Note: These short stories are set in The Magical World of Zealandia, offering glimpses into its adventures and mysteries. While they can be enjoyed on their own, reading Zealandia: The Dreadstones Grasp will provide deeper context and enrich your experience!
The full moon’s light soaked the pre-dawn sky—far too early for any normal person to be up. But that didn’t bother Victoria.
She was on a mission.
Her dark hair swayed as she tiptoed down the stairs, bare feet silent on the chilly floor.
You see, last night had been bitterly cold. And if there was one thing about freezing nights—it was snow.
Just a light dusting, since it was still autumn.
It would melt the moment the sun warmed the ground.
But the sun wasn’t up yet.
She crept into the pantry and snuck out a metal bowl, then slipped through the back door.
Down the steps she went, into the garden,
where a fine layer of snow sparkled across the grass like crushed sugar.
Grinning from ear to ear, she scooped handfuls into the bowl until it was nearly full.
Then she snuck back into the kitchen and waited.
She watched the morning light slowly stretch through the kitchen window, and thought about the future ahead—bright and full of promise. She also thought about pranks.
Because she and Tom were in a prank war.
And today, she would get revenge. He’d filled her shoes with dough last week.
She shuddered at the memory— the biffed, sticky socks, the dry crunch her shoes still made from the dried-out mess.
Then—footsteps.
Still grinning, she moved to the door, bowl in hand. As it swung open, she lifted the bowl and tipped the icy snow.
A shriek burst out.
Too high-pitched.
Too low to the ground.
Definitely not Tom.
Victoria’s grin vanished.
She looked down…
Hazel stood there, snow dripping from her hair, her bear-brown eyes blazing.
Uh-oh.
Maybe Victoria shouldn’t be so hopeful about her future after all.