Abbi the Labrador loves her people-but she loves her bunny friend Zac even more. So when he pleads with her to let him out of his cage one night, she does.Even though it's the wrong thing to do. Even though the consequences will be worse than she ever imagined. A tragic short tale about the true meaning of friendship-and guilt.1300 words.Welcome to Inklets, a series of short (and sometimes short-short) stories ranging from sci-fi to fantasy to lingering...

Tired, war-weary and worn, he longs for peace-and home. But the smell of blood reaches him as he travels: a giant, half-dead dragon-and a gang of bandits guarding it. He swore to never kill again. But once again, he faces a choice. Because today, someone must die. A wistful story about promises and peace, and the precarious nature of both. Swords & Dragons Fantasy / 1100 words

Every year, the tower fills with the souls of the dead.Every year, the city throws someone living in to lead the dead to the afterlife.Few succeed. Most join the dead.This year, it's Freya's turn.A very short story about confronting your fears—and discovering hope.

Nobody suspects good-natured Skribs's real job as assassin for the queen.Everyone else's eyes? Diverted by the gruesome horrors the Northern ambassador brings for show.But Skribs's attention? Fixed where it really matters: protecting his queen's back.No one's getting past this secret hitman today.A cheeky, confident story with ultra-competent characters on display, don't miss Some Impropriety Expected!

Simon Baker, 86, aging rapidly in an aged care facility. Just an ordinary man, coming to the end of an ordinary life…Except something else tickles the edges of his mind-of his memory. If only he could remember his real identity. Before time runs out.A quiet science fiction tale about the importance of memory, that resonates with anyone who's ever watched a loved one fade away.

On the moon, the sole survivors of a terrestrial plague keep each other company.But when you have the whole moon to fill, two is a very small number.Can they persevere, for the sake of the human race, their lives-and their sanity?A very short story about the crushing loneliness of depression, and the need for human connection to survive.

In a world where only priests make art, she listens as strange noises range outside her cell.She assumed the authorities wanted to question her about her little brother.But the truth? Much more sinister than that.The price for her transgressions? Everything she ever held dear.A cautionary tale about crossing boundaries, and the power of art to affect reality.

Ambrose sits alone in utter darkness, in a house nobody wanted, on a rug nobody loved, about to reach the pinnacle of all his dreams and hopes and plans. What a pity it requires his death first.Let's just hope the prize makes the price worthwhile. A wistful, melancholic reminder of the importance of love. 3100 words / dark fantasy

The strange visitor arrives in the nick of time, just as Natalie contemplates giving in to the feelers of darkness that surround her.She can stay strong long enough to entertain a guest. But after that? Who knows.A hopeful tale for everyone beset by the Black Dog. CONTENT NOTIFICATION: References to suicidal thoughts, depression.

She waits alone on the dark park bench, missing the family who no longer call. She waits for the tiny pollinators who fill the park each night - if not her life's triumph, then at least something she feels rightly proud of. If only she had someone left to share her wisdom with. A quiet science fiction story about the future of humanity - and family.