House of Horrors by guest author Kelly Hashway

Not all carnivals are evil, but when they are, seeing really is believing—and a whole lot worse.

***

Source

            The sun dropped below the horizon, leaving the carnival bathed in the eerie glow of

neon lights. Josh tugged on Stephanie’s hand, pulling her toward the World of Wonders exhibit. He grinned at the pictures of the unbelievable wonders promised inside.

            “I can’t wait to see how they pull that one off,” Josh said, pointing to the Cyclops.

            Stephanie tugged on his bicep. “None of this is real. It’s just a waste of money.”

            “Oh, it’s real all right,” said a low voice from inside the ticket booth.

            Stephanie jerked her head to the right and met the stare of a greasy-looking man with dark hair and a beard that came to a point about six inches below his chin.

            Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Sure it is.”

            “A disbeliever,” the man said. He tapped his finger on the booth as he looked Stephanie up and down. He leaned forward, pressing his nose against the thin glass and speaking through the circular opening. “Perhaps this isn’t the right exhibit for you…yet.”

            “Try never,” Stephanie said, tugging on Josh’s arm again. “Can we please go?”

            Josh smiled. “Don’t tell me you’re not curious.”

            Stephanie nodded her head slightly to her left. “He gives me the creeps.”

            Josh laughed. “He works the ticket booth for the freak show. He’s got to play the part and get people spooked enough to enter the exhibit, right?”

            Stephanie shrugged and glanced at the man again. She jumped when she saw he was staring back at her. His lips curved in the most sinister smile she could imagine. “Yeah, well he’s a little too good at his job.” She turned away. Over Josh’s shoulder, she saw the sign for the House of Mirrors. “Let’s go there instead.”

            He followed her gaze. “You probably just want to check your reflection in all the mirrors.”

            Stephanie playfully lifted one shoulder. “Maybe.” She   took Josh’s hand and pulled him across the parking lot. They walked through the archway at the entrance to the House of Mirrors and heard a cheerful voice over the loudspeaker.

“Step inside and see yourself in a way you’ve never imagined.”

            “Is this a maze or just a lot of crazy mirrors?” Josh asked as he took his wallet from his back pocket.

            “Both actually,” the man in the ticket booth said.

            Stephanie squeezed Josh’s arm at the sound of the man’s voice. It sounded exactly like… No way could it be the same creepy guy from the freak show.

            Stephanie peered through the dirty glass. The booth was dimly lit, but she could make out the shadow of a pointed beard. Her nails dug into Josh’s arm as she squeezed him tighter. “It’s you,” Stephanie said. “Did you follow us?”

            He laughed again. “You must be thinking of my twin brother. He runs the booth at the World of Wonders exhibit.”

Stephanie turned away, trying to shirk the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

            “Enjoy,” the man said, pressing a button that unlatched the door.

            Stephanie practically ran through it, wanting to put as much distance between her and the ticket guy as possible. The door slammed shut behind them, making Stephanie jump.

            “Why are you so jumpy?” Josh asked.

            “You didn’t find that guy the littlest bit—?” She shuddered. “I can’t even describe it.”

            Josh smiled. “Look around. You’re surrounded by mirrors. This is like heaven for you.”

            Stephanie turned in a full circle, watching her reflections twirl with her. “You’re right. And I could use a touch-up on my lip gloss.”

            Josh walked over to a mirror that made him look pregnant. “Hey, check this out. I think I’m going into labor.” He turned sideways and rubbed his belly.

            Stephanie walked over to see. “Yeah, you definitely look like you’re going to pop.”

            “You try it.” Josh pulled her in front of the mirror.

            “No thank you.” She waved him off, without even looking at her reflection, and continued through the maze.

            A voice came over the intercom and Stephanie had no doubt whose voice it was. The ticket seller’s. “In every mirror find a different way to play. But be careful not to lose yourself along the way. Because we’ve saved the very best mirrors for the end. And your opinion of the exhibit just might bend.”

            “Well, that’s—”

            “Creepy,” Stephanie finished.

            “I was going to say cryptic, but I think it means they save the really cool mirrors for the end of the maze. I wonder what they’ll make us look like.”

            Stephanie didn’t really care. Coming here had been her idea, but now she just wanted to leave. “Maybe we should turn around and get our money back. This doesn’t seem like a good idea after all.”

            “No way. I want to see those mirrors at the end of the maze. Maybe I’ll look like I grew boobs or something.”

Stephanie rolled her eyes, but Josh took her hand and pulled her through the maze. After a few turns, Stephanie stopped. The hair on her arms was standing on end. “I really think we should go back.”

            Josh turned all around, looking for the open space indicating where the path was leading them. “That’s weird. I guess this is a dead end.”

“Good, then let’s head back.”

            The lights went out, leaving them in darkness. Stephanie screamed and hugged Josh.

            “What happened?” she asked.

            “I don’t know. Power outage, maybe.”

                        A low humming sound, like a bunch of buzzing bees, filled the air. After a few more seconds, dim yellow lights came on from above.

