She unfolded the paper, resenting how her hands trembled. Finally, she set it on the bed so she could read it. Dearest Carissa, There’s a water mill at the edge of the town. Should you wish to meet me, I’ll remain there until dawn. Ever Yours, Elon She forced her lungs to expand, reminding herself…
First of all, all credit goes to Kiff Shaik for working so hard to get me these gorgeous designs. She’s absolutely amazing, and I adore the covers she designed. Draft 1: January, 2019 Kiff incorporated the diadem into the cover design (the compass rose symbol you see on the circlet in the final cover), since…
“Oh, lands! Look at the dirt beneath her fingers.” “And those gashes must be infected. See how black they are?” “Ladies, ladies, give her some room! She’s coming to.” Something cold touched Carissa’s cheek, and she startled. She peeled her eyelids back, and immediately regretted it as the glare from the evening sun stung her…
Two Days Later How she was still alive was beyond her. Carissa knew from her time in Zonah that the human body could be incredibly resilient, living on even when one was perpetually in pain. Each step was a miracle given how she could barely keep upright. She even doubted she’d have enough energy to…
The Next Night If it were possible, Carissa was even more tired this night than she had been the last. And Elon’s ominous warning had made her freeze every time a breeze raked through the forest, making leaves crinkle and branches clatter. She had tried to take some of the supplies from the previous camp,…
She was so exhausted she was ready to fall onto the ground and cry. She had been walking all day, and she hadn’t seen a single sign of Elon. Didn’t he want her to find him? He had claimed he’d always love her. But maybe she had blown it. She’d told him to leave, after…
When Carissa staggered for the fifth time, she decided to call it a night. Even though nightfall wasn’t yet upon her. Carissa collapsed to the ground, leaning against her thick backpack as she caught her breath. She’d forgotten how debilitating it was to be constantly injured. She’d become so used to Elon’s healing. Carissa drew…
Her pang of surprise was quickly doused. It seemed he had taken her request to leave seriously. Perhaps that was for the best. She doubted he’d approve of her quest to hunt that man down anyway. When her knees finally buckled, she barely managed to fling her arms out in front of her and catch…
Fire crackled in the silence as Elon denied her a response, denied her answers. She finally glanced at him and found his gaze already on her. His eyes were dark with pain. Yet how could he truly be sincere? He obviously didn’t regret his actions. Given that he had foresight, he couldn’t. He had knowingly…
Carissa twisted her wrist, and the chain slid about it more easily. Her skin was thoroughly coated in blood, making it slippery. Perhaps it was enough to slip out of the chains. If not, she could always break her thumb. She worked the chain down her hand. It squeezed her fingers tightly, even though she…