Halmasti – The Hell Hound of Chitral

Halmasti - a legendary hellhound from Chitrali folklore

In the mountainous regions of Chitral, Pakistan, tales abound of the Halmasti—a formidable, wolf-like creature the size of a horse, known for its fiery breath and ominous presence. This fearsome beast is believed to target newborns and haunt the deceased, making it a central figure in local folklore surrounding birth and death. Origin: Key Figures:

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The Efficacy of Azura

Azure, Blue, Flash Fiction, Short stories. Pakistani Fiction writer, Speculative fiction

A smile creeps across her face as she looks up at me—courtesy, after all, expected. “Aah, Azura? Like the color?” she inquires, lifting an eyebrow. I roll my eyes and nod. Sadly, yes. I reply to myself, fiddling with the wristband for reassurance. My mother gave me that name, hoping I’d embody the cool calm

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Ghul – Jinns of Desolate Places

Ghul - a monstrous shape-shifting Jinn from Arabian mythology

Ghul are monstrous Jinn who inhabit graveyards, ruins, and desolate places. Known for their cannibalistic nature, they lure travelers by shape-shifting into human forms — often women or children — only to attack and devour their victims. Origin: Key Figures: Mother of Ghouls: In some stories, a matriarchal figure leads other Ghul in hunting and

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Al Basti – The Nightmare Demon

Al Basti - a terrifying female spirit from Middle Eastern folklore

Al Basti is a terrifying female spirit or demon in Middle Eastern and Turkish folklore, often associated with sleep paralysis and nightmares. She is believed to be a vengeful entity, punishing those who have wronged women or violated moral codes. Origin: Key Figures: Al Basti herself is depicted as a pale or blood-red woman with

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A Love Affair with Self

My Lips. Excuse me, stay calm. There is no spice in what is about to unfold. The very first memory of my lips started with rejection. I was disappointed with how full they were. A frown would creep up whenever I saw their mirror reflection. I was barely 7 or 8 years old and felt

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Writing is a Fever Dream

Why do you write?  To record moments in life, tell a tale, or let lose some stray thoughts. What is that final thrust that spills, letting all of it flow, giving release and satisfaction? There are moments when your mind is as blank as the surface you are embedding on. The initial push is the

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Intimacy is Dead

Intimacy is dead. I am not talking about sex. People always confuse intimacy with sex when it is much more than that. The warmth and comfort we feel when we are with the people that matter, the physical contact of holding hands, a wholesome hug, or even a meaningful conversation, these intimate moments define us

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