No one knew where she came from, or who the strange woman from out of town was. But in this town, no one cared. In a place where sickness and death were around every corner, where tombstones outnumbered the actual people, no one blinked an eye at a new unsuspecting soul to move in for a cheap place to stay. It’s not like she would stay for long. The baker on north street and the innkeeper already ...

Under my feet, I could feel a floor wet dirt and leaves losing their crisp texture. The air was colder than the muggy afternoon of the city, and I could smell moss just under the white covering over my face. I tried not to think about the jarring realization that I had no idea where I was or how I seemed to appear there in an instant.

I stood there with as much stoicism as I could muster, consid...

Lyra stood motionless amidst the trees, eyes trained on the misty expanse of forest before her. In the unnatural stillness of the afternoon, a large crash from somewhere in the distance had drawn her attention. She couldn’t make out much - fog hung low, filling the empty spaces between the trees, obfuscating her vision.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d been walking. She vaguely remembered pavement...

“Who’s there?” Selena called into the distance.

In the distance, she could see a woman in a black dress, which flowed down her body as she took small but commanding steps. Her head was concealed with a white cloth, suitcase in her right hand. The distinctive female figure stood out against the forest, shrouded in thick, fresh fog and pine trees that looked like they had been over-trimmed.

But ...

Ugh. I hate going to see Medusa. I do not hate Medusa. After all, she is my client. Maybe even my friend. But I need to wear this thick veil when I visit her so I do not accidentally see her and turn to stone. So I am going to see her because for some reason, she wants to update her will. And I am her lawyer, after all. She does not trust anybody but me.

I suppose she thinks we are kindre...

Medicine in my bag

Walking away from

Life itself

Traveling to be alone for once

I killed to many people I tried to heal

They think I I did on purpose

Or that im a witch

But I didn’t they

Were poisoned

I tried to tell them it wasn’t me

That it was the village chief

But no one believed me

So I was sent out of the village

And it’s fine

I will do something with my life

Leave them stranded...

I knew it was time to move on when even the trees around me wispered about me in the dark. I had to move on. I had to leave the world behind.

But the trees knew my face, the the white cloth could hide my shame.

Only toook a suitcase. I left my humble cottage in the woods.

I left it all so I could be a solitary being.

The black clothing hid my shame and grief.

The leaves rustling mocked me. The s...

Don’t you see it?

You and me, we are the same.

I can help you.

Just put the gun down.

I know what it feels like to be judged.

I understand why you’re scared.

Our brains work differently.

We are unique.

Just put the gun down.

I’m sorry to do this,

But if you don’t put the gun down

I’ll have to take it.

We are the same,

We are sick and disturbed and

Disgusting.

Just give me the gun.

Ju...

You never know what you’ll discover in the woods.

I sat in my rocking chair contemplating what to do about what I saw.

In all honesty I didn’t really want to get involved. Them spiritual matters didn’t suit a man like me, and I never particularly enjoyed being part of the resolution process.

I let out a long sigh with a smile.

The thing is, totems aren’t usually an issue really. They’re inanim...

“So, that’s her huh?” Isaiah asks. The woman creeps him out. Although he and Jeremy have sought cover behind some trees, he’s not entirely sure she can’t actually see them. He can’t believe Jeremy actually agreed to this.

“Yeah.” Jeremy exhales. He rubs his hands along his pants. “That’s her.”

Jeremy’s obvious nerves don’t make Isaiah feel better. “Man,” Isaiah scans his surroundings. “Why the ...