infertility had worn on them as a couple. Despite the doctors’ explicit reassurance that the problem was his, he still blamed her. The fights pushed Sarah into hunting. She felt helpless arguing with him. Hearing him rip her a part about being a failure as a woman. To which she constantly reminded him that none of his whores have become pregnant either. 

One night while Sarah was out hunting for things that went bump in the night, until something bumped her on the head, knocking her unconscious. She woke up in the middle of the woods with hundreds of missed calls from Chris. Angry voicemails about how she can’t leave him. As she deleted the last hateful, teary message, the sky lit up blue and green. She had never seen dancing lights before. But somehow she knew her life was about to change.

“I picked up a rotisserie chicken, your favorite, the honey barbecue and all the fixings.” Sarah pulled the still warm mac and cheese and chicken from the oven. After setting it on the island, she grabbed the salad from the fridge. “I figured you’d forget our anniversary.”

They sat down for dinner. Never once a moment of silence as Noah regaled them with all the gossip of his kindergarten class. Jeffery stole Crissy’s french fries at lunch and she launched her chicken nuggets at him in retaliation. Bradley pushed Matt off the swing and Matt chased him around the playground. They both went on red for being mean. Noah’s chatter made it easy to overlook the chaos of their life. That was until a grinding sound came from the kitchen. 

Sarah stiffened. “Chris darling,” she said, grabbing his hand. “Could you take Noah up for his bath?”

Chris looked down at Sarah’s quivering hand. “Uh, sure.”

Without question, he took his protesting son by the hand leading him upstairs. Silently, Sarah thanked whoever watched them for Chris not fighting her. Clearing the dishes from the table, Sarah followed the noise. The window screen over the sink had been shredded to pieces.  Sarah snuck into the pantry, grabbing the machete she kept hidden near the broom and Swiffer. A place Chris would never venture to. According to him, the kitchen was meant for women. 

With the bath running above, Sarah crept out the kitchen door and into the backyard. Whatever diced the window screen had triggered the flood light making it difficult to see into the night. The grinding was louder now that she was outside. Sarah couldn’t believe that the Black Annis wasn’t dead. She had freed it from its hands and head before fleeing the scene. How could it be back? 

The creature gave away location, wrapping itself in a swing. Its scream pierced through the night. Sarah ran towards the creature, careful not to be cut by its iron talons again, lopping off its right arm. Blood trickled onto the ground. Sarah noticed a scar where its head had been reattached. 

“Why won’t you stay dead?” grunted Sarah, hacking at the blue creature’s neck. 

Blood pooled beneath the swing as yellow eyes raged in the flickering flood light. Its teeth, still grinding, craving Noah’s flesh.

“Good attempt, human,” a smooth voice called from the dark. “But you need silver to kill her.”

Sarah’s skin prickled. She had heard the voice before. The Dark Watcher was across the backyard, slamming a sword into the Black Annis. Its body turned dusty. Sarah stood her ground as he approached her. 

The hood of his cloak fell, exposing his long raven hair. His hand was cool to the touch, lingering on her chin. “I see you’re raising my son well.”

Sarah smacked his hand away with the machete. “So you’re the creature that raped me?”

The Dark Watcher recoiled at her accusations. “I most certainly did not. You spent nearly a year with me. ”

“How is that even possible?” Sarah demanded, “I was only gone for a few hours. What did you do? Steal my memories?” 

“After you destroyed the La Ciguapa, you touched the talisman she wore around her neck. That sent you into my realm. I came across you unconscious and alone in Spieviesta.” The Dark Watcher looked towards her house. A shadow watched from Sarah’s bedroom window.

Sarah’s head was spinning as a memory of a small brook with purple and pink bioluminescences filled her mind. “What the hell is Spieviesta?” 

“It’s the Forest of Spirits. It holds the souls of the dead beasts. The talisman allowed you to cross.” The Dark Watcher told her, gently pushing the machete away. “Your soul was so entwined that I thought you belonged to our side. But as you healed, I saw you were human. You begged me not to return to your world. You were so broken I gave in.”

