Paper Lanterns

Kasia has ninety minutes to get her best friend across the Seventh District before sundown. But getting Sasha Barrett anywhere on time requires a full disinfectant kit, a countdown timer, and the patience of a saint. Kasia has all three, and she's going to need them.

It's the same every year. Kasia herds, Sasha charms, and somewhere in between, Kasia wonders if she's just the designated adult in Sasha's life — the one who shows up, cleans her up, and gets her where she needs to be — while everyone else gets the version of Sasha that lingers long after she's gone. Kasia's used to that. What she isn't used to is discovering that, beneath all the chaos, Sasha has been paying attention all along.

This is a short story about friendship and healing together. Phantom Vengeance: The Side Quests is a companion series to Phantom Vengeance. Standalone stories. Bigger gut-punch if you already know these idiots.

© 2026 S.T. Arsheep (Ebook): 9798235651906

Release date

Ebook: August 15, 2026