Five dark fantasy and horror stories, all written in 2011 and 2012. Under Glass: horror (mirrors); Warmth in Winter: fantasy (ghosts, spies, soldiers); Sans Merci: fantasy (coffee, betrayal); Over the River: fantasy/paranormal (Halloween); Boon: Horror (zombies, apocalypse, Thumbelina). Cover image: "Window," by Lucrecia Beatrice (www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=24701)Five Stories for the Dark Months contains five dark fantasy and horror stories by Katherine Traylor, all written in 2011 and 2012. 1. Under Glass: A girl discovers the danger of being rude to a mirror.2. Warmth in Winter: A young border guard and a foreign spy must avoid pursuit while traveling through a forest full of hungry ghosts.3. Sans Merci: During a stolen coffee break, a young father meets a beautiful stranger who is much more than she seems.4. Over the River: A young woman wanders to the riverbank on Halloween and is invited to a strange party. 5. Boon: A very dark Thumbelina retelling, inspired by zombies and Norse mythology.

Belle was once lady-in-waiting to the Queen — the only woman she ever loved. When their one night together ended in scandal, Belle was sent home in shame, knowing her chance at love was lost forever. Now she can only watch from afar as the woman she loves goes through life like a planet circling a different star.Hope returns with a mysterious note in the Queen's own handwriting, inviting Belle to try once more to win her lady's heart. With enough luck, and enough courage, she may have the chance for a happily-ever-after most people could never dream of.But the palace is full of enemies, and with the Queen's heart still unknown, is Belle heading for victory ... or disgrace?