The Beast-Jewel of Mars

"The Beast-Jewel of Mars" by V. E. Thiessen is a science fiction tale that plunges into the heart of Mars, where Eric North discovers more than he bargained for, arriving on the red planet with dreams of exploration, the lure of a beautiful Martian city quickly turns into a nightmare as he realizes it’s a trap that controls minds. Eric is caught up in prophecies foretelling his role in the city’s destruction and faces off against powerful beings that control the mysterious city, including his own brother who has been consumed by its illusions. As Eric uncovers the city's true nature—a machine powered by its inhabitants' will— he fights to break free from its hypnotic allure and determine his own fate, walking a dangerous path where choice and destiny collide.