PK Hrezo

The last place eighteen-year-old aspiring artist, Morgan Jaeger, wants to spend her summer after high school is in the boonies of the Transylvanian Highlands with her estranged father. She never expects to meet the handsome, free-spirited musician, Varujan, who shares her affinity for abstract art. The summer of dread becomes the summer of dreams when Varujan invites Morgan to a secret hideout of underground artists. But when the utopia turns into a thrill ride of terrors that pitch Morgan's life before her eyes she must keep her wits about her or else lose her most valuable asset forever.

A Wicked Thought

With an arm around Varujan, I assist him through the Darkness Hollows, aimlessly at first, then by muted candlelight along the floor. Varujan tucks his nubs at his chest, guiding our steps in struggled whispers. No doubt he’s in shock after what just happened. 


A lump swells in my throat. I can never repay him. 


Emotion gurgles up from my stomach—a bold palette of contrasting colors—gold, sapphire, crimson, each competing for release. 


Gratitude, sympathy, anger, humility, adoration. 


I believed him to be a soulless monster. Now, he faces an eternity without his hands to play his harp. Without his rook to leave The Shade and feel the sun. 


He did it for me. Will he regret it someday? 


I won’t let my uncertainty taint the selflessness of his gift. 


Chapter 42