"The Vampire's Haunted House" by Marie O'Grady

Some people swore that the house was haunted. 

I, myself, didn't believe it, so I decided to go check it out.  I went on Friday night with a group of friends.  When we got there the place was completely dark on the outside.  We went to the door and walked in.  I went down the hall and they followed me.  I thought they were pathetic, but once they were all near me the front door closed on its own.  We walked further into the house and then split up to see different areas of the house.  I ended up in a very old fashioned looking dining room, like from Dracula's castle, so I was definitely freaked.  I looked at the hanging portraits and saw some very interesting people; then someone put their hand on my shoulder.  I would have screamed, but I was too shocked.

There, standing beside me, was a good-looking guy.  He stoof before his own portrait on the wall, a very old one.

The first that he said was, "Miss, you must go save your friends.  They've gone to the basement and have got themselves stuck."

I nodded and he escorted me out of the dining room.  When we got to the downward stairs, I heard them all screaming.  I tried opening the door but it was locked.

"How am I supposed to open the door?"

He told me that the house had ghosts that loved to hear children scream, and that the only way to set them free was to do something for the ghosts.

"So it really is haunted by ghosts and I'm standing next to a vampire.  This is just great."

He laughed at me and I called the ghosts to me.  They slowly one by one came forth and asked me if there was anything that I could do.  They said that the only way was for someone living to inhabit the house.  I nearly dropped to the ground.  All these creatures needed was a companion?  After scaring my friends, that's all they needed?  I said that I'd agree to it, but they'd have to let me get my stuff and say goodbye, and I'd also need a library full of different books to keep me busy.  They agreed and my friends were let go.  My friends were confused as to why they were freed but they decided to ask my later.  We left.  I went home and gathered my belongings and left a note for my mother saying that I'm moving out.  When I finished, I walked back to the haunted house.

And nothing was ever the same again after that.

"Days of a Werewolf" by Marie O'Grady

I remember my first day as a werewolf.

I remember the pain and agony of my first change and my first fight.

I remember the quick recovery and the will to tear something apart.

I remember jumping and running and hunting.

I remember having to keep secrets.

Most of all, I remember the freedom for one night of every month.

Artist: Paul Gustave Doré

"My Collection" by Ben Read

I walk along my garden path, admiring my trophies, triumphing in their fear.  I stroke one particular centaur's head, now cold stone.



Artist: Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

"Oh, what a lovely statue you make, not the miserable scrap of life you once were," I breathe, though I know he can't hear me.

I stroke the cold skin of my snakes.  They hiss happily.  I turn back the way I came.  My servant awaits nervously.

"Medusa, your dinner's ready."

"Good," I say, without looking at her.  Amalia is a good servant, too good to lose.

She remains standing on the spot.

"Away with you," I hiss.

She jumps and quickly walks down the path back to the house. 

I hear a scuffling noise.  I turn to look at the rat, which immediately turns to stone.  I smile.  Another trophy for my collection.

~ short story inspired by Medusa ~

"Witch Life" by Karolyn Wambold

I was born a witch

I was found out and got burned

Now I'm reborn a human

--haiku inspired by witches

"The Loud Ghost" by Marianna Fischer

I am a loud ghost

My footsteps don't make a single sound

But when I eat...slurp!

--haiku inspired by ghosts

"Gawd! I'm not a pony!" by Jacquelynn Womrer

The girls squeak at me:

Horsey!  Horsey!  And try to saddle me.

Look!  I'm NOT a HORSE!

--haiku inspired by centaurs

"A Fiery Disappointment" by Ty

Cold food is really gross

so I decided to use my torch.

Instead of deliciousness I got sickness.

--haiku inspired by dragons