Something Wicked: A Dark Oz Retelling

They say I'm living a lie.

That I don't belong here.

And I'm starting to believe them.

Abandoned as a child, I learned quickly to fight for everything I wanted. And the thing I want more than anything else is to pass my thesis and run far away from this life I've built here. On the morning of my dissertation, I run late and rush to make it on time. But in my haste, I trip and hit my head on a curb, almost dying in the process.

It opens my eyes to a whole new world, a magical world where maybe I can belong for once. Winged men who claim to be my mates, purple guards, and enchanted forests. I feel like I can breathe for once in my life.

And then the paramedics bring me back.

Now, every day is a battle to find my way back to the other parts of my soul. Evil seeps into this fake world, looking to harm me and keep me hostage. It doesn't want me finding my way home.

But I've never been a damsel-in-distress, and I'm not going to start now.

My name is Emerald, and this time, it's up to me to save myself.