Prologue

The Chilling Odyssey of the Franklin Expedition: A Tale of Courage, Tragedy, and Mystery. Content Warning.
In the annals of maritime history, tales of expeditions abound, each with its own share of triumphs, tragedies, and mysteries. Yet, few stories evoke as much intrigue and sorrow as that of the Franklin Expedition of 1845 to 1848. Led by the intrepid Sir John Franklin, this ill-fated journey aimed to chart the elusive Northwest Passage, a quest that would ultimately end in disaster, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in enigma.
By Gunduz2 years ago in Chapters
Horrifying Discoveries Found Inside the Devil's Bible. Content Warning.
Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Bohemia during the 13th century, there lived a monk named Herman the Recluse. Within the confines of a monastery nestled amidst rolling hills and dense forests, Herman had pledged his life to poverty, chastity, and obedience, as dictated by his monastic vows. His days were spent in prayer, contemplation, and the painstaking transcription of sacred texts, illuminated manuscripts, and theological treatises.
By Gunduz2 years ago in Chapters
To My Rival
To the man who unblinded me, … I don’t know where you are! It is an irony to even anticipate about that. There was a time I prayed that you didn't show up yet you did.
By Aryaman2 years ago in Chapters
PROLOGUE
“Three will rise, and three will fall, a sacrifice to please the stars.” The rustle of the bus’s wheels groans beneath him. Abruptly the rumble and rev of the engine cuts into his thoughts, and he stops absently fiddling with his backpack straps, drawn back to the current moment.
By Chloe2 years ago in Chapters
The Wolves
There are things worse than wolves in those woods, trust me. When you hear their howl, run. Chief Ranger Talin’s warning echoed in her memory as Liv crawled on hands and knees through the undergrowth. Ahead of her, little Tivar crawled with the eagerness of a puppy. If her parents caught her out of bed and beyond the gates...That thought annoyed her even further. Her fourteenth harvest drew near, and yet they insisted on treating her like a child still.
By Matthew J. Fromm2 years ago in Chapters
Prologue
Running, Running with no end in sight. The hallway is dark, the ground hard and rough. Pain shooting up my legs radiating through my joints with every step. My lungs are growing weaker and weaker. Every breath more laborious than the last. It's like I'm suffocating, but I can't stop. If I stop, for even a second. It's going to catch me. I don't know what it is, but I know what it smells like.
By Acacia Zahira2 years ago in Chapters
Cats Gone Wild
“Benjamin, your life can change unexpectedly, so make the most out of your life.” That’s what my mom would usually say to me. My mom would always give me advice because that’s the caring mother she was. She would usually tell me that I should enjoy my youth while it lasts because my younger years will pass by quickly. Well I’m just 10 years old, but now I feel like my younger years have passed because everything I did with my mom is now just memories.
By Senorfruity2 years ago in Chapters
Crowned in Love's Escape
In the realm of crowns and golden halls, A king stood tall, within fortress walls. Yet, on his brow, a heavy crown, For happiness eluded, wearing a frown.
By Kelly Munala Brookes2 years ago in Chapters
All Too Well
‘I promise I’ll be back. We’re going to be together forever, Schie. I love you.’ Those were the last words he said to me.
By Izzibella Beau2 years ago in Chapters
Short Reads
Dear Vocal readers, What follows is a short compendium of my works that are four minutes or less for your reading pleasure. For all those times that you want to read something, but are short on time. Please be sure to check back, as the list grows. And thank you for following me on this journey.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Chapters
A Techno Carol (with Apologies to Charles Dickens) - A Story in Five Parts. Top Story - January 2024.
Part I: “Go to your room!” Dad shouted at him, but it was his mother who was in tears. Jimmy Curtis knew that this was serious when he saw what happened. The presents were being wrapped, and he could have waited in his room…but why bother? His parents knew what he wanted for Christmas, and here it was, Christmas Eve, and they were still getting things ready for the big day. So, why didn’t they get him the system he wanted? Why a stupid-looking 2.0 version of the super Benevolt gaming set? And no extra controllers for it? He had to say something.
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Chapters
I’ve Always Hated the Water
Note: I wrote this for a particular challenge, but I could not find the right conclusion for it, and it seems to be growing into something much bigger and bolder than I thought it could be. Any critiques or thoughts would be helpful...
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Chapters