Shadow of the Serpent Curse: Infernal Crystals, #0

By Niki Livingston

It spread like a virus, driving each nation into a war that drastically changed our world.

 

An enchanter's world.

 

As sisters we were destined to be best friends, but our differences divided us and we could never agree on anything.

 

Not us. Not even close.

 

Our realities clashed on every level, driving our intense hatred to penetrate each arena of our lives. Even with our high-status alchemy abilities, aligning in our new magical world became an impossible task.

 

But then those tear-filled eyes displayed the child's terror, and it broke us wide open.

 

We fought on every decision until her life depended on our unity.

 

***This is the PREQUEL to DESCENDANT OF THE SERPENT QUEEN, giving a quick glimpse into the events leading to Audrey's predicament. It is recommended for ages 18+ due to its dark and twisted elements.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Niki Livingston
• Release date: Feb 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781952537141

Niki Livingston

International Bestselling Author Niki Livingston writes tales of epic and dystopian fantasy worlds filled with magic, mysticism, and mystery. When she’s not busy writing enchanting stories of diverse women rising in their power and strength, she spends her time walking her rescue puppy, quieting her mind with meditation and yoga, diving into the newest books of Veronica Roth and Anne Bishop, and binge-watching The Vikings, The Mandalorian, and Lost In Space. For all her latest releases and updates, subscribe to Niki Livingston’s newsletter!

Book preview

BOOKS BY NIKI LIVINGSTON

Infernal Crystals

Shadow of the Serpent Curse (Prequel)

Descendant of the Serpent Queen – coming February 2023

Guardians of the Serpent Empire – coming May 2023

Theia’s Moons Series

Eyes Wide Shut

Enyo’s Warrior

Protectors of the Stars

Guardian

The Chaos Awakened Saga

Marked Chaos

Expanded Chaos

Transformed Chaos

Stand-alone Novels

Be My Leprechaun

Novellas

Wrong Side of the Mirror

Novelettes

A Web Through Time

Wicked Heart

Wicked Soul

Jolly Old Monster

Unable to Wake

Text Description automatically generated

SHADOW OF THE SERPENT CURSE

This book is a work of fiction, including, but not limited to, characters, events, and features. They are all the imagination of the author and any resemblance of any aspect or persons, living or dead, is entirely circumstantial.

Copyright © 2023 Niki Livingston

Publisher: Unbound Wonders Press

Editor: Novel Nurse Editing

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact the publisher at [e-mail].

Book cover design by © GetCovers.com

ISBN-13: 978-1-952537-14-1

To connect: www.NikiLivingston.com

Table of Content

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Descendant of the Serpent Queen

Acknowledgments

About Author

Warning

Shadow of the Serpent Curse is the prequel short story in the Infernal Crystals series and leans closer to Urban fantasy, while subsequent volumes will anchor readers into its darker themes. It is an introduction to some key characters who participated in molding and influencing Audrey’s future. This series is strongly recommended for those 18+ due to violence and intense language.

To those with an empathetic heart.

Thank you for your light and compassion.

Fawn

No. Somehow, I squeezed the word through my burning throat. Red-hot fury crashed through me like a blown volcano.

Gina glanced my way, but her mage strength far surpassed mine. An unseen force I could not match was holding me back.

I pressed against it anyway. No, Gina, I hissed between clenched teeth, every muscle in my body trembling with blinding rage. I could not take my eyes off the magic-infused barrier as it pulsated with its growing intensity.

No way in. No way out.

The nearly translucent shield flashed its deadly warning.

A tomb for the vampires and any others who were unfortunate to be caught in its snare. It was my sister’s creation and an obvious line in the sand for me.

The energy from the barrier sparked, and a collective gasp rose from the crowd behind us. Gina raised her hand, waving it in a circle above her head. The green light from her implant lit up next to her ear.

Team, we are at the end. Well done. Place the final protective layer on my mark, she said, never taking her eyes off the pulsating barrier.

I squealed. Gina! No!

Five, four, three—

Don’t do this, I pleaded, scratching against her powers that continued to hold me from moving closer to her. Please, sister. Do not do this to us.

Two, one. Her gaze flittered briefly at me, and for a split second, regret pierced her features. Go. She turned back to face her creation.

The cement platform quaked, and I teetered to the right, scrambling to find my footing as a blast of energy pulsed just beyond our reach. My body seized, and I sank to my knees, ignoring the pain radiating through my bones. The scene before me stole all my attention.

Screams of terror rose from beyond the barrier. A deep ache