Talkthepoc Stories

ONC 2026, Prompt 78: You begin to realize that nothing is quite what it seems ONGOING! Couture Magazine: the most prestigious fashion publication in the world, where hemlines are sacred, deadlines are deadly, and the coffee runs are... surprisingly literal. Every intern who walks through those gleaming Manhattan doors dreams of landing a full-time position-complete with vision, dental (including twice-yearly cleanings), and an endless supply of designer clothes fresh off the runway. Sure, the demands from editors, photographers, and even the notoriously temperamental writers can be exhausting. But an intern's day at Couture is pretty ordinary, right? WRONG. Alcide Lancaster is about to discover that his summer internship working for the iconic-yet-terrifying Ellen Montclaire comes with a few... unexpected job requirements. Like why he and a select few employees-including the formidable Editor-in-Chief herself-are the only ones taking mandatory two-hour lunch breaks. Why his thirty-to-fifty-something coworkers look suspiciously athletic, eerily youthful, and are borderline obsessed with eyewear that definitely isn't just a fashion statement. And why A-list celebrities who stop by the Couture offices seem less interested in the magazine's latest cover shoot and oddly fascinated with Alcide himself. But most importantly... What does any of this have to do with Alcide's late family, their disturbingly narrow worldview, and the real reason they wanted him out of their lives forever? All excellent questions for a young man trying to survive a summer packed with Fashion Week chaos, superpowered coworkers who treat the office like their personal runway, and a boss who's less Anna Wintour and more fierce-but-loving grandmother. Between navigating new friendships, an unexpected romance, and enough secrets to fill an entire September issue, Alcide is about to learn that in the world of high fashion... Not everything is just an illusion.

"I'm not star-crossed. Not unless you cross me." Ro is a Montague who killed her father to inherit the drug-running business and their considerable stash of bio-tech. Jules is the heir to the Capulet Casino and the single rose of the blood-stained, rotting streets of New Verona who wants to escape their captive world. But will the rose smell as sweet if Ro steals them away? *** Two crime lords, both alike in villainy, In New Verona, where we lay our scene, From older murder leads to new misery, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From the delinquencies of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd felons take their fight; Whose misadventured bio-tech overthrows Do with much death bury their parents' might. Let the tech war into brothels, casinos, and fatal masquerades, And in the shadows of the city's cruel rage, Aside from their vendetta's end, nothing could remove, Turn now your consciences from this page; The which if you, with patient eyes attend, The past is gone, this dark future we must end.

"The Blind God walks around me, and I feel my mind prodded again like it was in the cavern, a spider weaving a tangled web. "Would you do anything to be remembered, Ode, even play a villain, the one who rises against the Chosen One?" In answer, I draw my dagger and make a slight incision against my thumb. Blood drips down, hot against my flesh. I hold my hand out as an oath, a promise. My ghouls hiss, yearning to drink. "I would rather reign over darkness than grovel as a servant to the light." *FEMALE ROBIN HOOD MEETS ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS* Ode Ngayoh is the only child of a bloodthirsty desert warlord. When the Blind God chooses her as champion, she's deemed a dark witch, a blemish against the Empire for her necromantic powers of summoning ghūls, the undead. Facing off against the prince and his handsome lover, Ode stands alone with the cursed god's favor. However, the more Ode defends the outcasts of the Empire, the more she finds herself being labelled a villain... (UPDATES DAILY) Highest Ranking Fantasy #16 on November 30, 2017 #1 in Dark Fantasy on July 13, 2018. #1 in Desert May 16, 2018 #6 in Kingdom COPYRIGHT 2017 BY SOPHIA WHITTEMORE. All Rights Reserved.