            “Must be a backup generator,” Josh said.

            “Let’s find the exit,” Stephanie said, the terror on her face reflected in the mirrors all around her.

            Josh turned around, trying to retrace their steps. “Isn’t this the way we came?”

            “I think so.” Stephanie gawked at the row of mirrors blocking their path. “How can that be?”

            “I guess we got turned around somehow when the lights went out.”

            “But we didn’t move.” Stephanie swallowed hard. Something was wrong with this maze. Something was wrong with this whole place.

            “Well, there’s no use standing here.” Josh took her hand and headed back the way they’d just come.

            “We know this path is a dead end. We were just—” Stephanie couldn’t finish. The path wasn’t blocked anymore. One of the mirrors was gone. “No.” She stabbed her finger at the empty spot. “There was a mirror there.”

            Josh let go of her and ran his hand along the sides of the mirrors. “They must move. You know, change so that people going through the maze more than once don’t know which way to go.”

            Stephanie wasn’t convinced. “Why would a fair attraction go through all that trouble? How many people actually go through the House of Mirrors more than once?”

            Josh shrugged. “Beats me, but at least we aren’t stuck here anymore.”

            Stephanie couldn’t argue with that, but she couldn’t help getting goose bumps as she walked through the opening and followed the path. After about twenty feet, the maze turned to the right, and there weren’t any more mirrors. “Where are we?”

            “Looks like a maintenance entrance or something. The power outage must have made the sliding mirrors go all screwy. This passageway probably opened by mistake.”

                        They followed a long narrow hallway to another door. Stephanie sighed. “Oh thank God! I’m never stepping foot in another House of Mirrors. In fact, I may not look into another mirror for a long time.”

            “Oh, come on. This is you we’re talking about. You’ll be adjusting your lip gloss in the car on the way home.”

            Stephanie playfully smacked his arm. “Just open the door.”

            Josh turned the knob and found himself looking into another room. “Huh?”

            A crackling sound came from a speaker above the door. “Things look different in the dark, and monsters come out to play. But if you find yourself once more, you might be back on your way.”

            Stephanie bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling.

            “I thought that thing was off,” Josh said. “Do you think the lights shutting off are part of the exhibit?”

            “I think that guy is seriously deranged. He knows we’re trapped in here. He’s probably watching our every move.”

            Josh looked around for hidden cameras. He waved his arms above his head and yelled, “Hey, we’re a little lost. Some help would be nice.”

            “He’s not going to help us. He’s trying to scare us, and he’s doing a really good job.”

            Josh stopped waving his arms and grabbed Stephanie by the shoulders. “You need to calm down. I bet that’s a prerecorded message that plays on a loop.”

            Stephanie took a deep breath. Josh was probably right. She was overreacting. She hated being lost, and her fear was getting the best of her. “Okay, let’s keep moving.”

            They stepped into the room, which was empty except for a group of sheet-covered objects in the middle.

Josh grabbed one end of a sheet and lifted it. “It’s just a normal mirror. Nothing funny about it.” He raised the sheet on the one next to it. “This one’s normal, too.”     He turned around and pulled the sheet off another mirror. This one was different. “Now we’re talking. A goofy mirror.” He uncovered the last one. “This one, too. Nice.” He positioned himself in front of the second mirror. “Hey, try that one.”

            Stephanie moaned. “Then can we please leave?”

            “Sure.”

            Stephanie stood in front of the other mirror. Her reflection was ridiculously tall and skinny. Without even realizing it, she laughed.

            Josh glanced at her reflection. “We need to fatten you up. Better get you some ice cream with all the toppings.”

            Stephanie smiled and looked at Josh’s reflection. He looked like a short round blob. “Whoa! No ice cream for you!”

            As they laughed, Stephanie couldn’t help feeling silly for getting so scared. This was kind of fun after all.

            “I’ve got to get one of these for my living roo—” Josh’s face twisted in pain.

            “What’s wrong?” Stephanie reached for him, but she felt like her arms were being stretched and pulled right out of their sockets. Her eyes flew to the mirror again as she felt her body being pulled in two directions at once. She screamed as her muscles tore, shredding into paper-thin strips. She struggled to stay on her feet, and if something wasn't pulling her upward, she was sure she would’ve toppled over. Her skin stretched, leaving long purplish-brown lines running up and down her limbs. She tried to talk, but all she could manage were screams. The pain was unbearable. She felt herself rising higher in the air and wondered why the mirror seemed to be getting smaller.

            Finally the pain died down. She forced herself to look away from the mirror. Her legs were wobbly, and she had to reach her arms straight out to keep her balance. When she finally managed to turn around, she found herself facing the mirror behind her. The regular mirror. Only, her reflection was exactly the same as it had been in the distorted mirror. Her body was stretched and bone thin.

            Her head whipped to the side, searching for Josh. Her eyes dropped to the blob on the ground next to her. Josh’s body was short and fat. His face was lopsided from the waves of rolled skin and blubber. He was nothing more than a blob, exactly how he’d looked in the mirror.

            And then everything went black.