His hand caressed her cheek. Against all instinct to run, Sarah leaned in. A wave of calm came over her. 

The Dark Watcher pulled her in close. “But when you became pregnant, I had to let you go. Spieviesta is no place for the living, let alone a child. So I watched from the shadows. You, my dear, are a force.”

 She wanted to remember, but fractured memories were all that came. Giant oaks with cabins built in their limbs. Dances around massive bonfires with fairies illuminating the night. Never once did Sarah see the sun, but she didn’t crave its heat. Safety existed in that place. A safety she craved at home but never found. 

The slamming of Sarah’s back door interrupted them. Chris charged towards them. The Dark Watcher shielded Sarah behind him.

“A White Lighter is raising my son?” The Dark Watcher seethed.

“A what?” Sarah peeked around the Dark Watcher’s broad shoulders. Chris’s aura was radiating a brilliant blue, bordering on white. “What the hell is a White Lighter?”

“Sarah, get away from him.” Chris demanded. 

Before Chris could come any closer, the Dark Watcher slammed his walking stick onto the cement patio. The ground cracked open, leaving a revive between them. 

“She belongs to me, Watcher.” Chris called, pacing along the opening as flames flicked the edges.

“I don’t belong to anyone,” shouted Sarah.

She was flush against the Dark Watcher’s back. His level breathing kept her calm. Sarah had seen Chris’ drunken rages before. But this was different. His eyes burned red. The longer she stayed separated from him, the more his arms twitched. He cracked his neck a few times, rolling his shoulders. Sarah gripped the machete’s handle, preparing for a fight.

The Dark Watcher’s free hand wrapped around him, clutching her waist. “A White Lighter, a being that demands loyalty for protection. Many believe that a White Lighter acts as a guardian angel. However, they only protect the most subservient of their followers. And you, my dear, are nothing of the sort.” 

“If you come back to me, I can wash away the memories, just like last time.” Chris tried to cross the ravine, but the flames leapt at him. “Let him take the boy and the pain will be gone. You will be happy again. We can be happy again.”

Sarah looked back at the pile of dust behind her. “I needed silver to kill the Black Annis. What do I need to do to be rid of him?” 

The Dark Watcher’s smile reached his coal dark eyes. “You just need to release him from your vows.”

“A divorce?” Sarah almost leapt over the flames herself. “You knew this. No wonder why you would never divorce me. You wanted me trapped. To control and punish because I didn’t fit your perfect mold.” 

“It doesn’t have to be as formal as your legal system makes it out,” The Dark Watcher told her. “You just have to recant your vows.”

Chris panicked. His aura was a deep red that didn’t match his soothing voice. “Sarah, there is no need for this. Come home and we can forget everything. Noah needs you. I need you. This is just a phase baby. One we can overcome together. We’ve done it before, we can do it again. Let me take away your pain.” 

Sarah’s brain tingled. She knew this feeling. One that she had whenever she took her daily pill. However, Chris was the one who kept her calm, not her pill. He stole away her emotions and freedom. No wonder when he was gone did she become a new person. One where she felt herself. One where she was free. 

“No,” she uttered. “I will not give in to you again.”

Sarah came toe to toe with the edge of the fire. Her green eyes boring into his blue ones. A wind from below pushed him back and made her fiery red locks dance like the flames. 

“Chris O’Mally I release you. I release you of our wedding vows. I release you of the promises you have not not fulfilled. You have not loved me through sickness and health. You have multiplied, harmed me, and most certainly have not forsaken all others.”

A deep laugh bellowed across the ravine. “That is rich coming from you, since I have been raising a Dark Watchers’ offspring.” 

Sarah rolled her eyes. “One time, and you stole from me. When I finally found happiness and was free of you. You stole my freedom again. Chris O’Mally all bonds with me are broken.” 

Sarah had expected lightning to flash through the sky or a vicious wind to rip through the air. Instead, she heard a soft click. Looking down to the broken patio, she saw her wedding band broken in half and a chain reaching across the ravine attached to the band Chris had worn.

Bloganuary

Dream Job?