"Farzaneh..." I pull her to me, flinching when my sleeve rolls back, her eyes drawn to the markings. On my bare skin's a map revealing a different tattoo, one for every person I killed. I hate looking at the running tally of tattoos on my body. It reminds me of how many I've murdered. Reminds me I'm a human with a death goddess. My hakama, the color blue, blends into the folds of the red cloak around her, the effect like fire and ice. I bat my lashes, flex my muscles, all wiry from climbing the rigging when I get bored. "I'm just a boy." The look on her face is cruel. It reminds me why those chains are on her wrists. We're both cursed. Dark fantasy PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN with an LGBT+-ensemble *** Trans Captain Lucky Dice's enemies know him as a gambler, playing a game with a cursed set of dice that kills the losers instantly. The only person unaffected is Lucky, who's said to have sold his soul to the Rahasian goddess of death to get the dice to kill everyone but himself. But now, on his eighteenth birthday, the goddess of death calls on him to return the favor. The Divine princess, Kaliya, is trapped in the body of an all-devouring serpent, cursed by the Witch Goddess, the Matriarch of Truth, to weaken and murder her own godly parents. The gods are dying. And the world is truly ending if a pirate, a cursed witch, a vengeful warrior, and a con artist have to save it. (UPDATES DAILY) COPYRIGHT 2018 BY SOPHIA WHITTEMORE. All Rights Reserved. HIGHEST RANKING: #245 in Fantasy on April 21, 2018. #31 Mythology on May 27, 2018. #59 Gender Fluid Sub-Category on May 8, 2018. #22 in Journey on May 27, 2018. *** COVER CREDIT: PrinceOfRedroses and Rinmaru (further details inside)

RUMPELSTILTSKIN RETELLING. "I challenge you to find my name, princess. Three tries." Light flickers beneath the recesses of his mask, the wooden fangs and shadowed eyes. "Think you can beat me?" *** A witch doctor, user of dark magic, terrorizes a local village, killing children and turning their blood to gold. But when he's threatened with execution, the Dukun throws out one final challenge. Whoever owns his name, owns his soul. The Dukun's all set to die, until one stubborn princess takes him up on his challenge. Her journey forces her under the looming threat of war and execution as she stays in the palace of the mysterious sultan across the sea, a man also desperately searching for answers. And when it comes to love, will she choose Zahra, the woman warrior who's sworn to protect her, or Harto, the handsome sultan with a gods-defying secret? In the battle between a witch doctor owned by the gods, a sultan marked by the gods, and a princess cursed by them. Who shall prevail? (UPDATES DAILY) COPYRIGHT 2018 BY SOPHIA WHITTEMORE. All Rights Reserved. HIGHEST RANKINGS: #11 Mythology on July 28, 2018. #3 in Dark Fantasy on July 30, 2018. #17 in Elements on July 10, 2018. #49 in Diverse-Lit on May 9, 2018. #19 Epic Fantasy on May 27, 2018

As someone who's been so pampered to the point of oblivion, I never noticed the similarities with the fairy-tale. Every little girl should see her father as a king and her home is her kingdom. Almost every girl wants to be a princess or is treated as one. Some approach that more than others. I was one of those who are really close to be one. With a father that was like a king, soon came a stepmother hungry for power and money. Of course, I only realised that when Dad wasn't in the picture anymore. It wasn't jealousy because I was prettier than her, or that I think, what pushed her to hate me and to try to get rid of me; it was that as soon as I was twenty-one I would end up inheriting all of my father's business. Not her. So I had to disappear for her to be the only queen. Just like in the fairy tale, someone was hired to get rid of me. Did your parents read the tale to you? They didn't to me, so maybe that's why I didn't notice how much I resemble that princess. So that's me: Blanca, like Snow... Snow White. BOOK 5 In the Aware Princess Series flower: Thornapple, it symbolises "disguise."

"you're in a car with a beautiful boy, and he won't tell you that he loves you, but he loves you." -richard siken Or how Jensen Ackles is in love with Dakari Thomas, the actor who plays Dean Winchester's boyfriend Issa Hughes, and Dakari isn't nearly as oblivious as he seems. [SOCIAL MEDIA] [Jensen Ackles x OC] [Misha Collins x OC]

