As we danced I saw a figure in a black cloak standing at the far end of the hall near the great arched doors leading out to the garden. He was watching us intently, leaning nonchalantly against the doorframe.
The music stopped and people clapped. But I stood frozen on the dance floor.
My breath hitched in my throat as the figure removed his hood and my hand flew to my mouth.
It couldn’t be!
Rafe! He was here. He had come back for me, like he said he would. But it was too late. I was already engaged to someone else.
Our eyes locked across the crowded hall and his lips curved up in a half-smile. A smile that held all the promise of being the last one I would ever see. I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, as I gazed at the devastatingly handsome figure of the Prince of Eldoren.
Rafe bowed, his dark gaze never leaving my face. I could see the hurt and betrayal in his eyes, eyes I could get lost in for a thousand years. He knew what had happened, he knew I had consented to marry Tristan.
My heart broke all over again as Prince Rafael Ravenswood turned on his heel, his obsidian cloak billowing around him like a dark shadow, and disappeared into the moonlit night.
Next up for Aurora… Book Three: The Return of the Dragon Queen
Read a short excerpt on the next page
The Return of the Dragon Queen: Prologue
“I am disappointed, Morgana,” said a deep voice from the shadows.
A thunderstorm raged outside the Star Palace and lightning flashed, revealing a man sitting in a high-backed velvet armchair. His face was worn and darkened by the sun. A short white beard covered his face, and his hair was peppered with numerous salty strands. Rain pelted incessantly against the ornate windowpanes, which rattled in the wind. Two massive fireplaces glowed in the darkness, throwing fleeting shadows around the room.
“It’s not my fault we lost Elfi,” said Morgana, turning away from him and standing in front of the fireplace, staring into the flames as they danced before her. Smoke and a cloying sweet scent filled the space, making it difficult to breathe. “Lucian underestimated the girl. I will not make the same mistake.”
The man’s dark eyes narrowed. He wore plain black robes and no adornments on his neck or fingers. He set his lips in a thin line as he reclined with his elbows on the armrests, his fingers linked together in front of him. “You should have gone yourself. You should have taken the Dagger to Elfi and exterminated the fae once and for all. You still fear the fae queen. Now, because of your cowardice, Abraxas has returned, and they are one step closer to destroying the book.”
Morgana’s shoulders straightened. “I am not afraid of her. I didn’t want to risk losing the Dagger in the battle. Now the Grand Duchess of the Day Court thinks to bargain with me, the High Queen of Avalonia.” A feral sneer formed on her face. “I will have to give her a reminder as to who exactly she is dealing with. I will go and retrieve the book from Andromeda myself.”
“You’d better. I cannot afford any more mistakes. And don’t forget who made you high queen. I can just as easily unmake you.”
Morgana pushed her shoulders back. “The battle at Elfi was merely a setback. Brandor has confirmed their support. We are moving the goods to the dwarven fortress of Greygate as we speak. Once we secure an alliance with the dwarves, you shall have your new weapons, and our armies will decimate the fae. Avalonia will be ours before winter sets in.”
“Good!” The man clasped his hands in front of him. “Have you appointed a new archmage?”
Morgana nodded. “He is on his way to Eldoren.”
He studied her, his eyes narrowed. “And the girl?”
“I will handle her,” said Morgana.
“No!” The man pushed himself up slowly from his chair.
“I will handle the girl.”
“I can stop her—give me another chance.”
He shook his head. “This has gone on too long, Morgana. I left it to you, and you failed. I told you not to kill her, that we need her alive, but you didn’t listen. My plans are far too important to leave anything to chance. Not when the Dark Lord is ready to rise. I told you to capture Aurora Firedrake, but you didn’t. You had a chance to stop her in the ruins and you let her go. Now she’s back with powers that no one has ever seen before. But we still need her for the final part of the plan. You just do as I tell you. I want the girl in my possession before winter sets in.”
A faint smile curved Morgana’s lips, cruel and sinister as she looked at the man before her, the expression in his eyes identical to her own. “It shall be done, Father.”
End of Sample
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Acknowledgments
I am so grateful to so many wonderful individuals for their support, help, and guidance throughout this whole process, without whom this book would have never reached its full potential.
To my family, my rock—none of this would be possible without you.
To the phenomenal Kate Tilton, I would be completely lost without you. Thank you for your help and unwavering support.
To my amazing mentor, Laura Zats, and the wonderful team at Wise Ink Creative Publishing, especially Dara Beevas, Amy Quale, Patrick Maloney, and Roseanne Cheng. As always it has been great working with you. Thank you for believing in me and my books and helping me to realize my dreams.
To my superb editor, Amanda Rutter, for your keen insight, patience, and guidance, which have helped me improve my writing and create a book that is the best possible version of itself.
To my awesome cover designer, Scarlett Rugers,