Alexandra Diane
Bloganuary writing prompt
What’s your dream job?
View all responses

My dream job was to be a scriptwriter. To be a showrunner on a fantasy or paranormal television show. I wanted to share my stories with the world and back in 2005, this was the main option. We had blogs and things like that but no way to really share them out like we do now. 

So would I say almost two decades later that my dream job remains the same… yeah, that would be awesome to see my work come to life. However, that’s no longer the only way I can share my stories with the world. I have my blog that people read and I have self-published a book. Which you can pick up on amazon. 

However, I am happy with how things have turned out. I enjoy my life, and I actually like teaching high school students my love and passion for storytelling. So I will not live in the world of what if and relish in the life I have. 

Short Stories

Molly’s Unicorn

Alexandra Diane

I waited for my parents to fall asleep. I never really knew if they were truly asleep. My dad was a strange sleeper. The slightest sound would wake him, but a loud noise he’d ignore. I guess he thought if you were breaking in and smashing around, you weren’t actually breaking in. That or the cat had caused too many false alarms in the past. With my mom, all I had to do was wait for her light to go off. Sometimes it didn’t, which meant she fell asleep reading.


I had to be careful when I slipped through the window. I didn’t mind the house being brick until moments like these. Mom would ask questions if I had scratches on my hands or snags on my clothes. She didn’t notice the obvious things, but she did see mom things. I made sure the window was shut tightly. After a successful jailbreak, that was all I needed to have the alarm start chirping and wake dad.

“Molly?” Jonathan asked from his window. “Where are you going?”


I was so close to getting out of there. “I am just going to watch the stars.”


Jonathan craned his neck from his window to see the clear night. “Can I come?”


I shook my head. “Next time.”


“You’re meeting a boy, aren’t you?” He asked in the most disappointing way a ten-year-old could.


“No, I’m not.” I lied.


“Where do you go?” Jonathan could get anything from me. He had the most enormous brown eyes and the sweetest smile, but he was hiding something. Behind his smile was pain. He always seemed lonely to me, so leaving him pulled at me more than it would, my friends.


I had to make him feel better. “Your birthday is next week, right?”


He shrugged.


“Well, you’ll be eleven, and that’s when I started going on adventures.” It was nice to see him smile. “We’ll go on your birthday. Promise.”


Jonathan shoved his pinkie at me. “Promise?

“
We twisted pinkies and kissed our thumbs. No one could break a pinkie promise, at least not me. “I have to go. Turn the music down, or dad will hear your Gameboy.” I darted past my parents’ window. Mom’s light was on, but it was three in the morning. She was asleep. I could see the back gate.


Our neighborhood was built in the sixties when people knew who lived next door to each other. Everyone had a back gate. It led to a strip of land, almost like a hallway of the backyards. You could walk through it at one end of the block and eventually end up in your backyard. But no one used them anymore since everyone had put up tall wooden fences.


I flipped the handle on the metal post. Thankfully there were no squeaks. A cool rush of air breezed past me. I was ready to leave this place. The hot summer heat had done a number on me this year. My hair stayed frizzy no matter how many times I flattened it. The only good thing about this Florida weather was the humidity since I never had to worry about my skin going dry.


I looked back to see if Jonathan was watching. His light was off. Mom’s light was still on. Everything seemed so normal and peaceful. I needed this more than anyone in the house could know. I needed the adventure to keep my spirits up. I needed to be the person I felt I really was. I was more than a sixteen-year-old girl who got straight A’s. I was more than the mousy girl who never caused any trouble. Or the drama geek who spent every day after school in the theater even when my lines aren’t being read because I wanted help out behind the scenes, too.


I was a rider—a hunter. I ran with the fastest of warriors trying to protect what was left of their lands. No one believed me. Mother told me I had a wicked imagination and I should write my stories down. Teachers started to question my grasp on reality. But here, on this threshold, I was more.


