A monster in the woods,

A monster in the woods,

Quick go call a ranger

There’s a monster in the woods . . .

A dog walker finds a body in the woods. Things only get worse from there. 4093 words.

Content Warning:

This story contains graphic depictions of violence which some readers may find disturbing. None of the depictions presented contain sexual violence or domestic abuse. Reader's discretion is advised. A list of triggers is included below:

• Death and gore

• Descriptions of dead bodies, human and animal

“Luke didn’t blame the people who resorted to magic to improve their lives. Society’s growing emphasis on superficial qualities in a partner drove people to extremes in their quest for love. And it wasn’t only the lonely who used magic to their advantage.”

A short, modern fantasy piece about a young apothecary on the cusp of a paradigm shift. 1273 words.