The Power Within

Written By: Robbie Hyne

Narrated By:

Sara Echeagaray, Anthony Keyvan & Michael Provost

Three souls -- forged, reborn and reclaimed. One fate -- entwined in darkness.

Collection Three: “Monster Mash”: Stories about Creatures, Chaos & the Supernatural

Episode #: Nine

Release Date: Wednesday, March 5th

Est. Runtime: » 29 Min

Standout Lines:

"You focus on that spider for a moment. Sovergn of her silken realm. Master of her craft. Elegant. Strong. Wise. Artistry and power woven so expertly together, you could forget she was the size of your fingertip. But then you know the power you hold there, too. At your fingertip."

"as you stir from this deepest unnatural slumber, you search your mind—what’s left of it— for pieces of who you were. To carry into who you are becoming."

"How long had he waited to claim his quarry? A night, at least. Or two. Or three. Stalking from the shadows. As if that were part of the game. Surely, the devil could take without knowing. And yet he followed. And studied. And learned. Perhaps that was of his taste for it. More than just taking a life. With it, all aspects of its existence."

From the Author:

When I was writing THE MONSTER WITHIN, I remember feeling so inspired by how the story came together, but also so curious… about other transformations. That’s what led me to this — THE POWER WITHIN — a continuation of that story, but focused on a witch, a zombie, and a vampire.

I knew their stories had to be connected in some way, but that felt secondary to me. First and foremost was diving into each transformation from human to monster, hoping to be as visceral as I could with what that may be like. Not just physically, but emotionally too. Like I did with Asher turning into a werewolf, I asked myself how each of these transformations might be similar and different, then how they may be connected to the very character that’s going through it. That’s how I came to Emily undertaking her journey to resurrect her best friend — then to Nico being reborn, but not of his own free will; nor really, any desire for it — then to Jayden, someone with so much fight and drive, being reclaimed by something strong and dark, outside of his control.

To be honest, I wanted it to feel a bit like poetry— where you could walk away thinking that yes, the story is dark and has a through-line, but it’s also beautiful and almost lyrical. I had the most amazing time putting it together, and I sincerely hope all of that comes through on and off the page.

And of course, none of it would be possible without Sara, Anthony & Michael. They each came in and brought their own flare to the story. Sara, approaching Emily with curiosity and joy. Anthony coming to Nico with this sense disturbed calm, and working through it. Michael, bringing Jayden to life with fire and passion. I truly cannot thank them enough. All of them, so endlessly talented and generous. I am forever grateful to share this with them.

— Robbie

The Creatives:

Sara Echeagaray Anthony Keyvan Michael Provost Robbie Hyne

@saraecheagaray @anthonykeyvan @michaelprovost @robbiehyne