First Writer Campaign Challenge

I'm participating in the 1st Campaigner Challenge. The assignment is as follows:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count. 

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:

• end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count) (done)

• include the word "orange" in the story  (done)                       

• write in the same genre you normally write (done - normally I write urban fanasy and paranormal romance)

• make your story 200 words exactly! (done)

The shadows crept across the wall as the orange disk of the sun dipped below the horizon. Soon the silver disk of the full moon would replace it and my world would change forever. I chose this. My heart drummed wildly in my chest as the exhilaration of what was to come sank into every cell of my fragile body. Standing on the balcony, I inhaled the salty air.

“It’s time,” Paul said quietly.

I nodded and he led me to an empty room, save for thin silver chains on the wall. Gently, like a lover, he shackled my hands and feet.

“If everything goes well, you won’t need these after tonight.” Unspoken remained what would happen if it did not go well. I didn’t care.

He sat on the floor by the wall opposite me and we waited.

The change came swift and sharp like a knife. My bones turned to liquid heat and I screamed. Minutes passed in welcome agony. Then it was over.

He knelt next to me. “You did it. You’re free.”

I smiled and laid down, my head resting on my paws. I was not dying. Now I could rest. For awhile, everything faded.


Let me know what you think. It was hard cutting down to bring it to 200 words :) I'm #36 on the list if you'd like to vote for me.