“Tell me, was I just another pawn in your elaborate game of chess?”

“You were, but unlike the other pawns you managed to become my queen.”

“I am not your queen! I have no crown; she got your crown!”

“But you get me. You get my nights my mornings, my kisses, my hugs and love. You get all of that, she gets none of it.”

“Games! It’s just games you play and nonsense you speak!”

“No, my love, no, you are the queen of my heart.”

“But not by name, so I will never sit by you on your throne.”… Read the rest

When the chimp attacked I left my body. I wasn’t there when he pounded at my face with his fists, when he jumped up and down on my stomach and groin, crushing me.

I barely remember being taken away with lights flashing, sirens blaring, but I remember waking up in agony, feeling like someone had ripped my body apart and sloppily put it back together.

“I’m sorry, the injuries to your face were too severe, we couldn’t save it,” the doctor said.

I know I’m a monster, but I’m trying to approach life with grace, while wearing someone else’s face.… Read the rest

“It’s never going to work,” I say, her upturned palm in my hand. “No matter how much he loves you, even if he marries you, he’s always going to love her more.”

“Then why is he doing this to me?”

“Because he thinks he won’t find better or ever be happy again. This is his best worst option.”

She cries, and the psychic shifts.

“Just leave him. He doesn’t really want to be with you, and deep down you know it.”

The other woman thanks me, sobbing, and runs out.

I step over the psychic I knocked out, leaving smiling.… Read the rest

They say that I’m beautiful but I will never believe them.

My blond hair is too soft and shiny, my pale white skin so unblemished.

I’m petite, a size double zero, and I can do my makeup better than the stylists doing the Met Gala’s red carpet looks.

I move like water through any room and part it like the Red Sea, no one can touch me.

I’m flawless; I know this.

But no one will come near me, or look in my dagger eyes, or raise their voice to speak to me.

I am just a cold, lonely island.… Read the rest

We walk up the old wood path that is obscured by mist, which makes everything colored in a haze of green reflected from the lush trees.

“We should turn back,” Micah said.

“No, we’re too close, it’s right here.”

And it was. They’d reached the tree they searched for, and knocked three times on its bark.

A hidden door swung in and bright light emanated from within. Cheney proceeded directly inside while Micah tried and failed to stop her.

He was glad he did.

They’d found the ancient, secret library of the mystics, and now everything in it was theirs.… Read the rest