Daniel Rains

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Sep, 2021

Stories (4)

4 Stories

97 karma pts

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“Eyes on the Rearview Mirror” by Daniel Rains

Submitted to Contest #164

The engine of my corvette purrs as I zip past the sign welcoming me to Lakeview—population 1932. There wasn’t a lake in the entire town or any body of water larger than a stream. The rationale for naming the desolate town died off dozens of years ago, about the time the coal veins stopped producing the black lifeblood of the area.   I glance at my silent passenger. Her blank expression hasn’t changed since we started this trip. She peers forward like she’s concentrating on a bug splattered on the windshield while her crossed arms rest ...

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“Feeling for the First Time” by Daniel Rains

Submitted to Contest #163

[CW: attempted suicide and violence] My journey wasn’t always honorable. Long ago, I used my abilities for personal gain and caused pain instead of hope. After spreading suffering for decades, I finally realized helping others produced extended happiness rather than the short-term pleasure of instant gratification. I peered at the small glass vial. The bright blue liquid glistened in the afternoon sun, reflecting its light into the face of the man across from me as I spun it. His sunken features, scab-covered skin, and pul...

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“Frank's Third Gift” by Daniel Rains

Submitted to Contest #162

CW: Violence, descriptions of murder scenes, adult situation (suggested not described), suicide. I plop into my chair behind a plate of Belgian waffles flooded with whipped cream and strawberry. After taking in the sweet aromas, I glance up at the beautiful blond on the other side of the room. Fifteen years of marriage brought the same number of special birthday breakfasts. Like every year, her smile suggests she enjoys giving this gift as much as I enjoy receiving it. Despite my extra-marital activities, I still treasure her more than ...

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“The Heart of Demiurge” by Daniel Rains

Submitted to Contest #112

I sat up in my bed, jolted by the sounds of the alarm. The constant ringing echoed in my room, and my stomach turned. I have only heard this alarm during drills, and they were always announced ahead of time. That has been the policy before I was old enough to participate, ever since the Brigand stepped up their attempts twenty years ago. Declan ran into my room before I could get fully dressed. His breath labored as if he had just finished running a race. He looked at me with wide eyes, the rest of his face blank. "Come on, kid." He starte...

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Author bio

I have been writing for years and posted my first story to a contest back in September of 2021, which made me realize my writing needed a lot of work. I joined some critique groups and took a year off while I learned the fundamentals and improved my style. I'm going to try posting again. Hopefully, you like my new work. I dabble in Sci-Fi, Thrillers, Dystopian, and Fantasy. My writing is often plot centered, but I'm starting to work on building memorable characters.