The First Stain: An Inked in Gray Anthology

13 creepy stories . . .

There is often a moment when we discover the world is nothing like the fairy tales we grew up with. It’s grittier, darker, more complex. Perception isn’t always reality. Sometimes there’s another layer, another angle that demands acknowledgement. Each tale within The First Stain peels back those preconceived layers to expose the cracks in our not-so-perfect world.

The First Stain showcases stories with a twist—from haunted visions to heartbreaking omens; vigilante justice to survival amidst metaphysical hellscapes. Enter a fantastical world where karma is Law—merciless and unforgiving. Discover the addiction of memory, and the regrets secreted therein. Within The First Stain, fears become nightmares. Nightmares become reality, and sometimes, the worst that could happen, comes to pass.

These thirteen short stories by new and published authors delve into the themes of death, justice, family, redemption, and ugly truths bound in beautiful lies.

13 STORIES

1. Krov by Samuel Hale

2. Ritual by Ernest Solar

3. The Chain by Samuel Hale

4. Just Deserts by Ulff Lehmann

5. For the Guild by J.A. Mette

6. The Offering by C.L. Thomas

7. Beyond the Distortion by K.N. Nguyen

8. Burden of Sight by Dakota Rayne

9. The Aristocrat, the Arsonist by N.K. MitzenMächer

10. Smells of Desperation by Cristina Romero

11. Sirens by Mileva Anastasiadou

12. Little Grays by Shea Ballard

13. Desperation by Clarence Carter