#

            Stephanie was vaguely aware of the cool cement floor on her back. She knew she’d fainted. She opened her eyes and tried to focus on the room. The almost shapeless form next to her wasn’t moving. Josh. That was Josh. She remembered everything. Somehow the mirrors had changed them. She and Josh had changed so they resembled the images reflected back at them.

            A door slammed, and the glow of a streetlight filtered into the room. Stephanie saw a figure in the doorway, but the light was to its back and she couldn’t make out who it was. She waited there, not knowing if she should call out for help. But the figure turned slightly, and she was able to make out the shape of a pointed beard. The man from the ticket booth! But which booth?

            He stepped into the room, and suddenly the doorway was filled with another figure—identical to the first. Stephanie struggled to sit up. Her head pounded from the fall, and her muscles ached from being stretched well past their limits. Still, she did her best to scoot away from the two men. She nudged Josh’s shapeless body with her foot, but he didn’t budge.

            “Easy there,” the first twin said. “You’re liable to get your foot stuck in all that blubber.” He laughed as he and his twin dragged Josh out of the room.

            “Where are you taking him?” Stephanie yelled. “What have you done to us?”

            The door slammed shut behind them. Stephanie awkwardly pulled herself to her feet, using the mirror to help her. Every part of her body was in pain, and she could feel warm blood tricking down the back of her head. She tried to walk, but her long legs were completely foreign to her. She stumbled and fell forward, crying out in pain.

            The door opened again, and the twins stepped inside. “It’s going to take some time getting used to those new legs,” the first twin said.

            His brother laughed. “Oh, she’ll have plenty of time to get used to them. Plenty of time indeed.”

            “You did this to me!” Stephanie said, her voice laced with hatred.

            The men walked over to her, grabbing her under her arms. She didn’t want to go with them, but she didn’t have the strength to fight back. They dragged her out the door and into the night. The fair was deserted. Not a person in sight as they pulled her across the street. In a moment of horror, she realized where they were taking her. The World of Wonders.

            “Stop! Please, stop!” She tried to fight them, but it was no use. She didn’t have control over her body. Stephanie gasped when they dragged her past cage after cage of creatures that could only have been created the same way her new form had been. Each person—thing—was more hideous than the one before. “You used your mirrors to make these people for your exhibit!”

            They threw Stephanie into an empty cage and slammed the door shut. The freak show attendant smiled and said, “Are you a believer now?”

***

This story is most like Kelly Hashway’s Touch of Death series.

Kelly Hashway fully admits to being one of the most accident-prone people on the planet, but that didn’t stop her from jumping out of an airplane at ten thousand feet one Halloween. Maybe it was growing up reading R.L. Stine’s Fear Street books that instilled a love of all things scary and a desire to live in a world filled with supernatural creatures, but she spends her days writing speculative fiction for young adults, middle graders, and young children. Kelly’s also a sucker for first love, which is why she writes YA and NA romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she’s not writing, Kelly works as an editor and also as Mom, which she believes is a job title that deserves to be capitalized. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency. For more information about her works, visit her website: www.kellyhashway.com.

Angel of Death by Mary Waibel

For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,

And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed;

And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,

And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!

~Lord Byron

***

I am Sera, Angel of Death.

A millennia ago, Thane, the god of death, removed one of his ribs and breathed me into existence for one purpose. To maintain balance. To keep war from returning to Eres.

Since the beginning of time, Madden, the god of the living, and Thane have fought for control of the people of Eres. After much bloodshed, a compromise was made: Madden would create an angel to release a soul from the Pool of Life, and Thane would create an angel to return a soul to the pool.

I am Thane’s angel. The only one of my kind.

I owe my entire existence to him, and would do anything he asked of me. Claim any soul. Even my own, if I had one.

Every morning since Thane created me, my arm glowed with a name. And every night, after I claimed that person’s soul, the name faded away.

For years I have fought a constant battle to keep the balance between the living and the dead. One soul too many in the world and the balance would shift, ushering in a war to end all wars.

Slade Neward

The name glowed in silver script on my pale arm. I smoothed a hand over the skirt of my black dress and stood, my grey wings spreading open behind me. I walked out of my room in the Great Palace and onto the balcony. With a single flap of my wings, I took to the skies.

Cool air rushed over me as I soared toward Eres and my assignment. Strands of my black hair whipped into my eyes, and I brushed them away, wishing I’d taken a moment to bind my hair back before I left.

I soared over mountains, past fields, heading for the outskirts of the village where the people of Eres clustered in colorful homes. My arm tingled, signaling I was close to today’s soul, Slade Neward. I circled over a pretty little Cape Cod in a cheery yellow with maroon shutters, my arm pulsing with burning heat. My assignment was here.

Landing on the rooftop without a sound, I sat, pleating my skirt with my fingers as I studied this Eresian’s home. The mid-morning sun shone on a meticulously manicured green lawn. Colorful mums, in perfect bloom, filled the flower beds lining the walk to the door. As I examined the well-cared for home, I tried to create a mental picture of Slade from what I saw.

