The Starfall Cabin

Mira’s boots crunched through the autumn leaves as she hiked the winding trail, her backpack heavy with camping gear. The crisp mountain air filled her lungs, a welcome change from the stale city atmosphere she’d left behind. Ahead of her, Zoe bounded along the path with enviable energy, pausing occasionally to snap photos of the vibrant foliage. “Come on, slowpoke!” Zoe called back, her ponytail swinging as she turned. “The cabin’s just over this ridge, according to the map.” ...

July 28, 2025 · 15 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Neon Nightmare

The neon-soaked streets of Neo Shanghai pulsed with electric life as Mira Chen wove through the crowded sidewalks. Holographic advertisements flickered overhead, bathing her face in an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of color. She barely noticed, her mind racing with the day’s challenges and triumphs. Another successful pitch meeting. Another step closer to making Nexus the most revolutionary augmented reality platform the world had ever seen. Mira allowed herself a small smile as she approached the sleek skyscraper that housed their startup’s offices. ...

July 26, 2025 · 15 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Whispering Spellbook

The ancient spellbook whispered to Lira from its locked glass case, its pages rustling without a breeze. She pressed her palm against the cool surface, pulse quickening as arcane symbols flickered across the tome’s leather cover. “I know you can hear it too,” came a low voice behind her. Lira whirled around, heart pounding. Finn Emberstone leaned casually against a bookshelf, his aristocratic features arranged in a knowing smirk. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lira stammered, dropping her hand. ...

July 24, 2025 · 19 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Alchemist's Broken Oath

The acrid smell of burning herbs filled the cramped laboratory as Elowen carefully measured out powdered mandrake root. Her brow furrowed in concentration, she tipped the delicate silver scale, watching intently as the fine green powder trickled into a glass vial. “Three drams exactly,” she murmured, setting the vial in a wooden rack alongside a dozen others. Each contained a precisely measured ingredient - some common, others rare and costly. Together they formed the components of a potent healing tonic, one of the most complex formulations Elowen had attempted in her three years as an apprentice alchemist. ...

July 21, 2025 · 20 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Whispering Lawns

Mira Thorne stared at the wilting petunia, willing it to perk up. A bead of sweat formed on her brow as she focused, channeling what remained of her elemental magic into the drooping flower. The purple petals twitched slightly, then fell still. She sighed and wiped her forehead. Ten years ago, she could have rejuvenated the entire flowerbed with a flick of her wrist. Now she could barely coax a single bloom back to life. Her powers were fading, draining away like sand through an hourglass. ...

July 20, 2025 · 14 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Whispering Wheat

Eli’s breath came in ragged gasps as he pressed his back against the cold metal wall, clutching his bleeding arm. The security hub loomed before him, a fortress of gleaming steel and pulsing lights. He’d known it wouldn’t be easy to infiltrate, but the reality was far worse than he’d imagined. The wound stung, a deep gash where a laser grid had caught him unawares. Eli gritted his teeth, fighting to stay conscious. He couldn’t fail now, not when he was so close to the truth. ...

July 15, 2025 · 14 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Chalk Circle

Mia Chen’s pencil hovered over her sketchpad, her mind as blank as the paper before her. Around her, other students in Mr. Holloway’s art class chattered and laughed, but Mia remained silent, withdrawn into her own world. She’d always felt like an outsider at Evergreen High, but never more so than in this moment. “Having trouble finding inspiration, Miss Chen?” Mr. Holloway’s gravelly voice startled her. The eccentric art teacher peered down at her empty page, his wild gray eyebrows furrowed. ...

July 13, 2025 · 10 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Whispering Pines

The old Jeep rattled down the dirt road, kicking up clouds of dust that obscured the dense pines lining either side. Mara Vance gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white as she navigated the rough terrain. Her eyes darted between the winding path ahead and the GPS on her phone, its robotic voice occasionally cutting through the rumble of the engine to announce another turn. “In 500 meters, turn right onto Forest Service Road 217,” the GPS chirped. ...

June 27, 2025 · 14 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Siren's Tithe

The salty breeze whipped Mara’s hair as she stepped off the rickety dock onto solid ground. After hours on the choppy ferry, her legs felt unsteady, but a thrill of excitement coursed through her. This remote coastal village, nestled between craggy cliffs and a restless sea, held the key to unlocking a scientific mystery. “I can’t believe we’re finally here,” she said, turning to her research partner. “What do you think, Vivian?” ...

June 26, 2025 · 11 min · Mitch Hargrove

The Whispers Between Floors

Mia Chen stood frozen in the doorway of her new apartment, cardboard box clutched to her chest like a shield. The hallway behind her was silent and still, but something about the empty space before her made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. She shook her head, forcing herself to step inside. It was just nerves, the usual anxiety that came with any big change. Moving to a new city, starting a new job - of course she felt on edge. There was nothing actually wrong with the apartment itself. ...

June 22, 2025 · 25 min · Mitch Hargrove