Pen & Inktober

11. Wander

The ship bobbed and swayed, tostled by the ether as it bounded aimlessly across the stars. With no heading or destination in mind, Xan gazed through the window of their starcruiser as the universe flittered by. The alien creature was often struck with the affliction of wanderlust, taking to the stars at a moment's notice with so much as an Anterian goodbye. He didn't know what he was seeking, he just hoped that one day he would find it, hopefully without crashing.

Lights flickered on his ship's control centre, indicating an inhabited planet. Such a rare occurrence was certainly worth stopping for.

12. Spicy

Peter's heart was in his chest. He knew he shouldn't have done it, it was a terrible idea. He just wanted to try something new, something romantic. The girl in the store said it was a bestseller.

There were so many things he could have done differently. Saved the present for when they got home. Gone with something normal. Used different wrapping paper.

But it was too late for "what ifs". All he could do now was sit in horror, after his wife thanked him for the new scarf, and his mother-in-law removed the wrapping paper from an identical box.

13. Rise

Gavin opened his eyes to darkness. The air was thick and stuffy, a damp rancid taste to it. He could barely move, a rough surface just inches from his nose. Frantically he scratched and clawed at the wooden ceiling above him. Cracking and splintering, the wood crumbled away as soil poured into the already tight space. Gripping what he could, Gavin burrowed through the dirt until his hands burst through the grass. With all his strength he dragged himself into the fresh air, the night's sky above him.

Gavin collapsed, his stomach aching with hunger, craving only one thing. Brains.

14. Castle

The king of the Night Council looked on with horror as the Dawn Brigade encroached. The legion of soldiers that had decimated his own forces. Even his queen had sacrificed herself defending their realm against the Dawn's mighty knights and holy bishops, his own great warriors having fallen.

"Quickly sire!", called his men from the east.

The King ran for all he was worth, exchanging a nod of gratitude and pride as the siege tower took his place, taking cover not far beyond it.

With an explosion the tower was rendered asunder, the Dawn Queen standing before him. "Check mate."

15. Dagger

Five of them stood in a circle, each staring at the other with distrust. They all had their reasons, but who would've done it?

Jenna bit her lip, thinking back to all the horrid things she had said during dinner.

Micheal looked mortified, secretly delighted he no longer had to cover his debts.

Simon and David were too busy throwing accusations at each other to notice anything else.

Meanwhile Laura was weeping too dramatically to be authentic, her forthcoming inheritance no doubt a comfort.

All this while the body of Lucius Montgomery grew colder, a knife deep in his chest.