Title Revenge of the Elf Lord
Author Heidi Vanlandingham
Genre Romantic Fantasy
Book Blurb
One secret could destroy the Nine Worlds, and only the truth can save them.
Cyran Daralei, an Elven healer, harbors a dark secret. Centuries ago, he put his stepfather into an enchanted sleep, only to find he has escaped—unleashing disease and destruction in the dwarf realm. Now, Cyran must hunt him down before his vendetta against the dwarves devastates the Nine Worlds.
Shalendra Elasalor, daughter of the Norse death queen, has been imprisoned by the dwarf king while searching for her lost family. Rescued by Cyran, she soon realizes their fates are bound. To end the chaos spreading across the realms, they must confront an ancient evil and the magic they have long denied.
Can they trust each other enough to prevent the destruction of all worlds, or will their pasts and insecurities tear them apart before they even begin?
Excerpt
Shalendra hid in the far corner of the cell, her hand wrapped around Castien’s. The rioting inside the prison’s walls had been going on for two days, at least by her estimation. How is time relevant when darkness reigned over the days and nights?
A loud bang sounded down the hall, followed by someone running as heavy boots clomped against the stone floor. Thankfully, they were moving in the opposite direction. From the horrid sounds and heart-stopping screams coming from the surrounding cells, she and Castien had been forgotten. She wanted to remain that way.
“What do you think is happening, Castien? Has Ashia found out anything?”
“Only what we already know. The mountain is under siege, and several packs of werewolves have shown up, a good number fighting on both sides.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Werewolves? Do you think my father is here?”
“Truthfully, my friend, I have no idea. She says one group is all black and fighting for the king. The other group has mixed colors with an all-white werewolf in charge. They are with the dwarves, so your father could be among them.”
“No, my father would be leading them. He told me about an all-white werewolf who has sworn allegiance to Raisa. He saved her life during the war on Midgard, and then she turned around and saved him.”
“How romantic.”
“Umm, no. It wasn’t like that at all. His name is Kazimir Fedorov, and he is her sworn protector. Raisa married Ailuin Vakas.”
“The Elven co-regent in Alfheimr?”
She nodded, then realized he couldn’t see her without Ashia’s blue light. “Yes, the same.”
“Hmmm, I wonder, since we’re sort of cousins and all, if the co-regents would outlaw being gay like the dwarf king has here?”
“Well, we will just have to ask them. I will vouch for you if that helps. You’re a good person and an even better friend. If they have any reservations, though, you could move to France and live with me. You would like it there. Time is faster in our realms, by quite a few centuries, but we can study Freyja’s God’s Glass to figure out the best time for you to live on Midgard.”
She thought a moment. “During World War II, late 1930s to 1945, you would have been sent to one of the Nazi concentration camps. Maybe attitudes change by 2020 or so, but we will do our research first. You may have to go to 2030, just to be certain you’re safe.”
“Thank you, Shalendra.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her over in a hug, kissing her cheek. “You are an extraordinary person, you know that? No one has ever accepted me for who I am and not who they think I should be, so that means everything.”
She patted his warm hand, liking the shared heat. She loved that she didn’t have to worry about giving him the wrong idea and that she, too, could be herself without worrying about how he would take it. It was refreshing. “I’m just me—” Another loud crash cut her off, and her body jerked. Listening to the stealthy noise as it crept down the hall, fear churned inside her. Something moved closer to their cell.
Put your hands together—Castien’s on top and Shalendra’s on the bottom. Press my stone between the palms of your hands and open your mind to mine. Hurry! He’s almost here!
Neither questioned Ashia’s demand and did as she said. Shalendra blocked everything from her mind except the ethereal black-haired woman she had met earlier. Fixating on Ashia's beautiful face, the incredible bloodstone blocked the evil presence. A nearby cell door slammed shut, followed by several more, making her jump with each impact.
You are both safe.
Shalendra removed her hand from Castien’s tight grip. He straightened one leg and slipped the stone into his pant pocket, and the soft light disappeared. “Did you feel that? It felt so evil.”
“I did.”
“What do you think it wanted?”
“I’m not sure, but Ashia shielded us, so whatever it was couldn’t sense anything but an empty cell. It’s how I’ve stayed safe for so long in these dungeons. Most prisoners are dead after a day or two. For some reason, I don’t think it wanted us, though. At least, not completely. Through Ashia, I sensed that it searched for someone specific, but there was a hesitation, almost as if it didn’t know who it was looking for.”
“It was looking for the female,” a deep male voice said inside their cell.
“Who are you?” Castien rested his hand on Shalendra’s arm with a gentle squeeze. She pressed her lips together to keep from saying anything and waited for the person to respond.
“My name is Cyran. Cyran Daralei.”
A hard shiver slammed through her body, and her hair stood on end. The sensation was sensual as it slid through her. His voice was so deep and sultry... She willed him to speak again.
“I was sent here to rescue you.”
Laughter burst from her like a cannon. Neither male spoke as she forced herself to stop, a few stray snickers escaping from behind her hand as she tried to regain some composure. “I’m sorry, but that was priceless. I mean no disrespect, whoever you are, but you need to find a new profession. Rescues don’t seem to be working out for you since you’re now imprisoned like we are.”
“Oh, but am I?”
A shimmery light flickered in front of her and formed into the shape of a man. Lifting her face, she realized he was tall and exceptionally well built. She and Castien scrambled to their feet and faced him as his body solidified.
“How did you do that?” Castien moved his head to one side, trying to peer around the newcomer, as Ashia's faint blue glow highlighted his face. “The door is still closed and locked. How did you get in here?”
“Magic,” the man said.
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Author Biography
Heidi Vanlandingham writes sweet, action-packed stories that take place in war-torn Europe, otherworldly magical realms, and the Wild West. Her love of history finds its way into each book, and her characters are lovable, strong, and diverse. Heidi’s stories transport the reader to a different place and time for understanding, compassion, and most of all, love.
Growing up in Oklahoma and living one year in Belgium gave Heidi a unique perspective regarding different cultures. She still lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two sons. Heidi’s favorite things in life are laughter, paranormal/fantasy romance books, music, and long road trips.
Social Media Links
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