Isla Berry

Just a budding author trying to make it in this cut-throat industry. My motto: Write drunk, edit sober.

Writings

Followers

Following

Isla Berry

Just a budding author trying to make it in this cut-throat industry. My motto: Write drunk, edit sober.

Writings

Followers

Following

Matched

Isla Berry

3 min read

I stare up at the screen and await my fate. I’m surrounded by hundreds of young people, we all sit shoulder to shoulder wondering if today is the day we’re Matched, or if we go back to our room alone once more.

If I wasn’t so sick of seeing the same four concrete walls, I’d mock the ladies desperately hoping to be chosen. Today I’m almost ready to see my name pop up on the screen next to some ran...

YA fiction

Happily Never After

Isla Berry

4 min read

I feel like I just stepped out of a dream. Equally the most incredible dream I’ve ever had, but also a nightmare I’ll be reliving forever.

The prince was nothing short of perfect. The way his eyes gleamed playfully, his shy smile, his gentle touch. And that body. I know young girls — as my step mother calls us — aren’t supposed to think like that. But how could I not when I could feel his undeni...

Fantasy

Not So Barren After All

Isla Berry

1 min read

The second line slowly starts fades into view.

No. No, no, no, no, no. No. This can't be happening.

"Does that mean it's positive?" Ben asks, tears in his eyes.

Happy tears, I might add. He's always wanted to be someone's dad. I, on the other hand, could not be more terrified. I wasn't supposed to be able to get pregnant. More than one doctor told me so. Promised me I wouldn't be able to.

Th...

Romance

Contraband

Isla Berry

1 min read

Jacob slides the bag across the table, the hooded figure opposite him peers inside. “Where the hell did you find this?”

Jacob grins sheepishly. “Around.”

The hooded man pulls out a bottle of bourbon whiskey. He pops the cork off and breathes in the sweet smell of honey and oak. “What did you trade.” Ihis voice laced with command.

“Does it matter?” Jacob says defensively. “It’s your birthday, ...

Action

Science fiction

The Promise

Isla Berry

1 min read

The thick black velvet caresses my body as it falls to the floor, covering every inch of my body yet exposing everything.

“You look beautiful.” My sister, Claire, says from behind me.

“I don’t think beautiful is the goal here. This is a funeral, after all.” I look back at the full length mirror. The black clashes with my light skin and makes my lifeless blonde hair look even more colorless tha...

Mystery

Drama

Family Fun

Isla Berry

1 min read

Another day, another hunt.

Most families in our post-apocalyptic bliss spend their evenings snuggled together in the comfort of their own bunker. Telling stories of what once was, cracking jokes in attempt to lighten the devastating mood, or maybe even being so lucky as to read a book that they came across during evacuation.

But not my little band of psychopaths. We take the Zs head on.

“Last ...

Horror

Science fiction

Forcibly Abandoned

Isla Berry

3 min read

When we were young, no more than seven and nine, my older sister and I made a pact. We’d promised each other we’d never leave the other one alone in this world. As I look down at my sister resting peacefully in her coffin, I can’t help but feel betrayed.

I couldn’t even tell you all that’s happened in the past five days. All I can tell you is that I’ve been numb. I’m devoid of all feeling, my hea...

Crime

Mystery

Hanging Behind Enemy Lines

Isla Berry

2 min read

It’s hard to be inconspicuous when you’re hanging upside down. Scouts are supposed to be sneaky, cunning, and quick. Clearly, I’m none of those.

This is the unfortunate predicament I now find myself in. Not just trapped in enemy territory, but hanging upside down thanks to one of the simplest booby traps of all time. I don’t know how the hell I missed it.

If I could only reach my foot to yank it...

Fantasy

The Face In The Pool

Isla Berry

2 min read

This night is the darkest yet, which I suppose is saying something considering it's been only three nights. But boy has it felt longer than that.

This garden isn't like anything I've every seen before. Its expansive plots span miles, making it all too easy to get lost. And I have gotten lost. Just like the other poor souls who enter this secret garden.

Even though the moon is hidden on this nigh...

Fantasy

Freedom

Isla Berry

1 min read

If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to get these girls out of here.

And it very well might be the last thing I do.

I’ve seen girl ls try to escape before. They never made it past the first fence. Could have something to do with the armed guards, or the pack of highly trained guard dogs.

“You’re all going to have to follow my lead, and do what I say.” I look around at the three terrified you...

Thriller

Crime