PREVIOUSLY A WATTPAD FEATURED STORY: HIDDEN GEMS - The squeal of tires trying to avoid the accident. A crash as the windshield shattered. A scream of horror from the right and back. The thumping of two hearts instead of three. Every night for three months, at 12:01 Addison is held captive by her own mind, hoping for an escape of fear. That is, until she meets the boy next door Daniel, and realizes that sometimes, you don't have to go through your struggles alone. © averysummers 2018 graphic by @witchoria featured in the wattpad block party winter edition iv featured by young adult, chicklit, & mystery

Life was all average for Shin until that one rainy day, when a girl in a baggy hoodie and a plain umbrella came and stood beside him, her umbrella over his head and with no words. And that's how it started. His love. Well... who knew all it takes is a girl, a boy and an umbrella to fall in love? Cover credit: yours truly Image credit to owner. < Really short short story. Don't tell me that I didn't warn ya > Highest ranking: #28 under HUMOUR on September 29th, 2016 #26 under SHORT STORY on October 4th, 2016. ----------------------- © copyright 2015-2016 Do not copy. All rights reserved.

Astrid travels back to a lost dynasty of China, and becomes Mei. She was accused of murder in the modern world, but now the dangers that lie in the imperial harem are greater than she'd imagine. Mei is forced to adapt to a world of performance, manipulation, betrayal, forbidden romance, delusions but most of all, defending who you are and destroying those who dares to come in between. She will evolve. Meanwhile, the beginning of a lost dynasty that was unknown to the modern world proves to be susceptible to rebellious chaos and damage to the nation's peace. - DISCLAIMER: this is not supposed to be historically accurate...go read a textbook for that! I repeat: go read a textbook, history nerds.

Ivy Brown has built the life of her dreams. As the owner of a luxury hair studio in New York City, with celebrity clients and her work gracing the pages of Vogue, she's left her past firmly behind her. But when her mother announces she's getting remarried, Ivy is drawn back to London as maid of honour-a role she can't refuse, no matter how much she dreads returning to the city she left nearly a decade ago. London is full of memories Ivy would rather forget, none more complicated than those of Lucas Martinez. Lucas wasn't just her childhood best friend-he was her first love, her everything. Their bond seemed unbreakable until it wasn't. Now Lucas is back too, and he's not alone. Thrown together in the midst of wedding chaos, Ivy must confront the tension, heartbreak, and unspoken words lingering between them. As old wounds resurface and sparks threaten to reignite, Ivy will have to decide whether some bridges are worth crossing-or if the past is better left behind.

In a not-so-distant future, the world has been divided. The prospering countries label themselves as Zones, while the defeated are left behind to fend for themselves. Sixteen-year-old Jaxon "Jax" Evans belongs to Zone 3, previously known as the United Kingdom. And like the unaffected survivors, he is arrogant and lavishes his privileges. This soon might change when his mother sends him to Zone 1, formerly known as Japan. Unlike the other Zones, Zone 1 takes humility and discipline rather seriously. Still thinking he has no reasons to change, Jaxon does what he does best: being a brat. Fate laughs at him as a mysterious and quiet child named Eien tells him he is a dangerous person. And the kid might be right. Luckily for him, he finds a group that can teach him how to control his raw power. Or is he indeed lucky when anyone could be his enemy? "The element of surprise, suspense, culture and diversity and humour blend to form a novel with a wonderful plot and so much promise!" - Z's Choice...Of Words "Your story is flawless in terms of plot and you present an image of being completely aware of this world you're playing with already, which is brilliant." "Believable, well-thought-out and definitely something to spend an evening and coffee on." -The Book Review Shop "You have a lot of strengths in writing, and it does show. Your writing style holds a mark, and I found it to be quite distinctive." -ElysiumKingdom Diamond Review Shop "I haven't read such a well-written book in a long time. Your story is just fantastic! I love the way it flows, the storyline...everything." -The Premiere's review shop "There's so much suspense and mystery that leaves the readers wanting more." - Kanna Script Review Shop WINNER: The Great Galaxy Prize and 1st Place Science Fiction, The Galaxy awards 11/1/2021 2nd Place Science Fiction, Coalition Awards 29/03/21 #70 Sci-fantasy 06/2/2021 #8 diversity 12/10/2021

Snowdrop signifies hope, hope for a friend in need, purity and rebirth. Will a stranger be the snowdrop in Alisha's life or she'll continue to wilt? "I ... I am tired of being me." Yet I give my hand in her wrinkled one, trusting to give her a chance. One Shot.

