Welcome to the Bloody Valentine’s Day issue of Tales from the Moonlit Path! Here, love does not arrive gently, it arrives like an all-consuming ROAR. Here, hearts beat out of synch behind locked doors, memories absolutely refuse to fade, and the past lingers like sickly-sweet perfume. These stories explore the hidden corners of affection, we know you’ve been to these places before. Where longing becomes dangerous, where beauty conceals fetid decay, and where what we cherish most can become what haunts our bones.
Whether you like it or not – love comes with the terrifying realization that some bonds just can’t be broken. Are you here for secrets? For shadows? For the thrill of the deliciously forbidden? Whatever is written on your candy heart this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got exactly what you’ve been desiring. So, sit back, turn the lights down low, and stay as long as you like. Our tales are patient, enduring, and are more than happy to pull their claws into your vulnerable heart.
***
We are currently open to fiction submissions for our Demented Mother’s Day issue (as always, both on-theme and off-theme fiction will be considered, deadline 4/25/26), as well as our Summer-themed Contest (because, let’s face it, we’re ready!). Check out the guidelines for our Something in the Water contest. Deadline is 6/25/26. We look forward to dipping our toes into your tepid, murky depths.
***
Get out your green! Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day, but do you know the positively swampy side of the (usually) libation-filled holiday? Check out Paul Lonardo’s The Dark Green Side of Saint Patrick’s Day, and do yourself a favor, steer clear of leprechauns.
***
Need to “kill” a couple hours with your significant other this Valentine’s weekend? Check out Paul Lonardo’s Top Romance Horror Flicks of 2025, maybe you’ll get a little “leg.” Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
***
And, with this issue we bid a fond adieu to our favorite Poetry Editor, Terrie Leigh Relf, ours in love and horror – always. She has been a faithful member of our Tales family since the beginning – from 2005-2010, and then when we rose from the ashes in 2018. We will miss her, and we wish her all of the best in the future!
With that being said, we will not be publishing poetry until we can secure a new poetry editor. If you are interested, please email us at contact@talesmoonlitpath.com. We thank all of our poets past, present, and future!
We are now OPEN to story submissions for out Demented Mother’s Day issue.
Welcome to the Bloody Valentine’s Day issue of Tales from the Moonlit Path! Here, love does not arrive gently, it arrives like an all-consuming ROAR. Here, hearts beat out of synch behind locked doors, memories absolutely refuse to fade, and the past lingers like sickly-sweet perfume. These stories explore the hidden corners of affection, we know you’ve been to these places before. Where longing becomes dangerous, where beauty conceals fetid decay, and where what we cherish most can become what haunts our bones.
Whether you like it or not – love comes with the terrifying realization that some bonds just can’t be broken. Are you here for secrets? For shadows? For the thrill of the deliciously forbidden? Whatever is written on your candy heart this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got exactly what you’ve been desiring. So, sit back, turn the lights down low, and stay as long as you like. Our tales are patient, enduring, and are more than happy to pull their claws into your vulnerable heart. 
