“Is that the last?” Magnolia turned her neck to scan the cave’s tiny entrance, her body already spread protectively before the group of tiny faces behind her. Blocking out the harsh torches and hateful eyes that rattled and clamored outside. If only she could silence the sounds of war by standing there. “They’re all here,” […]

Shera & Armand Part 3 I took one step closer and the prince’s guard detached from the tent’s shadow, his knife warm against my throat despite the frigid air. I stared him in the face until recognition dawned like a lit torch. “Shera?” “Is he sleeping, Ji?” Ji shook his head. “My prince cannot sleep […]

Shera & Armand Part 2 We crouched behind the patch of desert scrub, the day’s residual heat swelling around us like steam. I grunted as Armand’s knee pressed my foot into the sand. “Get off.” He shuffled sideways without taking his gaze from the enormous figure rising between us and the sun. Its outstretched arms […]

Shera & Armand Part 1 I lifted my gaze from the glittering crystal knight between my fingers and found Armand’s jade-colored eyes studying my face. His black silk turban framed his face like clouds of night, casting shadows across the evening desert light pouring in behind him. The heat was finally fading and a breeze […]