Synopsis/Blurb: In the kingdom of Elthara, magic runs through the bloodlines of its royal family, each member bound to an ancient prophecy. Princess Lyanna, heir to the throne, is burdened with the weight of her kingdom's future. But the weight of her duty becomes even heavier when she meets Kalen, the enigmatic captain of the royal guard, whose secret lineage is tied to the kingdom's oldest enemy. Bound by duty and a destiny neither can escape, Lyanna and Kalen's initial animosity slowly transforms into an undeniable, forbidden attraction. As the kingdom faces a growing threat from the shadows, Lyanna must decide: can she trust the man she is falling for, or is he a pawn in a game of betrayal? With dark magic, long-buried family secrets, and political scheming threatening everything she holds dear, Lyanna must choose between love and duty-and risk everything for a chance at happiness.
Chapter 1 Shadows at the altar
The great hall of Elthara's palace was alive with celebration. A sea of nobles glittered in their finest silks and jewels, their laughter echoing off the golden walls. At the center of it all stood Princess Lyanna, a vision of regality in her ceremonial gown, her crown shimmering under the chandelier's light. Today, she was to ascend to the throne-a day of destiny, written in prophecy and sealed in blood.
But beneath the grandeur, Lyanna's heart was heavy.
She gripped the armrests of the throne, her breath unsteady. Around her, the High Priest's chants grew louder, weaving the ancient blessing that would bind her soul to the kingdom. The sacred pendant, a talisman of the royal bloodline, dangled before her as the final rite began. Yet, the sense of unease she'd felt all morning only deepened.
And then, she saw him.
A shadow among the crowd. A man cloaked in black, his face half-concealed by the hood of a royal guard. His eyes locked on hers-an icy blue, filled with intent. For a fleeting moment, she swore she recognized him, though they'd never met.
The crowd's applause drowned out her thoughts as the High Priest raised his arms to anoint her, the pendant glowing faintly in his grasp. But Lyanna's focus remained on the stranger. He moved closer, weaving through the crowd with a predator's grace.
Her instincts screamed at her to act, but before she could, the doors to the hall exploded inward with a thunderous crash.
A wave of masked intruders poured in, swords drawn, their cries of rebellion shattering the celebratory air. Chaos erupted.
Lyanna stumbled back, the sacred pendant tumbling to the floor as the High Priest fell with a cry. In an instant, the stranger in black was at her side, his sword flashing in the torchlight as he cut down an attacker before they could reach her.
"Stay down!" he commanded, his voice a low growl.
Lyanna's pulse raced as she crouched behind the throne. Who was this man? An ally or an enemy? His presence unsettled her as much as the chaos around her.
"You'll have to trust me," he said, pulling her to her feet just as another rebel charged toward them. "If you want to live."
Trust? Lyanna barely knew him. But as the throne room descended into bloodshed and fire, she had no choice.
Gripping his hand, she ran with him into the shadows-leaving behind her crown, her destiny, and the certainty of who she could trust.
Chapter 1 Shadows at the altar
25/01/2025