Hawthorn & Ash #1

Welcome to the first of what we hope to be many micro stories, ranging in length from 100 words to 500 words.

With each story we hope to deliver a little whimsy into the lives of our readers.

The story below gives a glimpse into what lurks at the border between this world and Faerie.

The Gateway to Faerie

The forest shivered as Analia passed, trailing her fingers over lush bracken. Brightly coloured fungus climbed the ancient bark of the gnarled oaks, and fireflies danced in the growing darkness.
In the distance – a mournful howl.
“Save the princess!”
“The beast comes!”
“Open the Gateway!”
A cacophony of small, frightened voices sang. In answer, a bright, swirling portal materialised before Analia.
“Come, Analia! You must hurry.”
“Where does it lead?” she asked.
“To Faerie!”
The underbrush behind her stirred, red eyes gleaming from the shadows.
“No time!”
Shoved by an unseen force, Analia tripped through the door – and into Faerie.

Zoey Xolton is a published Australian Speculative Fiction author, with a particular penchant for the Dark Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi and Horror genres. Her works have appeared in several themed anthologies, with many more due for publication! She is a proud mother of two, and is fortunate enough to be married to her soul mate. Outside of her family, writing remains her greatest passion. She is especially fond of short form fiction, and is working on releasing her own story collections in future; as well as a series of novelettes and novellas. To find out more, please visit: www.zoeyxolton.com!