The boy, Ax, had been prepared, from infancy, for leadership, the wise holder of secret knowledge. Each morning, his tutors, Brothers Ka and Mer, reminded him his future held great promise. Now, twelve years old, Ax understood little of what awaited him. They assured him, “In the future, you’ll understand more than we can say. … Read more
This story contains themes or mentions of physical violence, gore, or abuse. The Last Fight The air reeked of blood and iron. Smoke still hung thick over the ruins of the front line, blotting out the sun in a haze of ash and burnt metal. Two soldiers lay motionless beneath the rubble — faces … Read more
It was a quiet Saturday night, the kind of twilight hour when most of the world wound down. But in a secret alpine compound accessible only by individuals whose net worth exceeded “astronomical,” something unusual was brewing. An unmarked jet landed on a private strip carved into the mountain’s side. Out stepped the titans of … Read more
Denise had been working since she was sixteen. Working for $5.25 and hour was minimum wage then. Just having a couple wrinkled twenties folded into her hand felt like she has thousands of dollars. Working at a fast food restaurant for her first experience of a job was the norm. Working in the food department … Read more
This story contains sensitive content I watched you the way people watch fire. Not because I was afraid, though fear lingered somewhere close to my ribs, but because there is something hypnotic about your trembling. A living flame, never still, always flickering between triumph and collapse. You stood before them, before the faceless … Read more