The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods: A Gaslamp Fantasy Short Story (Anna Strange and Black Thorn)

Anna Strange has spent years chasing things that go bump in the night. She catches them, banishes them, and makes sure they stay gone. Armed with a quick wit, a few scrappy spells, and her sarcastic raven familiar, Thorn, she’s kept the worst of the supernatural world at bay for years.

When she’s hired to investigate a derelict cottage in the English countryside, Anna expects a routine haunting: odd lights, eerie noises, maybe a ghost or two. Instead, she uncovers something far more dangerous.

Now, Anna must rely on instinct, grit, and a bit of reckless spellwork to teach an ancient and terrifying spirit the meaning of boundaries.

This short story kicks off a new series with a blend of folklore, danger, and dry humor. Think cozy fantasy, but with teeth.