A puff of impatient hot breath told me it was time to move on. I crossed over, leaving my simple suburban life behind. I could feel the spiraled markings grow across my chest and spread down my arms all the way to the tips of my fingers. My tank top morphed into a tight leather vest, and my leggings, which mother swore would make me sweat in this Florida heat, extended down to my bare feet, encasing them with beaded moccasins. I heard Whisper stomp his foot, and I turned. He shook his head, and a piece of gray hair fell over his horn. I ran from my gate and jumped on his back, trusting that wherever we would go, it was going to be an adventure that no one would believe.


The wind tangled my hair into knots that would take days to brush out. Whisper waves around trees as I ducked under the low-lying branches, he was on a mission tonight, and nothing was going to stop him. We ran past the clear lake where rainbow fish swan. There was no stopping at the apple orchards that grew the sweetest tasting fruits I had ever tasted. No, this time, we were passing every bit of the forest I have ever been through. We were headed to Avalon.

Short Stories

Tinkerbell’s Tears

Alexandra Diane

The bar had more smoke in it than usual that night. But James still saw a tiny, shiny flicker coming from a stool on the far end. Walking closer to see what it was, it became clear that the flicker was from a cute petite blonde with a pair of wings. He made a gesture to the bartender, and a Johnny Walker on ice slid down the bar.

“Hey, Blake, what’s up with the chick with wings? Did I forget it was Halloween or something?” He asked, catching the glass.

“Nah, she says she’s Tinker Bell.”

James coughed up his swig, “Sure, and I’m Peter Pan.”


Blake wiped up the wasted alcohol. “After the shit, I’ve heard her rattle off. I wouldn’t say that too loud.”

The blonde was sitting alone with eyeliner running down her face and had half fallen out a bun on top of her head. She was a mess. Attractive. But a mess. Tinker Bell or not, James would get the story from her; he had no problem encouraging women to talk.


“What she been drinking?”

“Everything from rum, vodka, and gin. You name it. She’s had it tonight.” Blake shook his head and sighed, “poor thing.”


“Blake, you’re turning into a softy.” James ribbed.

“You want to be a shoulder for her to cry on, don’t you? And then take—”


“Hey, sometimes I’m a little better than dirt.” James interrupted him. “Just send her a martini of some kind.”

Tinker Bell watched the conversation from down the bar. It was no surprise that, again, she was the topic of discussion. But there was something about this one. He looked familiar in a comforting sense that actually disturbed her.


“Great, here comes another one of these creeps,” she muttered. “Can’t they just leave a girl alone?”


Earth seems to be full of them. Staring out the window to the windy street, she wondered why she ever picked this rat hole in the first place. Oh, that’s right, to find someone other than him. Stirring what was left of her drink, she thought about the most recent events that had brought her here. I can’t believe these humans have destroyed everything with this atom smasher, searching for different dimensions. What, are they stupid? Do they really think that all their fairytales and nightmares come from nowhere? Now everyone can cross back and forth, no problem. I bet that Wendy bitch was happy to find that out. Blake walked to her with another bright green martini in hand.


“And would this be from the guy at the other end?” Tink wiped the eyeliner from her face, but the mascara had already stained it.

“That would be the one. Every one of your drinks has been from someone feeling sorry for you. I don’t think this one is as bad as the rest.” Blake watched Tink size him up compared to the rest of the creeps from the night. “This one’s a local. I promise he ain’t that bad.”

“Maybe you’re right.”


Blake waved James down. He was about 6’2 with a crew cut, and what was left of his hair was either dark brown or black. When he got close, his emerald green eyes pierced right through her.


Those eyes, I know I’ve seen those eyes before. And when he sat down, he smelled like Neverland. How strange.

“Blake said your name was Tinker Bell.” The green eyes went straight to the wings.


“Yes, they are real.” She made them open, flap, and then lay back down. “So, what do you want?”

“My name is James.” He held out his hand for her to shake. However, Tink stared at it as if something was off. “Usually, one would at least shake the hand of the person who bought her a drink.”


“James, where are you from? Blake says you’re a local, but you look very familiar, and I’m not a local.” She reaches across the bar and takes a straw.


“Tinker Bell, what happened to Peter Pan?”


The tears began rolling down her face, makeup going everywhere, and finally, she pulled the sorry excuse for a bun down.


