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

I leave my cell and follow Varujan into the long corridor. If I die anyway, it may as well be with my head held high. Isolation taught me one truth: giving in to death will insult the many prisoners here, all clinging to life for their souls. 


I’ll fight for it, this I vow. And I’ll press on trying to find a way home to ensure Mom fights for hers. 


I keep a brisk pace beside Varujan. “Thank you for the power bank.” 


We pass beside the Flame Gallery, deeper down the corridor toward the sacred scrolls and Darkness Hollows. 


“It was not easy to come by,” he says. “You know how the villagers look down upon me. When the winds were right, I borrowed your moped—I hope you do not mind—and rode to the next town.” 


“My Dad—was he … Did you see him?” 


My chest tightens. Maybe it’s better. 


“People sense your darkness,” I say softly. “Everyone except for me—the dolt who thought she was something special to a group of artists who don’t play by society’s rules—” 


Chapter 33