Pandora's Ink Digital Magazine

Written by Vanessa Cheung from Hong Kong, China 190 BCE  Luyue, the Dew Month - Tenth Month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar  “Have you heard about that poor, poor darling?”  “Oh yes. Her father– that horribly zealous man, Chunyu Yi, the doctor who aspired all the way to devastation.” “His failure to save the life of a noblewoman led to his incarceration. What shall it be? Mutilation? Execution?”  “I wouldn’t linger on that. His daughter, though, the darling– Tinying. She makes

Written by Dolores Di from Texas, USA A bright light illuminated the boy's face.   “What is your name?” A soft female voice inquired.   “My name is Phoenix.”   “Is that your actual name?”   “My actual name is Tom, but I prefer Phoenix.”   In a poorly lit interrogation room, a young man, whose innocence had not yet faded away with the binding of his hands by handcuffs, calmly asked the police for a cigarette. He took the cigarette and lighter from the police and skilfully lit

Digital artwork by Surie Yang from China

Written by Alvin Su from Louisiana, USA The train rumbled under us, the clanking sounds of the wheels against the tracks making a steady cadence. I was sitting next to Dad, staring out the window at the blur of trees and fields. We were on our way to Grandma’s house—she’d been talking about baking me cookies and teaching me how to knit like she always had done when we visited. The thought of her soft hands and the smell of cinnamon rolls made me smile. But then my head starte

Written by Miranda Le from California, USA I. A Guide to Crafting Your Own World (For Intermediate Creators) Dear Intermediate Creators,  As you embark on your world-making journey, this guide will lead you through the most essential steps. Every supernatural being must learn to weave their own dimension, but only the most skilled will create one that endures. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you read this pamphlet with care.  I take pride in being among the most su

Written by from Liu Yiduo   In 4040 AD, the Gengchen year of the Chinese lunar calendar, the Flying Dragon soared in the heavens. Silicon-based alien warships tore through the atmosphere, unleashing biochemical capsules carrying corrosive agents—all intercepted by the "Dongfeng" Type 1 nanometer nuclear bombs. Yet acid rain continued to gnaw at our world. Once-crystal-blue oceans churned with murky foam; lush forests withered into charred wastelands. The blue planet that once

Written by Justin Tai from Texas, USA In 2070, five billionaires joined to create a corporation called Horizon. Their aim? To create and monopolize cutting-edge technology through whatever means necessary. Each of them held the title of Overseer, giving them absolute power within the hierarchy of the firm. Three years after its creation, Horizon would fund an experiment to create a new, stronger version of humans to support the efforts of war globally. Their work, kept top se

Written by Cynthia Li from China You were shooting hoops on the basketball court. I sat on the nearby grassland, watching you dribble the ball, then leap upward. Slowly, I shut my eyes, imagining myself standing on the Moon. I once thought about building a cabin in the moon crater, for it shields from wind and storm, feeling like the embrace of a loving mother. I took out my shovel and dug into the tough frozen surface, each piece shattering like brittle bones. Was the Moon f