He was probably an older man, retired, who had lived a full life and was now ready to return to the Pool of Life so he could be reborn and start a new life. Thane explained it to me once. He said that the souls didn’t remember ever being born, that each life was a new experience, and would continue until the end of time.

Part of me envied the souls. I would never be anything but an Angel of Death. I would never experience being born, or growing old, or dying. Well, I guess I experienced dying everyday when I claimed a soul, but I didn’t know what it felt like for the Eresian.

The squeak of the front door caught my attention and I peered down as my assignment stepped outside. My imaginings couldn’t have been further from reality. Slade Neward was young, probably early twenties. He had long legs and was leanly muscled. Shaggy brown hair hung in his eyes, begging for someone to sweep the locks away from his face.

Something was wrong. Thane had never taken the soul of someone so young, unless they had committed a horrible crime. Why would he choose this man? He didn’t seem anything like the vile souls I’d collected in the past. Why would Thane choose someone so full of potential?

Slade jumped off the porch and crossed to the driveway in two strides. He paused at the open driver’s door and I caught a glimpse of his face. Eyes like warm honey glowed in the morning sun, and full lips curved in a smile. I felt an unfamiliar pull in my chest. This boy called to me as no assignment ever had, and I needed to know why before I could claim his soul.

I lifted into the air, sending a loose shingle sliding down the rooftop. Slade glanced up, his golden eyes widening as they locked on me. I froze, barely daring to breathe. No Eresian could see me. Yet, there was no doubt in my mind that Slade did.

He frowned and closed his eyes. Acting on instinct, I flew to the giant pine at the end of the driveway and hid in the shadow of its branches. I peered out from the needled limbs, watching as Slade spun around in a circle, his gaze sweeping past me before he faced the roof and scratched his head.

“Must have been my imagination,” he muttered before taking off in his car.

I followed him, careful to stay out of view, not wanting to risk the chance of him seeing me again. He parked in the lot outside the local college and sauntered toward the door of a large building. Halfway there, he stopped and headed for a copse of trees.

Aha! Maybe this is why Thane chose him. Perhaps this Slade is up to no good in these woods.

Careful not to disturb the ready-to-fall leaves, I picked my way into the trees, certain I’d find him doing something evil. Something to make him worthy of removal from Eres. But, when I peered down through the leaves, I saw nothing but the leaf covered ground.

“Who are you?”

I jolted, my wings thwacking into the branches, scattering leaves to the ground. Somehow, Slade managed to sneak halfway up the tree I hovered beside. I pressed a hand to my thundering heart and settled on a branch, remaining silent in the hopes that he’d go away, thinking me something he imagined.

“It’s not going to work.” I arched a brow and he chuckled. “Standing perfectly still, or closing your eyes doesn’t mean I can’t see you. I can. And I know you’re real. I just watched you knock half the leaves out of that tree.”

Busted. I took a deep breath and whispered, “I’m Sera.”

“Hello. I’m Slade.”

I nodded. “I know.”

“How do you know?” His brows raised. His gaze caressing the planes of my face and the edges of my wings. “And, what are you?”

I was in uncharted territory. Never in the history of time had I talked to an assignment. I closed my eyes and prayed to Thane for guidance. When he didn’t respond, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to tell Slade what I was.

“I am the Angel of Death. I collect souls for Thane, to keep the world in balance.”

Slade nodded. “I see. So, who are you here for?”

I dropped my gaze, pretending to take interest in the bark beneath my feet. When the silence stretched into discomfort, I finally looked up, wishing I could give a different answer.

“You.”

He swallowed hard. “I should’ve guessed that. So, how’s it work?”

I shook my head. “How can you accept all that so easily? I just told you I’m here to take your life, and you’re okay with that?”

Slade shrugged and tucked his hands into his pockets. “I wouldn’t say I’m okay with it, but what can I do? It’s my fate, right? My soul will return to the Pool of Life and be reborn. Hopefully next time it will experience more. Or perhaps this is to balance out the longer life I had last time.”

“I don’t think I could be so understanding. If someone wanted to end my existence I’d want to rage and cry out, not calmly accept my fate.”

“It wouldn’t do me any good to fight. Nothing would change. At sundown, you would still claim my soul.” He cocked his head. “So, how does this work, anyway? Do you run a sword through me? Or suck the life out of me with a kiss?” He flashed a grin. “Of the two, I’d prefer that one.”

I giggled. “I’ll take note of that.” Slade was kind, sweet, and funny—unlike any Eresian I had ever encountered. And it pained me to know that by sundown I’d be taking his life away. “Usually I follow my assignment around and design a death fitting of their life. Just before the sun sets, I set things in motion and take their soul.”

He looked at the band on his wrist. “So, that gives me about eight hours of life left. It would be silly to spend that time in school, learning things I’m never going to need. And my friends are all too far away to see before my time runs out.” He lifted his head and locked his gaze on mine. “How would you like to spend the day with me?”

“I…”

“Before you say no—”

“How do you know I’m going to say no?”