“It’s so funny how the story is told here. It isn’t even the right story.” Between sobs, she sips her drink. “What is this crap of being a kid? Peter Pan isn’t a kid. He’s really 106 stuck in an eighteen-year-old’s body!”

“He’s really 106? And that would make you?”


She gave James the death stare and started searching for Blake to get this guy away from her.


“I forget a lady never reveals her true age.” He taunted her too much. “Tinker Bell, my name is James Hook.”


Her head turned so quickly it should have snapped off. Tinkerbell muttered something over her drink while she reached to check if her wand was still in her boot. “Captain James Hook?” She whispered. “You can’t be. Pan killed you.”

Hook’s laugh silenced the entire bar. “The same time Pan was trying to kill me was when this wonderful little rip in time happened. And, darling, if I remember correctly, it upset you gravely that I was being killed.”

Tinker Bell blushed and quickly tried to conceal it. “Of course it did. Who else was going to get rid of Wendy? Not the babbling lost boys. They couldn’t kill her even when she was right in front of them.”


“I was never going to kill her. Pan wanted me to get rid of you.” His confession turned her eyes bright red. “God, Tink! After so many years, you still don’t understand, do you? How did Peter ever get to this Wendy girl?”

“It’s awfully similar to the Disney story. Only when they say he lost his shadow, he didn’t. Who knows what he really lost that night, but he was upset, and so was she. There was so much screaming and fighting. It didn’t make sense why he was bringing her with him. I mean, he was sleeping with Wendy, but he was sleeping with everyone else, including me. Disney got both wrong. She wasn’t a child, either. She was seventeen. AND THOSE bastards! They make me look like a slut.”


Hook chuckled at the idea of his pathetic character shoving her into a lantern. “If only you were tiny enough to shove into a lantern, it would have made that whole ordeal a lot easier.”


Tinker Bell threw what was left of the drink in his face. Blake handed James a towel. This was the third drink thrown tonight, and they had all come from her. Blake savored James being off his game with Tinker Bell. James was always a smooth talker and always knew how to calm a girl down when she was upset.

“Bell, do you know why he brought her to Neverland?” He asked slowly and deliberately.


“Some crap about her parents wanting her to grow up, and he didn’t want her to. It doesn’t matter. It was a B.S. story.” She took her wand out from the boot and flicked it once, and the glass was full again.

“Tink, she was pregnant. He wanted to tell you. He wanted to tell you he loved her, but you were so angry and wouldn’t hear it. He loves her, and I love you, Tinker Bell.”

Over and over, the Disney version of what happened that night ran through her head, but she knew deep down it wasn’t true. But she wanted it to be true. She wanted Peter to have dropped Wendy off at home and returned for her. But he never returned. Tinker Bell remembered them fighting over Wendy on Hook’s ship, but never the truth. Tonight explained everything. Peter had promised her he was only dropping Wendy off and coming right back, but even then, deep down, she knew he would never be back.


“He’s a father.” The words barely escaped her mouth. James nodded, and she fell into his arms, crying more.


“Just take me back to Neverland.”

Short Stories

Salty Dog

Alexandra Diane

My third eye burned as the bell chimed overhead, alerting the tea shop workers to my presence . Even though no one was in sight, this was the right place. Pulling out the list from my pocket, I scanned the shelves for the ingredients I needed to complete the spell:

  • Molucca spice
  • Camphor
  • Curcuma
  • Klamath weed
  • Wergulu

“Damn,” I thought, looking about the store. There was nothing out here but normal teas. I’ll wring my informant’s neck the next time I see him. I don’t have time for wild goose chases.


“Excuse me. Can I help you with anything?” The deep, familiar voice startled me.


I almost fell off the ladder when I looked at him. It has been nearly two years since I’ve seen Evander’s chestnut hair and devilish smile. He quickly caught me by the hips before I fully toppled over.


“Thank you.” I removed his hands. “There was no one out here, so I tried to find some things I needed.”


“Sorry, we were reorganizing the supply room.” He eyed the shopgirl coming from the back.


Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her shirt was untucked in different places. He took my list; his lips disappeared as he read it. How long had I been searching for him? And only to find him at port in some crap new-age gift store.


“This way, please.” He said, leading me to the backroom. “Colette, could you finish filling the tea bins?”


The girl rolled her eyes at me. She probably thought I was about to do the same thing she had. Little did she know.


“An awaken spell? Who forgot who they were?” He asked, fishing for information.


“Someone I care for deeply.” Pain pushed the words out of my mouth.


“I doubt he could forget your face.” He said, throwing a cavalier smile over his shoulder.


“Oh, no, it wasn’t a man, it was, er, my sister.” Of all the situations that I had played out in my head for when I finally found him, this wasn’t one of them.


“How long are you in port for?” He asked, buried deep within a shelf.

“For a few days,” I answered with my words lingering just long enough to catch his full attention. “Would you know anywhere I could get dinner? As much as I love chef’s cooking, I could really go for a good cheeseburger.”


“There are a few places nearby,” he said with an armful of herb jars. “But if you’re up for an adventure, I can take you to the best burger on the island.” He turned bright red. “I promise I’m not a serial killer?”

“That certainly made you sound like one.” I laughed. “I’m Annora.”


He ground the herbs together in a mortar. The fumes were already unlocking the caged memories. “And are you honorable, Annora?”


“I might not be.” His smile was hypnotic. I knew I should have sent Henri in after him.


“Evander.” He introduced himself while handing me the potion in a small tin cylinder. “Want to grab that burger?”


“What about your shop?” I asked.


“Colette has been asking for a raise; I’ll let her earn it now.” The spark in his eyes gave away the devil within him.


The juice ran down my throat. Oh, he was right. This was a damn good burger, fried egg on top of an Angus beef burger with pepper jack cheese.


“Another beer?” Evander questioned me, waving down the waiter.


“Why not? You’re taking me back to my ship.” I told the man another round for the both of us. “Oh, could you bring a slice of the key lime pie?”


“So, Captain, what brought you to our tiny island? Not many ventures here.” He asked, sipping on the long neck. “Most consider this place to be dangerous.”


“I imagine the seventeen-year-old you’re trying to impregnate doesn’t feel that way.” I winked at him over the burger. He choked on his beer. “Excuse me?”


“Oh, I’m sorry; did I misconstrue what was happening?” With his eyes bulging out of his head, it was hard not to laugh.


“That obvious?” His fork sliced through what looked like the perfect piece of the pie.


“I’m not sure if it was how disheveled her hair was or her shirt that was hurriedly tucked in. But for sure, it was the death stare she gave when we left. She thinks you’re hers. Are you?” I asked with a mouthful of stolen pie.


“Hardly,” he said, watching me lick the whipped cream from my fingertip. “You ready to head back to your ship?”


I was thankful that I had brought my riding jacket with me. The crew called me the ice queen after Jaspers saw my arms covered in goosebumps during the melting heat. But the jacket wasn’t for the cold. It was to protect me from the razor-sharp saw palmettos that the four-wheeler was cutting through.


The brush opened up onto the lightly packed streets of Darby’s Rock. Evander took the turns hard, forcing me to hold on tighter to him. The port was littered with the most modern, sleek, and state-of-the-art yachts. The smaller boats were hidden not allowed to dock on this side.


“Which one is yours?” He eyed a few of the large ones.


I did my best to feign a laugh. “What makes you think you’re getting invited on?”


“Are you telling me I’m not?” He turned and faced me.


Still sitting on the four-wheeler, Evander’s face was coming closer to mine. The heat of his breath grazed my lips. I jumped off quickly before he could plant one on me. At this moment, I wanted to leave his trifling ass in the sand, but everyone was expecting him.


I took a deep breath. The salt air was a relief after the exhaust from the four-wheeler. “Fine, but you better act like a gentleman. I have enough salty dogs aboard my ship.”


He helped me into the dinghy, acting like the perfect gentleman. He even tried to take control of the little engine. But I wouldn’t let him. I still hadn’t told him which ship was mine. I thought the element of surprise might trigger more.


