by Cherise Papa | Nov 23, 2022 | Fantasy, Flash Fiction
The front door was ajar, and Milo clambered inside, searching for the egg. Distant chanting filled the brisk night air beyond his workshop, a warning that the mages knew of the dragon’s existence and craved its power. His dim magic illuminated amethyst debris...
by Cherise Papa | Nov 16, 2022 | Fantasy, Flash Fiction
Gracie rushed after the single gondola as a shadow of a man hefted the long rowing oar from the river of time. It arced over the gondola, water drops shimmering against the background oranges of fall. “Please, sir, I need to go back. I have to change everything!” Her...
by Cherise Papa | Nov 14, 2022 | Flash Fiction, Paranormal
We’re more than a few days late, but I can get this posted now that Fyrecon work is resting (at least for a day or so before we get back into more future planning!) When people see us together, it means I’m at work, fulfilling a deceased’s final wish. My magic...
by Cherise Papa | Nov 7, 2022 | Fantasy, Flash Fiction
Power builds in the air around me as sparks cut through the blue sky and the weakening barrier. “Get home while you still can, son,” Dad shouts, his robes swirling in the barrier’s winds. I won’t leave you. Unfortunately I can’t talk and maintain a support spell...
by Cherise Papa | Oct 12, 2022 | Fantasy, Flash Fiction
Someone once told me that when the night sky is filled with fire, dragons will return. I always thought it was a legend told in secret over campfires among unbelieving mages. But now fire rains in the sky. The mountain beyond the forest spews fire and lava and ash. I...
by Cherise Papa | Oct 8, 2022 | Fantasy, Flash Fiction
This time it’s Wednesday Words on a Saturday. I hit some big freelance deadlines Thursday and Friday, then revised and submitted a short story Friday just before the deadline. New goal: submit stories early! Dreag steadied itself as the train horn tried to blast...
by Cherise Papa | Oct 2, 2022 | Fantasy, Flash Fiction
I had to finish my Writers of the Future Q4 submission before I could in good conscience work on flash fiction, so this time Wednesday Words is on a Sunday. Enjoy! It was the final test, the last battle of mages. Only three remained in the free for all in the forest...
by Cherise Papa | Sep 21, 2022 | Flash Fiction, Literary
Molly leans over in her wheelchair and ruffles my head. Her fingers linger in my fur as she blinks back tears. I whine and press my wet nose into her neck, making her laugh-sob. One of Molly’s grown pups pats her shoulder, and my ears twitch. “Mom, it’s time. Your...
by Cherise Papa | Sep 16, 2022 | Fantasy, Flash Fiction
Chaz’s hand dropped from the lyre strings as he watched his best friend get roasted by a column of fire. They were supposed to be defeating the dragon and bringing its head back for glory and fame. Maybe they should have waited until they had a little more experience...
by Cherise Papa | Sep 8, 2022 | Flash Fiction, Steampunk
Sirens screeched as Jeremy tried to see through the hot steam filling the small engine room. If he didn’t get the engine under control, the blimp would crash. “Let me,” his grizzly captain growled, the steel edge of his wrench digging into...
