Carol for a New Dawn

A Midnight War Short Story

A bittersweet holiday tale set in a grimdark future, long after humans took to the stars.

The Solstice Festival celebrates the promise of the new dawn and held special significance for Marcus since he managed to claw his way out of poverty. However, his humble legacy haunts him in a world where social hierarchy is everything.

Instead of celebrating with his own family, Marcus agrees to visit his partner’s parents on their lavish estate. He is excited to continue building his future, but it isn’t long before he’s forced to contend with their prejudice and his own imposter syndrome.

Carol for a New Dawn is a short story set in the Midnight War universe, eight years before the events of Vermilion Flames.

©2025 Adam Fernandez (P)2026 Adam Fernandez

A great glimpse

Adam does a fantastic job of giving us a more intimate story within the series. He expands the lore of the world while making the details matter to the characters.