A story about a place that neither exists in maps or history books, this place was called Athame.

•••

"The root of every fear is the unknown, yet how can one fear what they cannot grasp? Tch... how misleading." His voice, deep and rough, sent an involuntary shiver through her as he closed the distance between them with deliberate steps, his presence suffocating in its intensity.

With a slow, predatory grace, his fingers brushed along her jaw, settling on a strand of her scarlet hair, his touch deceptively tender. "Knowing me will matter little," he whispered darkly, his breath warm against her skin. "For even in the shadows of uncertainty, you will come to fear... and desire me all the same."

•••

Aricia, born with extraordinary abilities in a world that fears anything out of the ordinary, was destined for a marriage alliance to secure peace between kingdoms. 

But on the day of her engagement, her entire family is slaughtered—by the very family she was meant to marry into. 

Grief-stricken and consumed by vengeance, Aricia swore to destroy those who betrayed her. She would wield the very power they had feared against them, seeking justice with no mercy. After years on the run, she found shelter within an elemental clan, hiding her abilities and keeping to the shadows.

But her carefully constructed peace shattered in a single moment. A burning touch, a chance encounter with his haunting gray eyes—an unknown force within her stirred, threatening to unravel her carefully guarded secrets and the fragile balance of magic, madness, and vengeance she had built....

Vengeance Through Passion

The flickering torches outside the grand palace of Xylaris threw warm glows across the scarlet stones of the walls, making the palace appear alive, as if the stones themselves pulsed with the heart of fire. The night air, dense and sweet with the faintest hint of smoke, drifted through the shadows. Inside, three noblewomen reclined in a lush parlor. The room was lavish but reserved in decor, much like its occupants. Exquisite tapestries with scarlet and gold threads depicting fierce battles and legendary creatures adorned the walls, lending an air of heritage and mystique to the space. 


A soft but unmistakable sound echoed through the hallways. 


Lady Livia, elegant and sharp-eyed, arched an eyebrow as she tossed herself onto the plush couch beside Lady Nyphera, her long robes flowing gracefully around her. She balanced a plate of roasted nuts in her hand, her fingers wrapped around each nut with dainty precision. 


Chapter 32| Unwanted Guest