My new short story is here!
Do you love fantasy? Immersive settings? How about a little creepiness thrown in?
Then I have a treat for you.
This short story has been in the works for a long time. Birthed from a prompt at my local writing group (and a picture of creepy puppets), it kind of developed a life of its own. If you are subscribed to my newsletter (aka VIP Circle), you might have already read it.
But if you haven’t yet joined my VIP Circle Newsletter, I would hate for you to miss out.
Check out the premise below.
A traveling carnival. Dark magic in the air. Star-crossed fates hanging in the balance.
Bastian wants nothing more than to belong to his preparatory’s most infamous fraternity—a notorious ring of well-to-do aristocrats where no one would dare question the tarnished reputation his father left him. It would put a stop to the bullying, and open the doors for social absolution. After all, inheriting the name of a man who died in debtor’s prison isn’t easily forgotten.
So when the traveling carnival comes into town, and his preparatory cronies dare him to kiss one of the performers as part of his initiation ceremony, Bastian jumps at the opportunity. And why not? Adelina the Puppeteer is beautiful, talented, and blindingly alluring. She’s also an evil enchantress. A fact her servant, Emma, knows perfectly well, even if Bastian doesn’t. But Emma doesn’t mind it much, or at least she shouldn’t. Not when her freedom depends on it. However, the more she learns about Bastian, the more she softens at the eerie similarities between his life and the life she once had—before the carnival turned her into a servant of ancient magic.
Now, at the mercy of Adelina, Emma must sacrifice Bastian for a chance to clear her debt. Foolish enough to inadvertently bargain one hundred years of servitude for a kiss, Bastian deserves what’s coming for him, just as Emma once did. But when the price for his mistake must be paid, Emma finds herself vexingly conflicted—and in a place where magic holds the fates of all in balance, the ramifications could prove disastrous for more than just the two of them.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING!
This short story is FREE to read through my Digital Swag Bag.
What is a Digital Swag Bag you ask?
Well, let me tell you.
My Digital Swag Bag is a password protected gift for all subscribers of my VIP Circle Newsletter (no, you don’t pay anything).
What you get to do is:
💌 Participate in monthly giveaways (yes, every month).
📚 Read all my YA fantasy & science fiction free (including The Puppeteer’s Thief).
🔖 Download printable goodies like stickers and bookmarks.
🏰 And stay up to date with other shenanigans.
I don’t spam my subscribers. Ever. There are enough promotionists out there. This is a place for friendships.
If you think you might enjoy this, I am giving you limited access to my Digital Swag Bag through the end of March. You can access not only The Puppeteer’s Thief, but also every other short story, as well as downloadable content.
The password you’ll need is: MAGICDREAMER
I update my password monthly through my VIP Circle Newsletter. So you’ll only be able to access this exclusive content for a limited time.
I also update my Digital Swag Bag with more content (short fiction, bookish goodies, and reader-related frolicsomeness) quarterly. So the best thing you can do is join my VIP Circle Newsletter.
But whether you choose to jump right in or try things out first, I am glad you’re here.
Now go enjoy a fantasy break! Read The Puppeteer’s Thief HERE.
Did you like this post? Then consider joining my VIP Circle and don’t miss out on all my additional content (monthly giveaways, Digital Swag Bag access code, bookish recommendations, short inspirational messages, and more!). Click HERE.
And if you want to collaborate with me don’t be shy. I love to work with fellow writers, spotlight authors, and host writing challenges. I’ve also been known to swap short critiques on occasion. Reach to me here.
Melissa Muhlenkamp 