He grinned, revealing slightly crooked front teeth. “I’m a good judge of character.” I rolled my eyes and he continued. “I’m the only person who’s ever seen you, aren’t I?”

I gasped. “How…? Yes. I don’t know why you can see me, but no one ever has before.”

“So, it should be safe for you to spend the day with me.” His grin widened, and the tug in my chest returned. “I might look a little crazy talking to myself, but I’m willing to risk it if you are.”

A day with an Eresian. It was something I’d always wanted, but never dared to ask for. “Yes. I’d like to spend the day with you.”

“Excellent. I’ll meet you at my car.”

I flew out of the trees and waited beside his car. A minute later, Slade opened the passenger door and waved me inside. I stared at him, beginning to wonder if he really was insane.

“You do realize my wings will be in the way, right?”

He shrugged. “We’ll figure it out. Now, get in.”

I climbed inside, my wings folded behind me, careful to keep them out of his space, and we headed down the highway toward the lake. Half an hour later we walked down to the water’s edge and stared at the horizon.

“I love it here. It’s so peaceful and quiet. Calming.” Slade winged a pebble toward the water and it skipped over the surface. “It makes all my worries go away.”

It was a beautiful place. A soft breeze blew in from the lake, bringing the scent of fresh water and damp earth. Small waves lapped at the sandy beach, the sound soothing and restful.

I closed my eyes against a pang of guilt. This would be the last time Slade would see this place. The last time he would skip stones across the rippling surface. I looked at my arm again, wondering if I had made a mistake. The silver script glowed bright, as it always did when I hovered near my assignment. There was no mistake. Slade Neward had to die.

Time inched by as he skipped another stone. And another.

“Here. You try.”

“I don’t know how.” I glanced around the empty beach. “And what if someone sees?”

“They’ll think it was me.” He fit a stone in my palm, positioned my thumb and forefinger, then wrapped his hand around mine. “It’s all in the wrist.”

He held me close as we winged the stone toward the water. It hit the surface and sunk. Over and over, he tried to help me make at least one skip, but the stones just sunk as soon as they touched the water.

Frustrated, I walked away. Birds flew overhead, their cries mournful, as if they knew what was about to happen to Slade and were expressing their grief. Unfamiliar feelings bottled up inside me, ones I didn’t know what to do with, until I was filled with a need to run. To flee far from this place of peace.

“Let’s go somewhere else.” Without waiting for an answer, I headed to the parking lot.

“Where to?” Slade asked as he started the car.

I had expected him to say something about my rudeness, or complain about these being his last hours on Eres so he should be the one to choose what to do. But it was as if he sensed my distress and wanted to comfort me.

“Where else do you want to go?”

Slade didn’t answer, just turned onto the road and drove to a wooded area. Sunlight streamed through the colored leaves, making the air glow with warmth and radiance. I walked beside him until we reached a large oak tree. Slade sat on the ground, and leaned against the trunk. He patted the grass beside him, and I sat, looping my arms around my knees.

“This is my second favorite place,” he tipped his head back and stared up at the trees. “There’s just something about walking through the shade of the trees that makes me happy to be alive.”

The leaves rustled in the soft breeze, carrying the scents of dirt, decomposition, and a hint of pine. Slade sat in a spotlight of sunshine that brought out hints of red in his brown hair. This was a perfect place, one I’d never be able to visit again. Not without Slade.

Like at the lake, my heart ached, and my eyes burned. I blinked, but it only caused my vision to blur, and a warm liquid to trail down my cheeks.

“Hey,” he brushed a hand over my cheek and I jerked away, confused by what was happening. “It’s going to be okay.”

I swiped a hand over my cheek and stared at the wetness gathered on my fingertips.

“It’s normal. They’re tears.”

“Tears are for Eresians not an Angel of Death.” I stood and stalked a few steps away.

“Tears are a sign of great sadness. Or immense joy.” He sauntered to my side. “Are you not allowed to feel emotions?”

I snorted. “Of course I can feel emotions.”

“And does my pending death make you happy or sad?”

I glared at him. “How could you think I would be happy to take your life?”

He shrugged. “I assume you’ve been pleased to take the other souls you’ve returned to the Pool. Some because they had lived a full life, others because they were cruel and didn’t belong among the Eresians.”

“I wouldn’t say I was pleased to take their lives, but they did not cause me distress.”

“And me? Where do I fall in that grouping?”

I stared at him through tear filled eyes. “You don’t. I don’t know why Thane chose your name. And that’s the problem.” I turned away. “I never should have come with you. This was a bad idea.”

Slade sighed, the sound filled with frustration. “You said you get to know your assignments so you can find the perfect death for them.” He turned me around and tipped my chin until I met his eyes. “I want you to know me so I get my perfect death.”

I gazed into his honey eyes. Sometime today, Slade had gone from being a job to someone I wanted to spend time with, to know all there was to know about.

Someone whose soul I couldn’t take.

“What’s wrong?”

I shook my head and backed away. Turning, I ran from the woods, past the car, and launched into the air. While we’d waited in the woods, the sun had continued its journey across the sky. Soon it would dip below the horizon and I’d be forced to take Slade’s soul.

