Crown of Lore (Betrayal of Magic Book 1)

by Jenetta Penner

  Tears stream down my face as I stare in shock at Fairden’s unmoving body. Asher might be dead, too. The pain gripping my heart is unbearable. I want to curl up in a ball and die with him, my love.

  I should just give up.

  I’m done.

  I open my mouth to say so, but an army of men, led by Ravenoak, pours from the street to our side. Magic bursts from the horde, aimed straight at Thea and her men.

  “For the Queendom of Lore!” the Guards bellow.

  Several more of the Royal Guard reveal themselves as Maxia’s and fight back. Red and blue magic explodes, the streets bleeding purple.

  Time seems to slow as Thea stretches her hand to me, but her bodyguards grab her and tug her away. I gape in shock as Tristan and a few of my Guards follow in pursuit.

  Someone seizes me from behind. I twist and begin to fight back. My body cools when I discover Ravenoak. Then, to my surprise, he places protective arms around me.

  “I’m so sorry, My Queen,” he pleads. “I was blinded and couldn’t see what was right in front of my eyes. Please forgive me.”

  The Captain pulls me away, and I catch sight of Asher. My pulse shudders as the memory of his body hitting the building flashes in my mind.

  “Help him!” I scream in renewed terror.

  Ravenoak waves what’s left of his men to Asher’s still body.

  I burst into heaving sobs as they lift his limp frame from the ground. I want to touch his face. To hold him and apologize. To kiss his lips and taste his love for me once more. Agony lashes at what remains of my heart as I struggle to free myself from Ravenoak’s firm grasp.

  “I cannot allow you to go to him,” he says. “We will take him into our care.”

  “Mama,” I choke out on a whisper.

  “Yes, we will find her, too,” Ravenoak soothes.

  My marking burns and my head spins. The world darkens as Queen Isolde’s raspy voice enters my mind.

  “Our time will come, my dear. But preserving the Queendom comes first.”

  End of Book One

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  More Books From David R. Bernstein & Jenetta Penner

  Configured by Jenetta Penner

  Influence by David R. Bernstein

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  Acknowledgements:

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  Credits:

  Chase Night – Editor

  Jesikah Sundin - Editor

  Jack Llartin – Editor

  Trisste-stock.deviantArt.com – Hair on cover