Horror, Thriller, & Fantasy
Happily Ever After Is Overrated
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(Cozy Horror/Dark Fantasy/Short Stories)
Contains the first six tales!
"Death's Nell"
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"Kiss of Death"
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"Deadly Delicacies"
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"Everything Dies"
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"Death Waits For No One"*
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"Death Warmed Over"
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*Exclusively available in this compilation.
"Death's Nell"
Apothecary of Curiosities, Story One
Death's apothecary contains a great number of curious things, but when a young and naive witch named Nell wanders into Death's shop late one wintry evening, she finds more than she bargained for amongst the wares.
Intrigued by a particularly unique collection, she's drawn into a challenge against the Reaper herself. Can she complete the task Death has offered her? More importantly, is it wise?
They never learn.
"Kiss of Death"
Apothecary of Curiosities, Story Two
The Ball of Ages, thrown at a mysterious mansion within a high-walled estate, promises a devilish night of frivolity and freedom for the mortals in attendance, but when the Grim Reaper herself is invited to the soiree, things quickly go off the rails.
Her siblings and fellow horsemen have a devious plan for an evening of chaos and destruction. While they'll enjoy it immensely, the unwitting guests are in for a shocking surprise.
What exactly do the heralds of the Apocalypse have planned?
"Deadly Delicacies"
Apothecary of Curiosities, Story Three
All Death wants is a delicious meal and a day away from her apothecary. Is that so much to ask?
Surrounded by a city alive with tourists and intoxicated adventure-seekers, the Grim Reaper settles down with a good book and a scrumptious treat. However, a new delicacy presents itself as she finishes her plate.
Eric, a hot-tempered man, and his wife Bella, a woman full of carefully contained rage, put on quite a show in front of the restaurant’s dinner guests. Finding herself intrigued by the unanticipated entertainment, Death decides to intervene. She hasn’t done that in ages.
My, how interesting this will be.
"Everything Dies"
Apothecary of Curiosities, Story Four
Eternity is a long time.
All the Grim Reaper wants is to carve out a slice of peace in the face of her gloomy reality. But, when an expected yet cumbersome guest arrives and disrupts her comfortable existence, Death is faced with a frustrating choice: appease her well-meaning yet overbearing mother or listen to her drone on for centuries. Mother Nature is convinced a roaring night on the town will do her daughter a world of good, but it's never that simple. Tragedy is written in the stars above the windy city. "Living a little" is not in the cards.
"Death Waits For
No One"
Apothecary of Curiosities, Story Five
There aren't many things the Grim Reaper and her pesky feline familiar agree on; yet each weekend, the two somehow find a way to set aside their grievances. But, their days of quiet leisure won't last forever. Nothing ever does. The winds of change are coming.
When all is said and done, what's at stake will cost the creature dearly. Who's going to pay for her pain? Not Death or her stick-in-the-mud companion. The truth is written in the cards, and the reaper's will is steel.
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Well, the blade of her scythe is, anyway.
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*Exclusive short story for Apothecary of Curiosities: Volume One.*
"Death Warmed Over"
Apothecary of Curiosities, Story Six
Now and then, even Death herself needs a day off, especially around the holidays. Rather than reunite with her estranged siblings, the reaper has other plans.
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This year, she’ll descend to her domain where countless friends await her presence. But, the festivities she’s longed for aren’t as jolly as they should be. Jealousy is a gift that keeps on giving, and vengeance tastes sweeter than any dessert, especially when it’s served on a blood-stained platter.
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While the gods raise their glasses and toast to a much needed celebration, Death will deliver a gift that keeps on giving. After all, retribution is what lurks beneath the wrapping.