It wasn’t until we reached the outskirts of the harbor that he finally saw a massive three-deck, 18th-century frigate ship. The flags were up, awaiting our arrival. Even the cannons peeked from behind their flaps, all eighty-seven of them. Henri threw down the ladder as I landed the dinghy into its rig.


“You’re a fucking pirate,” he said, climbing after me. “A mighty sexy one at that.”


Henri’s eyes flashed red when he took my hand. “Welcome home, captain.”


I only smiled as I led Evander into my room. If the men were smart, they would have everything set up. But unfortunately didn’t.


“Did you come to Darby’s Rock to rape and pillage, Annora?” Evander questioned me by pulling my body flat against his. There was no question that he wanted to pillage me with what was pressed against his leg.
A knock at the door gave me a second to breathe.


Bryce, the ever so thoughtful chef, came in quickly with a pot of peppermint tea and a tray full of sweet buttermilk scones.“Do try not to break anything.”


“Oh, I wouldn’t want to feel your wrath, darling.” I gave her a wink as I slipped her the small tin cylinder.
“Would you like anything ca… sir?” Bryce asked cheerfully.


“You wouldn’t happen to have anything cold? I don’t think I could drink tea in this heat.” Evander had unbuttoned a few more buttons on his polo, exposing his tan hard chest.


“Of course we do. It would be downright cruel to the men if we didn’t. Would you like sweet or unsweetened tea?” Bryce quickly left with Evander’s order, leaving us alone again.


Luckily for me, he was enamored by everything that filled my room. I propped myself up in the window nook. Though living on a ship with brazen men, I tried my best to keep myself feminine.


Bryce came back, and Evander downed the sweet iced tea quicker than an overheated dog. He found room next to me on the cushioned bench. My heart raced. I wanted to punch him for doing this to me.


“Why have I never seen you at port, Ms. Annora?” His eyes worked their way from my face to my chest and all the way down.


A gentle breeze came through the window. It was welcomed, but it gave me chills. Evander leaned in and kissed me. My hands pressed against his chest. They were supposed to push him away, but instead, my nails dug in deep. My fingers quickly worked the buttons open as his mouth devoured mine.


“Hold on.” I barely got out the words.


I got up and made my way to the armoire. The idiot followed me. He couldn’t keep his hands off me. I’m not going to deny that it wasn’t what I wanted, but it wasn’t supposed to happen. I reached into the bottom of a black box and pulled out silk ropes.


“This is going to be fun.” Evander’s raspy words caress my neck.


I bound his hands and led him back to the bed. He fought me for a minute, actually overpowering my tiny frame. All 6’4 of him pulled me under him. “Shit,” I thought. This wasn’t supposed to go this way. He wraps the ropes around me and traps me with more kisses. Ducking out of the ropes, I tie him to the bedpost.


Mounted on top of him, I watched his eyes burn with a look that hadn’t filled them in years. I never imagined this much resentment. I should have left him on his rock with the little twit that thought the world of him. All my memories made it easier to leave him high and dry.


“Where are you going?” He was out of breath.


“I’ll be right back,” I said in my sweetest voice possible.


The men were all waiting for me outside the door. We waited. It wasn’t going to be long before his memory would come back. I savored my last bit of freedom. Evander was thrashing around in the room. I pounded back on the door with every pound of the bed on the ground.


“Annora!” Evander barked my name. “Annora, untie me.”


Henri waited to see when the spell would attach itself to me again. I collapsed into his arms. Too many memories filled my mind, driving the pain deep into my soul.


“You did the right thing.” Henri pressed his lips deep into my hair. He breathed in my scent, and it calmed me.


“I hope so, because I’m not going back there ever again. I don’t care how badly we need him back. He did this to himself.” I held onto the resentment. I was never going to forget that feeling again.


“Annora!” Evander’s voice pierced through me. “Annora, if you don’t untie me, I’m going to hand you over to the council myself!”


From the sound of it, we had our captain back. The crew of Darcy’s Revenge, who had been camped out during the whole escapade, let out a cheer. At least they were happy. Henri gritted his teeth as we both walked in to untie his brother.