I’m so happy to share the May monthly story with the world. Which considering what is revealed in it might be a worry. This is a horror short. I don’t usually do horror, so this was quiet fun, even though it got quite brutal. The prompt for this was ‘Allure’, which initially didn’t seem like a horror word, but I quickly got an idea for a twist on the theme that seadily grew more and more horrific.

This story is pretty blatantly being influenced by the escalating war between Iran and the USA. I knew going in that that would be a big shadow hanging over the characters in this story, but I also quickly realised that my feelings about religious fanaticism and blind faith would also be working their way into the story.

Of course, I should really not be sharing this story. You’ll see why after you finish reading it.

2026 Monthly Story Challenge #5

Allure (Wordcount 6763)

By Jayde Holmes

cw: Domestic Violence, violence towards women and LGBT+ characters, suicide, animal neglect (but the animal gets better)

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Warning! This account is an information hazard! The revelations contained within will cause psychological changes in the human mind that may endanger the reader. I initially wanted to bury all this information, but I soon realised that would be futile. If humanity survives the current crises: if anyone at all is alive this time next month, then Allure will be re-discovered. I must leave a warning. Consider carefully if you wish to continue reading.

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Aisha Mandle was a physics professor by occupation, who spent her free time pouring over NASA’s TESS data looking for exoplanets. Her wife, Audrey Daily, was a chemistry professor with a polite interest with Aisha’s hobby, who did fundraising for a charity that restores Bilby habitat. They owned a modest house in the outer suburbs that was pushing their budget, and a ragdoll cat named Plushie, who was as lovable as his name suggested.

I am told Aisha made her discovery on a lazy Saturday afternoon in the couple’s cramped gaming room. Plushie was sprawled out on Aisha’s lap as she sorted through the TESS spectral data, whilst Audrey was stationed on the opposite desk playing Helldivers. Aisha detected a small exoplanet around a star that I of course will not identify just as Audrey started a match. By the time Audrey had finished the mission and could come look, Aisha had become enchanted by her discovery.

Click here to read the whole story.

My prompt for next month’s story is “Collective”, and that can go in a number of different directions. I’m pretty pumped to get to it though. Story number six already. Where has the year gone?

– Jayde