morticia_raven

---



Born as the fourth daughter of the reigning monarchs, Princess Anya of Westmere has always lived in the shadow of her elder siblings, particularly the brilliant and commanding Celia, second in line to the throne. With no real claim to power, Anya’s life seems destined for quiet insignificance—until a cryptic message disrupts a royal banquet, thrusting her into the center of a conspiracy that could unravel her family’s rule.

As whispers of betrayal echo through the palace halls and dark secrets threaten the fragile peace of the kingdom, Anya discovers that the crown she once thought untouchable hides a dangerous legacy. Guided by her cousin Leila—her closest ally despite the court’s disapproval—Anya embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering truths about her family, her kingdom, and herself.

But Anya’s world shifts further when she meets Kaito, a mysterious traveler from distant shores. With his sharp intellect and enigmatic presence, Kaito offers both friendship and a love that challenges Anya’s guarded heart. Yet his origins hide a secret tied to the mystical forces shaping the kingdom’s fate, pulling Anya deeper into a conflict that spans beyond her world.

In a land where loyalty is fleeting and power comes at a cost, Anya must confront her sisters’ ambitions, question her parents’ rule, and make choices that could change the course of the kingdom forever. As danger closes in, she learns that sometimes, the most forgotten of princesses holds the power to reshape destiny.


-

SHADOWS OF THE CROWN

The Shadowstone was always cold when Anya touched it, but tonight, it was warm. Almost alive. She ran her fingers over the jagged edges, feeling the faint pulse beneath her fingertips.

Her mother's words echoed in her mind. Loyalty… but to whom? To the crown? To her sisters? To Leila? Or to the shadows, which whispered their own truths in the silence of her chambers?

She felt different. More aware of the power humming in her blood. The stone had chosen her—or had she chosen it?

The heavy knock at her door made her snap back to reality.

Anya hesitated before answering, "Come in."

Leila entered, her expression tense. "The council is restless. The nobles are growing suspicious. We need to act before they move against us."

Anya stared at her cousin, the flickering candlelight casting strange shadows across Leila's face. A dangerous thought crept into her mind. How much does she really know? How much does she really want to help?

Leila took a step closer. "Anya, are you listening?"

But even as she spoke, doubt coiled around her heart.

At breakfast the next morning, Margaret sat across from Anya, watching her too closely.

"You've been distracted lately," Margaret said, cutting into a piece of fruit.

Margaret raised an eyebrow. "And does this 'lot' include telling me why you're spending so much time alone? Or why the maids have started whispering about strange shadows moving in your room?"

Anya gripped her spoon tightly. "People will always talk."

Margaret sighed, setting her utensils down. "Anya, we need to trust each other. Whatever you're dealing with, we can face it together."

Anya wanted to believe that. But the visions the stone had shown her—their backs turned, their voices filled with anger—made her hesitate.

Margaret studied her for a moment before shaking her head. "I hope you remember who you are before it's too late."

Because the truth was, she wasn't sure who she was anymore

The Slow Corruption