Author Bio:
Ava Altair grew up reading fantasy and science fiction novels. She graduated from Florida Tech with a BS in Science Education – Physics and a minor in Computational Mathematics. She taught as an AP Physics teacher for five years in Florida. She now lives in Oregon, teaching horseback riding lessons and managing the stables.

Kira Hatfield, the unluckiest woman in the world, is about to get dropped into the realm of the strange and weird. While running from her fear of the dark, Kira literally trips over her best friend’s murder, except it’s not a person, it’s the darkness itself. Kira battles between what she saw and her perception of reality. Slowly, the world around her starts to change pulling her deeper into this unseen world. She finds out she has two guardians that have saved her life many times, one a demon and one an angel. Tensions rise as her guardians fight over her, but everything is not as it seems. Together they help her realize her true nature while she finds a way to save her best friend.

Darkness

Cherry brought me a White Russian, and I took it upstairs to the lair of curtains. I sat in the armchair overlooking the dancefloor, which was full of tables with chairs. The atmosphere was relaxed and the lights were still on.


I sat sipping the drink when my first clients came in. They kneeled in front of me with their heads bowed.


I sighed. "Can you please sit in the chairs?"


The first one lifted her head. I realized it was Priscilla and the other two were Taryn and Halley.


"Beloved, we've come to pledge our allegiance to you."


"Okay. I appreciate that, but seriously, please sit in the chairs. It's easier for me to talk to you if I can make eye contact with you. Also, I think you'd be more comfortable."


Priscilla hesitated then slowly climbed to her feet. "Alright, Beloved. If it makes you feel better."


When all three moved into chairs, I put my elbow on the armrest then rested my chin on my hand. "So, how is the orc community?"


Chapter 115: Pillaging