by K.N. Lee
Why didn’t she it hurt so badly?
Evan touched her shoulder.
“You did it,” he said, softly.
Yara opened her eyes, hot tears streaming down her face as she fought to catch her breath.
The city was still intact. Every skyscraper and light glittered below, as if nothing had happened.
Did the world of Allarya even realize that she had saved them from complete destruction? Yara had thought that she was sent to the future for freedom, when in reality she was sent to save the world. The cost had claimed a piece of her heart as she forced the grief of losing such a kind soul to this war.
As a wind swept through the roof of the palace, Yara fell to her knees.
Evan knelt down with her, and collected her in his arms.
“I’m proud of you,” he said to her, softly.
Yara sobbed into his chest.
“Thank you.”
Applause came from below, making Yara open her eyes in confusion. Evan pulled her to her feet and together, they approached the ledge.
Looking down, Yara’s brows lifted as she saw hordes of people looking up at her, relief and smiles of joy on their faces.
“Thank you!”
“Long live the queen! Long live the queen!”
Yara gasped. They were talking about her.
Queen?
She couldn’t be their queen. She didn’t want that amount of responsibility.
“Tell them to stop,” Yara said to him. “I can’t. I need to go home, to Asher.”
Prince Evan wrapped his arm around her waist. “You can walk away from this. Or, you can lead these people to a new way of life, a just one. I trust you will make the right decision.”
His words gave her chills.
“What will it be?”
That nagging fear still hid in the corner of her heart, but something else emerged. It was more than a sense of duty. Asher was gone, and there was no returning to the old world. This is where she belonged.
She realized that finally…she had a choice.
Yara nodded, wiping the tears from her face as a ghost of a smile came to her lips. She turned to Evan and kissed him full on the lips. He gave her a surprised smile, and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.
“Yes,” she said.
She chose to lead her people. She chose a new life, one where she could make up the rules.
THE END
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Skeleton Key novella!
All reviews are appreciated.
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RISE OF THE FLAME, my epic-fantasy is available here.
Six races. Four realms. One devastating war.
The survival of the universe rests on the shoulders of one human girl, but can Lilae escape slavery in time to save humanity?
* * *
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About the Author
K.N. Lee is an award-winning author who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she is not writing twisted tales, fantasy novels, and dark poetry, she does a great deal of traveling and promotes other authors. Wannabe rock star, foreign language enthusiast, and anime geek, K.N. Lee also enjoys helping others reach their writing and publishing goals. She is a winner of the Elevate Lifestyle Top 30 Under 30 "Future Leaders of Charlotte" award for her success as a writer, business owner, and for community service.
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Titles by K.N. Lee
The Chronicles of Koa Series:
Netherworld
Dark Prophet
Lyrinian Blade
The Eura Chronicles:
Rise of the Flame
Night of the Storm
Dawn of the Forgotten (Coming Soon)
The Darkest Day (Coming Soon)
THE GRAND ELITE CASTER TRILOGY:
Silenced
Summoned (Coming Soon)
Awakened (Coming Soon)
THE FALLEN GODS TRILOGY:
Goddess of War
God of Peace (Coming Soon)
Love & Law (Coming Soon)
STANDALONE NOVELLAS:
The Scarlett Legacy
Liquid Lust
Spell Slinger
MORE GREAT READS FROM K.N. LEE
Netherworld (Urban Paranormal Fantasy) Demons, ghouls, vampires, and Syths? The Netherworld Division are an organization of angels and humans who are there to keep the escaped creatures from The Netherworld in check in this action-packed paranormal thriller.
Introducing Koa Ryeo-won, a half-blood vampire with an enchanted sword, a membership to the most elite vampire castle in Europe, and the gift of flight. If only she could manage to reclaim the lost memories of her years in The Netherworld, she might finally be able to move forward.
The Scarlett Legacy (Young Adult Fantasy) Wizards. Shifters. Sexy mobsters with magic.
Evie Scarlett is a young wizard who yearns from an escape from her family's bitter rivalry with another crime family. But this time, she may be the only one who can save them.
Goddess of War (Young Adult Fantasy) Unsuspecting humans. Fallen gods in disguise. A battle for the entire universe.
After escaping the Vault, a prison for gods, twin siblings Preeti and Vineet make a desperate journey to the human world where they must impersonate the race they are meant to rule and protect.
Silenced (New Adult – Paranormal Romance) Silence kept her alive. Magic will set her free.
Willa Avery created the serum that changed the world as humans, witches, and vampires knew it.
Liquid Lust (New Adult Romance) Sohana needed a fresh start.
Arthur--a British billionaire has an enticing offer.
Neither expected their arrangement to spark something more.
Discover more books and learn more about K.N. Lee on knlee.com.