“Sera! Wait!”

Footsteps pounded below me and I sobbed as I flew. I had to get away from him, had to find another soul to take before the sunset. Had to keep the balance.

Buildings rose up replacing the trees and fields of the countryside. The setting sun glinting off their windows and chrome accents in a blinding light. I winged around them, heading toward the worst part of town. The air turned rank, and the buildings became run-down. Crumbled bricks and dirty, broken windows seemed to absorb the light creating a blackness that the vilest of Eresians fed off of.

In a dank alley, I found the man I searched for. His victim lay bleeding at his feet. Triumphant, I grabbed him by the neck and slammed his head into the wall. The sound of breaking bones filled the air and his body went limp and tumbled to the ground. A black haze hovered over him and I leaned down, inhaling the mist into my lungs. His soul collected, I flapped my wings and soared toward the Temple of Madden, where, I would transfer his soul to the Angel of Life.

I landed on the rooftop of the church and stood across from Azriel. He was tall, like Slade, with golden hair. His bright white shirt and pants stood out in stark contrast against the darkening sky. We’d exchanged souls a myriad of times. A simple kiss and the transaction was done. But tonight, the thought of kissing him seemed wrong.

I shrugged off my misgivings and watched the sky. The last inch of the sun hovered on the horizon. As the orange orb dipped out of sight, footsteps pounded behind me.

“Sera!”

I wheeled around. “No! You have to leave. You can’t be here.”

Slade hesitated. “But, I thought you needed my soul.”

Tears pooled in my eyes, blurring my vision. “I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t take your soul. But I had to have a soul, so I took another.”

“You what?” Azriel’s voice boomed across the rooftop, echoing over the town like thunder. “You have violated the agreement. I cannot accept this soul.”

“Please,” I begged. “You must. A soul for a soul. That’s the agreement. I have a soul, you have to take it.”

Azriel narrowed his eyes. “No. And I will tell Madden of your transgression.”

Before he could leave, I leaped forward and kissed Azriel, transferring the murderer’s soul to him.

"What have you done?" Azriel backed away, fear burning in his eyes.

A black mist circled over the church and the air turned frigid. Azriel rushed to the edge and took to the sky. Agonizing pain burned into my arm and I watched in horror as Slade’s name turned from silver to black. I’d done the unthinkable. In saving Slade’s life, I started a war.

“What’s happening?” Slade stepped beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist. I found the protective gesture comforting, even though I knew Slade could offer no protection for what was to come.

“Sera!” The roof shook beneath my feet as Thane formed before me. I craned my neck to look him in the eye. He was a fearsome sight on most days, but tonight he was terrifying. Fire flickered in his black eyes, emphasising the white of his face. His arms bulged as he stalked toward me, the building groaning in protest of each step. “You have disobeyed me and broken the treaty.”

I stood tall and squared my shoulders, angered that he accused me of breaking the treaty. “I didn’t disobey. I took a soul.”

He pointed at Slade, blue lighting flickering around his finger. “You took the wrong soul.”

I tipped my head, acknowledging the truth. “But balance was maintained.”

“Balance is not yours to define.” Thane’s tone softened. “Slade’s soul was to be taken so it could be reborn tomorrow. The soul you took hadn’t finished its purpose yet. You’ve upset the balance and now he must pay for your mistake.”

“No! It was my fault. He had nothing to do with my actions.” I planted myself in front of Slade, knowing Thane could move me with a thought.

Thane’s face filled with pain as he gently set a hand on my shoulder. “I am sorry, but there is no other way.”

“It’s okay, Sera. I understand and am ready to give my soul.”

“I won’t be taking your soul.”

“It doesn’t matter. I will accept whatever punishment you give.”

Thane faced me, sadness brimming in his eyes. “Because you desired to keep Slade at your side, you have upset the balance of Eres. To make amends, you are stipped of the title of Angel of Death and relegated to Shadow Warrior.” He reached out a hand, pulled a sword from the blackness swirling around him, and handed it to me

I accepted the sword with a shaking hand. Shadow Warriors fought shades, vampires, and ghouls. Only the most proficient of soldiers were chosen for the ranks. Or, those Thane wished to send to a quick death. I tipped my head forward, acknowledging my punishment and accepting it, and tightened my grip on the sword. At least I would die for a good cause.

“What of Slade? You said he would pay for my error.”

“Slade will lose his soul during the day and regain it at night.”

I frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“From this day forward, I curse Slade to the form of a gargoyle. By day, he will stand atop this church, guarding the parishioners from evil spirits. By night, he will come to life and fight at your side.” Thane held my gaze. “You must watch over Slade during the day, for any damage done to him in his stone form is not repairable. Should his head be removed, he will die at nightfall.” Thane turned to Slade. “You must protect Sera against her enemies, if she falls in battle, she will die. Do you both understand?”

“Yes,” we said in unison.

“Good. Let the transformation begin.”

