Rat Song

One year ago, the children of Hamelin disappeared in the middle of the night. With no clues about their whereabouts save a trail of footprints leading to the riverbank, their families believed them to be lost to the raging current. On the day of their memorial, the children return as suddenly as they left, but they are no longer the sweet kids the town lost.

As the youngest person who was left behind, fourteen-year-old William is equal parts overjoyed and terrified to have his little sister back. With his father's temper as hot as his forge, William must protect Emma from the cruel treatment he has faced, but it soon becomes apparent that even greater horrors plague the children.

Haunted by an alluring song that echoes in his nightmares, William must unravel the secrets of the Pied Piper's music before the rest of Hamelin falls victim to the same fate as the children.

Trigger warning: This story contains physical and emotional abuse, animal abuse and death, child endangerment, suicidal thoughts, and mentions of a failed suicide attempt.

Cover by @AriaOfStorms