She shrugged. “They didn’t need to know about our deal.”
“Still,” he said. “Your discretion is appreciated. And speaking of our deal, your part is done. Say the word, and I’ll start making preparations to sneak you into Etherean. And sneak you back out, of course.”
Sephi sighed. “About that, I’m going to have to hold off on that for a while. I’ve got some business to take care of on this Realm first.”
His eyes widened. “It must be important. You’ve been trying to get into Etherean for as long as I’ve known you.”
She nodded. “It is, but heaven can wait.”
“Suit yourself,” he said. “I’m ready when you are. Until then, let your shadow grow long, Persephone Blue. May your enemies tremble at the mere mention of your name.”
“Thank you, Robert. And may your enemies also—you know what? Fuck it. I suck at goodbyes.”
He smiled as he walked away. “Then it’s a good thing we’ll see each other again.”
Robert turned a corner and disappeared. Sephi turned toward the burned building and walked down into the theater. Arabella was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs.
“What story do you have for us today?” she asked.
Sephi smiled. “Today, I have something extra special for you all.” She took her seat beside the stage, and her hands began to move.
“Let me tell you a story about Persephone Blue.”
Later that night, Sephi sat on her bed and stared at the wooden magpie in her hands.
The figurine had made it through the fire like she and her father. Though in truth, none of them had survived that inferno except the bird. The father she knew had died there, along with her mother and her entire world.
The horrible, twisted version of the man she’d once loved was still out there somewhere. Of that, she had no doubt.
Anger flared in Sephi’s chest, and the magpie burst into flames in her hands. She tossed it into a metal bowl and watched it burn. The Heretic blade at her hip seemed to throb in rhythm with her galloping heartbeat. For some reason, she found its presence comforting.
She thought about her father’s accusation. Maybe he had been right. Maybe Persephone was partially to blame for her mother’s death.
If so, she’d killed her mother on accident.
When she killed her father, it would be on purpose.
The End
Continue the Saga…
The Last Council Releases July 25th! Stay informed here!
Stay informed HERE!
Author Note
Dear Reader,
I’ve written a bunch of books, but this is the first one I’m publishing under my own name. After years of pen names and ghostwriting for other people, it’s exciting to have a book with my name on it. Scary, but exciting.
Ever since I read my first Stephen King book at a too young age, I wanted to be a writer. It took a lot more growing up, but I finally did it.
I had a good time writing this book, and I hope some of that joy comes through in the work.
As much as I love fantasy books, I never thought I’d write one, but when I got the opportunity to be a part of this project, I couldn’t say no.
I’ve never been good at starting conversations.
Bring up an interesting topic, and I’ll jump all in with both feet. But someone else has to get the ball rolling. When it came to the Seven Sons project, Laurie Starkey and Michael Anderle started the conversation.
Then they came up with a bunch of crazy ideas, they recruited a bunch of crazier writers, and they came out with a bunch of wild stories. But none of it would have happened if they hadn’t started the conversation for everyone.
So I thank them for that.
And I want to say thank you to my family for literally everything.
And I thank all of you for reading!
Eric
About Seven Sons
Seven Sons is Fantasy. Urban Fantasy. Paranormal. Romance. Adventure. Relationships. Trials. Death. Journey. Finding yourself. Stepping into your next Big Adventure. Join us. Now.
Website ~ Insider’s Group ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Instagram ~ Youtube
7 Son FB Fan Group
To learn more about BrixBaxter publishing, please visit www.brixbaxter.com.
About The Author
I was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. After working as an attorney for five years, I quit to chase my dreams of being a writer, and it was the best decision I ever made. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m usually out looking for some good Texas BBQ.
Facebook , Instagram
7 Son FB Fan Group
COPYRIGHT
The Lost Tower
Whispers of Darkness Book 1
Copyright © Eric Martinez 2019
First published in US as a paperback and ebook. This imprint by BrixBaxter Publishing & LMBPN Publishing 2019
Cover Designer: Moonchild Ljilia
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and plot are all either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons – living or dead – is purely coincidental.
The Lost Tower Page 24