Slade dropped to his knees, crying out as his muscles bunched and shifted. He writhed in pain, a pain I caused by not following the rules. I wanted to take away the hurt, to bleed for him, but I couldn’t. My punishment was to watch him pay for my crime.

The transformation took hours. Every pain filled scream cut through me like pieces of jagged glass. The sky tinged pink when Slade stood beside me again, a grotesque mockery of the handsome boy he'd been.

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the air and I watched in awe as Slade turned to stone, inch by inch. As the golden rays bathed over me, I settled on a nearby bench, sword in hand, and began my first watch.

***

Twisting tales one story at a time. 

YA author Mary Waibel’s love for fairytales and happy-ever fill the pages of her works. Whether penning stories in a medieval setting or a modern day school, magic and romance weave their way inside every tale. Strong female characters use both brain and brawn to save the day and win the heart of their men. Mary enjoys connecting with her readers through her website: marywaibel.blogspot.com

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Lake Effect by Kai Strand

The lake may have claimed him, but Kira will get him back!

***

They were so wrapped up in each other, their passion alive with smacking lips and breathy moans of pleasure, that at first Kira didn’t realize they were no longer alone on the dark lakeside beach. The lap of waves on sand was replaced by the sound of rain dripping from a rooftop.  Reluctantly, Kira pulled her lips from Jayden’s and glanced toward the sound. She blinked in confusion and paused to wonder if she’d fallen asleep. But the heated trail Jayden’s lips burned along her neck was too real to be a dream.

“What the hell?” she whispered, leaning forward to get a better look, drawing Jayden’s attention away from her.

The Lake by Abby McClean

Water burbled and flowed upward out of the surface of the lake like a fountain you might find in front of a fancy hotel. But instead of falling back into the lake, it drew together into a humanoid form. The sight was so unrealistic Kira expected it to be accompanied by a horror movie soundtrack of roars and growls, not the pleasant patter of water droplets of a waning summer storm. She stared with dread as the liquid man emerged from the lake, with too long of arms and eerily elongated fingers, already reaching forward even as they formed, curling and grabbing at the air. Oversized feet took shape at the bottom of thick legs as the creature rolled across the sand like a tidal wave.

The ceiling of stars reflected on the creature’s domed head and wide shoulders, as if the universe crowned him king. Kira screamed, but fright stole the force behind her voice and only a squeak escaped from her lips. Jayden clutched her arms and stared in shocked awe at the reformed water that stalked toward them. Within seconds the creature was upon them. Oozing between them. Pushing them apart until Jayden’s grip slid away as the creature forced him backward, toward the lake.

Jayden struggled. His cries muted and gurgling under the watery hand pressed over his lips, making it sound as though he was drowning. His hand pushed right through the liquid body doing nothing to slow their progress to the lake’s edge.

Kira tried to pull the creature off her boyfriend, but her hands splashed right through the surface and came away wet and empty. She screamed Jayden’s name frantically, repeatedly, her voice clear and shrill. Why didn’t anyone come?

When the creature successfully reached the water’s edge lake water sucked into the air, as if eager to reunite with a long lost friend, swallowing most of Jayden in the process. The inky blackness swirled around his struggling form, making it appear as though he was being erased from existence. Blotted out entirely. Jayden’s eyes grew wide with fear and Kira’s lungs constricted with terror.

Jayden, swathed in a liquid blanket sparked a flash of memories, the myriad of times they’d slept under the stars. Their summertime friendship extended back as far as she could remember. Was this some sort of punishment for allowing their friendship to develop into something more?

Her attention snapped back to Jayden when he and his captor floated slowly toward the center of the lake. With a yell of despair, Kira splashed into the mild surf, only to be ejected right back out. She slammed into the damp sand, her jaw snapping shut on impact. She spit out a mouthful of blood and scrambled to her feet, wading into the waves, only to be tossed out a second time. Her wrist bent unnaturally as she broke her fall, and she sucked in a lungful of warm, humid air. When cold mist coated her throat, she realized she was inhaling the spray of the water creature. Her stomach twisted in disgust and she gagged.

The site of the creature and Jayden sinking into the water made her spring to her feet. Panic welled inside her and she scanned the shore for something—anything—that might help him. There was nothing. She mewled and pulled at her hair as if the action would dislodge an idea that could help Jayden. They had sunk low enough that soon he would be completely underwater. His black eyes—wide, wide open and surrounded by white—seemed to be bathed in a spotlight. Kira reached uselessly toward him, whimpering his name.

As soon as Jayden disappeared, she ran. Toward the dock. Toward the little motorboat.

The warm night breeze whispered unintelligible secrets in her ears as she raced along the waterfront. The lake lapping on the shore sighed compelling requests, like “Let go,” and “Forget.” Even the moldering scent on the air enticed her to investigate the nearby woods as if more than the water conspired against her. But the memory of Jayden’s jet black eyes just before the dark water swallowed him—their pleading expression loud enough to drown out the croak of the largest bullfrog—kept her on task.

