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Nov 24, 2024 | 
renaaliston.substack.com | Rena Aliston
Rubbing razor against fleshI’d bleed for youDig deeper into my soulCarving the pain of my lifeThe dead tremble in fearBlood trickles upon a roseTears fall upon a featherEmotions seep through my poresDarkness covers meThe graveyard of my soulThis poem is available in the book Unspeakable Truths, Volume 1: Damnation Begins, released in 2007. Nefarious Tales is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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Jul 2, 2024 | 
warrenbrown.substack.com | Warren Brown |Erica Drayton |Rena Aliston
Everyone is not an artist nor is everyone creative. Yet, whether we accept it or not, daily life is filled with creativity and artistry, from the way you make your toast, to the way you wear your clothes, to the way you tie your hair, to the way you use the camera on your phone to send emojis. You are human and you were born with an artistic and creative streak. A few amazing writers to read on Substack.
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Jun 30, 2024 | 
medium.com | Rena Aliston
By Rena Aliston Drabble | Fantasy I failed to close the portalPhoto by Noah Buscher on Unsplash I came back again. I thought I succeeded but failed to close the portal. I staggered into the living room and collapsed on the couch. My father's medallion rested on the table where I left it. My eyes drifted to the clock as the hand crept toward a new hour. There was still time. I hurried to the basement, removed...
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Jun 29, 2024 | 
warrenbrown.substack.com | Warren Brown |Rena Aliston |Erica Drayton
Akuma no Ran - Rebellion in the Age of the Demon: Chapter 1: Death of the Last HeroIt had long been customary for the village near the end of Autumn to parade the goddess’ portable-shrine with the head-priest (Kannushi) riding ahead as her herald. This had been the custom for nigh on a century since the time of the legendary Takimoto no Yoshinobu, the valiant hero who had rescued the northern marches from collapse.
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May 3, 2024 | 
medium.com | Rena Aliston
By Rena Aliston Fiction | Drabble Photo by The HS on Unsplash My body collapsed in the forest as the burning sun stung my flesh. I licked my blistered lips, staring at the sky, begging death to swallow me. My eyes shut as a strong gust of wind swept through the tree branches. "Follow the birds," a voice shouted.
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Mar 28, 2024 | 
medium.com | Rena Aliston
I scrubbed harder but couldn’t erase the memories flooding back to me. Our walks in the park. Your attempt at trying to outdo me at Skee-Ball. There were other memories as well. Like the time you yelled at me for speaking to an old friend you didn’t care for. Or when you broke my glasses because you thought I was checking out another man.
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Mar 20, 2024 | 
medium.com | Rena Aliston
Fiction | DrabbleYour echo remainedJust nowWe once had icicle passion. Our hearts heard Winter’s voice breaking through the burning sun as it attempted to scorch our love. Then I gave into Summer’s rage. Welcomed its burning lust. My hands stoked another’s fire as your gaze stabbed my heart. I desecrated forever’s promise. But your pain hindered forgiveness. I no longer recognized the eyes staring back at me. The reflection dancing on the wall as I stood in your shadow.
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Mar 13, 2024 | 
medium.com | Rena Aliston
Fiction | DabbleI attempted once moreJust nowEscape — it’s crossed my mind. My suitcase rested under the bed. My exit planned, fear radiated as I attempted to run away. He laughed at my effort, said my attempts at freedom were disgraceful. I cried in the night somber tears as if violins were playing my agony. Me, forever the victim–him, forever the captor. I thought our love could endure through time. But his rendition of love is pain. He’s unworthy of my love.
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Feb 24, 2024 | 
medium.com | Rena Aliston
Cover RevealThe Devil’s Grave: A Collection of Short Crime & Horror StoriesDeception walks among us, clinging to our shadows as we fight to survive life, overcome death, relieve pain, and escape envy’s grasp. If you trod upon the earth long enough, you’ll feel death’s angel hovering over your carcass, pleading for you to let her in. Will you? The Devil’s Grave, the first book in The Devil’s Reign Series, is a collection of short crime and horror stories.
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Feb 21, 2024 | 
medium.com | Rena Aliston
Fiction | DrabbleYou didn’t follow instructionsJust nowWritten for Grim Flandango’s A Drabble A Day 8: Monday 2/19 REACTION. My attempt to get a reaction failed. She just sat there, flicking the spark wheel. I waited for her eyes to meet mine, but she remained focused on the lighter. “You didn’t think I’d follow through, but I did. I left his body in the park.” Still nothing. A sigh parted my lips as I sat back against the cushion. I began to speak. She raised her hand, forcing my silence. “I–”