Megan Clarke knows how to work hard and play even harder. Ever so casual about it, she has shamelessly had her fair share of encounters in people's bedrooms. Without ever thinking of settling for one guy, promiscuous Megan finds herself in a bit of a bind when a young, ambitious lawyer is challenging her in ways that can only keep her focused on him. She gets caught in his mischievous little trap and now finds herself feeling things that she's not ready to feel again. Her hard exterior will need to be softened for the sake of her budding new romance. Maybe even for the sake of a third party who just happened to come along at the wrong time. [3rd installment of the #WhenAWomanWalksSeries] ©2022, K.R.W. Malete, All Rights Reserved. *unedited*

Cover by @achlillies- ••• ❝Your dream doesn't have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try again.❞ K.T Written ••• Stephanie has always had a dream to become someone that the world will remember. Someone special, by this she wants to become a famous Issue-You user (this is where you are able to create a channel, post videos and of course gain followers). But she knows she's not able to do this on her own... She now believes her dreams are now crushed as she enrols into West-Bridge Academy, one of the biggest and richest boarding schools in America. When meeting her new roommates Stephanie is hit with the best idea her mind has ever given her. This could give her and her new roommates a place in the large world of Stardom. One question: Will it actually be a successful plan? © Stepherly 2016 PLANNED: 21-12-16

Beauty /ˈbyo͞otē/ noun 1. a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. Fat /fat/ adjective 1.(of a person or animal) having a large amount of excess flesh. - - - Etna has never really felt good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough. She's always felt like an elephant in a zoo of Flamingo's. Trying to finish high school with a head of confidence, Etna struggles to avoid her persistent counselor and the bullies around her. Sometimes she's not as strong as she should be; other times she's an inspiration. #66 spiritual Jayla Felix Fat Girls © 2014, Jayla Felix Self publishing (felixejayla@gmail.com) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.

Love is like a war. Easy to begin. Hard to end. ~~~~~ During the time of the French Revolution there were a series of Assassin Gangs around the world. These gangs were divided in two by arch-rivals the Montagues of Saudi Arabia and the Capulets of Japan. An ancient grudge that they had forged since the the times of Ahkmenrah and deeper than magic embedded between the pages of Riverria. Funnily enough their names coincided with that of the rival families of Shakespeare's most famous love story Romeo and Juliet. Many people often joked that one day their children will fall in love. They never expected the fates to fulfill their words. Highest Ranking #288 in Historical Fiction

In which Wilhem Smith, a gay pre-law student is drugged and raped at a frat party but the only thing people are worried about is his sexuality.

Teen fiction + Paranormal An interracial romance novel. "Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody." - Mark Twain. All she had to do was move to another state to set darkness in motion. All she had to do was ask questions to rile up a certain cold, mysterious genius. All she had to do was step into danger to find answers she was looking for. Never play with fire, you might get burnt. Avoid ice, or your heart might permanently freeze into place. Stay away from darkness, it will only eat you alive. As for her, what did she do? She never listened. With fire, she walked right into ice and darkness. Her crazy adventure has just begun. "Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny." - Christopher Markus. WARNING: Contains swear words.

"If you are reading this story on any other platform other than Wattpad you are very likely to be at risk of a malware attack. If you wish to read this story in it's original, safe, form, please go to Wattpad @jtoughkat. Thank you." 'In war they were born, in war they would perish' a quote of the Eodasen How to save a medieval magical world? Take four techno savvy 23rd century Earth girls, put them on said world. Tell them to save you. They were orphans, banded together as sisters they were all the family they needed. Fate saw fit to separate them in a new world, a world full of new dangers. Prepared for any eventuality except what they faced they each have to find a new way to be. Powerful enemies holding untold power and expectations from people claiming to be friends. The only thing they can trust in is their bond, yet even that seems separated by time and space.