Kira’s lungs strained to suck in as much oxygen as the humid air would forfeit. The dock came into sight, dimly lit by the pale porch light of her family’s rundown summer cabin. She barely registered the burning in her thighs as she raced toward the pier. She considered calling out for help, but she was afraid to put anyone else in danger.

Her feet slammed on the rickety dock as she dashed toward the boat. She leaped in carelessly, almost toppling out the other side when the boat tipped precariously. Losing her balance, she stumbled to the front to untie the tether from the dock. Turning toward the back, and the motor, she tripped over a life vest. Her knee slammed into the bench seat that stretched across the back of the boat shooting pain up her leg.

It took two yanks of the cord to start the old outboard motor, the whine deafening on the still waters. Certainly this would wake her father and he’d come out to investigate. But she didn’t have time to wait. She sensed that Jayden was still alive, and she had to get to him. Unbidden, an image of five-year-old Jayden—missing a front tooth, obsidian eyes sparking with mischief as he sat at the end of the dock daring her to eat a worm—filled her mind. She had to save him.

The moment she angled toward the center of the lake Kira realized she didn’t really know where to go. Using the shore for reference, she steered the boat to where she thought Jayden had disappeared under the water. But the lake was dark and quiet. Her boat upset the surface as if it were the first stirrings in hours. Eyes squinted, she peered into the inky depths, but it was like looking for a picture when a television was turned off. She steered in ever widening circles around the area where she thought Jayden and the creature had disappeared, but her view never changed. Finally, she turned the engine off and let the craft float to a stop.

A deep voice shouting her name drowned out the water lapping against her boat. Heart pounding, she stood so fast she almost toppled over the side. Her gaze scanned the lake’s surface, but then her attention was drawn to the shore where her father jumped up and down.

Breath hitching and heart seizing, Kira’s gaze fell from her frantic father to the water – as dark and fathomless as Jayden’s eyes. Her mind almost shattered. She was going to have to return to the dock. Have to tell her father that Jayden had disappeared. They’d call the authorities. They’d tell his family. Soon red and blue flashing lights would reflect off the water and the summer residents would gather on the shore in their bathrobes and whisper to each other while divers searched the lake bottom.

Kira was terrified of what they’d find. Or what they might not find. She couldn’t bring herself to return to shore. She collapsed heavily onto the bench seat, her gaze never shifting from the shimmering dark water.

“Jayden,” she whispered. She stretched a hand toward the surface, but snatched it back when a small knoll developed, as if to smack away her reaching fingers. The creature wouldn’t even let her touch the surface, skim a palm over the coldness. “I’ll find you Jayden. I’ll get you back.”

A shiver ran down her spine. Questions raced through her mind. Had he already drowned? No. Her intuition revved in overdrive. He might be underwater, but he hadn’t drowned. Yet even still alive, would Jayden be worth saving? Would he be the same?

She didn’t want to truly acknowledge her questions. Just like returning to the dock would force her to admit that Jayden was gone, giving voice to her thoughts would make her fears real.

Anger and despair boiled inside her as she leaned over the side of the boat. Her reflection stared back at her, shaking apart and reforming with the lapping water. Then her image distorted into the featureless face of the creature. Even without a mouth, it appeared to smirk up at her. She glared at it and hissed, “He isn’t yours. I’ll get him back.”

The reflection shifted again and Jayden’s panic stricken eyes stared up at her. A hand shot out of the water, splashing her face. Instinctively she jerked away, but then with a cry, she reached forward, rocking the boat. Their fingers brushed, but his hand was yanked under and he disappeared from view. When the surface of the water calmed, Kira once again stared at her own distorted image.

“I’ll get him back,” she repeated. Frustration rippled through her when her voice cracked with fear, not wanting the creature to think her weak. Swiping away the tears that hadn’t already fallen into the lake, she closed her eyes, and pushed to a sitting position, sipping a few calming breaths. Resolved to rescue Jayden, she yanked the cord to restart the engine. Everything inside her screamed that the creature hadn’t stolen Jayden to kill him. And she trusted her instincts.

With a straight back and her chin jutted forward, she steered the boat toward shore.

***

I hope you enjoyed this introduction to my new (as yet untitled) young adult fantasy. It’s my plan that the book be published in the fall of 2016, barring interference from any trickster immortals. Join my mailinglist to receive notification of this and other projects.
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When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and a short story blog, Lightning Quick Reads, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.

OCTOBER THEME: SCARY

Boo! Are you shaking in your boots?

The woman walks along the darkened street. She looks from right to left but sees no one. Her pace quickens. Footfalls sound behind her. Her pace quickens. She wants to turn but instead she continues, her gaze forward, her heart thudding. The streetlight reveals a shadow approaching from the back. Just as she’s about to step into the light, a hand grabs around her waist.

Yikes! Maybe that had you shaking?

This month the talented LQR writers will aim to put the fear of death in you. Their challenge is to write “scary” stories. Some might use the theme to write thrillers or blood curdling ghost tales. Others might find different ways to remind you that this month the lights dim and the jack-o-lantern grins behind a half-curtained window. It’s Halloween time!