<p>New Orleans has always had its share of darkness. Tarantulena and her cat, Bright Eyes, have seen it all. When poison starts felling the city's finest families, the witch sets her trap - and something older and more evil takes notice.</p><p>Vote (for free) for your favorite Season 1 story here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/157737523">https://www.patreon.com/posts/157737523</a> and drop us a line at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Bright Eyes and the Lantern Path is by M. D. Smith IV</strong></p><p>M.D. Smith IV of Huntsville, Alabama, writer of over 350 flash stories, has published digitally in Spillwords, Flash Fiction Magazine, Flash Phantoms, and many more. Retired from running a television station, he lives with his wife of 64 years and three cats.</p><p>Find more of his work at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mdsmithiv.com/">https://mdsmithiv.com/</a></p><p>If you loved this story and want to read another Bright Eyes story, check out:</p><p>"They Don’t Walk Alone" here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://literallystories2014.com/2026/03/29/sunday-whatever-they-dont-walk-alone-by-m-d-smith-iv/">https://literallystories2014.com/2026/03/29/sunday-whatever-they-dont-walk-alone-by-m-d-smith-iv/</a></p><p></p><p>Special thanks to our Biosphere Patreon supporter Shanella!</p>