Short Fiction by N. A. Walters

A Peculiar Invention

What is beauty worth?

Humans long for beauty—we seek it, relish it, create it. But in a world where practicality and efficiency is increasingly lauded, is beauty worth defending?

Arina loves her inventions. But even more than that, she loves making them beautiful. Fettered in a society that outlaws art, Arina refuses to limit her creations to the merely practical.

This short story has a steam-punk feel and a smattering of science! You can read the full story here: https://pearlmag.co/a-peculiar-invention

The Linguisant’s Script

For a Savant spy like Cat, escaping enemy strongholds is routine, especially with her partner Seth at her side. But after he betrays her secret to their boss, being trapped with him in a castle is more curse than blessing. As their true enemy closes in, will they find a way to work together, or will stubborn pride rule until it’s too late?