Alessandra — Lizzy Ford

Short story (7,000 words.)

Five-year-old Alessandra is obsessed with Disney movies, tea parties and just wants a real birthday party for once in her life. But normal kids don't bring their toys to life for afternoon tea or see the colorful threads of magic and energy clinging to everything around them.

Normal kids don't know that gargoyles feel pain, either, or invite one to live in their closet.

On her sixth birthday, Alessandra begins to learn the truth. She's special, and the men in the black van are coming for her.