Crown in the Dusk: Forsaking the Immortals

By K.A Shirley

"Crown in the Dusk:

In the twilight of a world where elves and vampires intertwine, Fay, a resilient elfin mother, navigates the treacherous shadows of a society dominated by humans. As a runner at the Knights' Tavern, she remains unseen by human eyes that hunt her kind, especially the females. In this realm, where magic fuses with tec

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Hancock
• Release date: Jun 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330218585

K.A Shirley

K.A. Shirley: A Weaver of Fantastical WorldsFrom the verdant fields of Lonoke, Arkansas, K.A. Shirley emerged as a storyteller whose roots run as deep as the town's agricultural heritage. With a childhood spent amidst the simplicity and beauty of farm life, Shirley's imagination was fertile ground for the seeds of fantasy to flourish.In 2015, Shirley's passion for storytelling found its purpose. Striving to keep up with her children's voracious appetite for new and exciting tales, she embarked on a journey to publish her own fantasy story. This labor of love was not just an endeavor to entertain; it was a heartfelt effort to foster a love for reading in her children, to provide them with a haven of adventure and wonder that books uniquely offer.Shirley's work is a reflection of her dedication to her family and her craft. Her stories are imbued with the warmth of her maternal love and the richness of her rural upbringing. As a writer, she continues to inspire not only her children but also readers who seek solace and excitement in the pages of a good book.

Book preview

Prologue

Fay stood at her kitchen window, journal in hand, gazing out at her childhood home—Calvin’s School for Troubled Youth. The memories were as clear as the view, but her moment of reflection was interrupted when Kaylynn, her new friend and partner, burst into the apartment.

Fay, I found the perfect job for us. One that will get us out of this hellhole for good.

Fay and Kaylynn had been doing odd jobs for various crime lords. It wasn’t the life they wanted, but in a world, where being non-human meant you were second-class, it was the only way to survive—unless you were willing to do the dirty work for those who had clawed their way to the top.

Kaylynn’s resemblance to Kayla was uncanny, making Fay question if she was Kayla in disguise. In their world of magic and masquerades, true identities were often shrouded in mystery. Fay offered a weary smile. What’s the job? Who is it for?

Kaylynn’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she replied, We’ll be undercover as students at one of the Elvin boarding schools here in town. Two of Callen Micollie’s charges have vanished—one presumed dead, the other a runaway and he’s desperate for answers.

Fay’s heart sank as she massaged her temples. Kaylynn, do you realize who Callen Micollie is?

Kaylynn’s nonchalance was almost palpable. The one that’s going to get us out of this dump!

Fay shook her head, a mix of frustration and fear in her voice. No, he’s one of the most formidable Elvin males, second only to the King. Cross him or fail to complete a job, and you vanish. Once we’re in his employ, we’re his and his alone. You’re suggesting we take a job for the High Prince of Elves! She grabbed her jacket and satchel, preparing to leave. I have to get to work. Rue and Aien are expecting me tonight. They’ve called some sort of grand meeting.

Kaylynn’s eyes gleamed with persuasion as she reached out. It’s just one job, and it comes with a roof over our heads. They’ll cover our tuition through college. We’ll have freedom as long as we deliver the intel on his charges. And so, what if we end up working solely for him? It’s a chance to rise above this life. Have you ever heard of any of his people living in squalor? Her gaze implored Fay to see reason. You won’t have to juggle multiple jobs anymore, and you can even bring your son to the school.

Fay paused at the door, her resolve waning but not broken. I can’t. I wish I could take this job, or at least explain why I can’t, but it’s out of the question.

Kaylynn’s nod conveyed a mix of understanding and resolve. I get it, but I am still going to the meet and greet. I can’t pass this up. I will see you at the tavern later.

Fay’s response was a silent nod, heavy with unspoken warnings. Let me know how it goes, and Kaylynn, tread carefully. Callen Micollie is a dangerous man.

She slipped out of her apartment, the journal pressed against her chest like a shield. The hallway’s shadows seemed to watch her, whispering secrets of the past as she passed her new neighbors. Their nods were laden with the weight of silent understanding. Pulling her hood over her head, she stepped into the night, where the air was thick with the scent of impending rain. The two-block walk to the Tavern was a gauntlet on this night; the anniversary of her brother’s death - a day when the past loomed large, threatening to repeat itself. Tradition would have her locked away in safety, but the promise of extra pay on her day off was a siren call she couldn’t ignore.

The Tavern’s door creaked open, the sound slicing through the hum of hushed conversations. Inside, Rue and Aien were huddled with the nights skeleton crew, their faces grim. Rue’s nod was heavy with gravity. Tonight, you’re not just tending bar. We need eyes - your eyes. Be vigilant for anyone who doesn’t belong, anyone whose guise slips even for a moment.

Fay’s confusion was a knot in her stomach. How can I spot an imposter when I don’t know everyone? This isn’t the job I agreed to.

Rue, with a knowing look that spoke of shared secrets, let out a low chuckle. You know them, Fay. They’re your kin. Your eyes can pierce through their facades. Stay in the shadows, watch, and report.

Her stance was defensive, arms crossed as if to ward off the danger. Who’s expected tonight?

The list is long, Rue began, his voice dropping to a whisper. Ian and Elizabeth Micheals, Torrin and Dain Micaster, Callen Micollie, his brother’s vampire half Jonnin Micollie, some of my trusted men, and we’re on the lookout for a missing person.

A missing person? The word caught in Fay’s throat.

Kayla, Rue said, his voice a somber note. She’s been missing for over a year. There’s talk she might try to seek refuge here tonight. She hasn’t been caught, and there’s no evidence she’s conspiring with anyone. But the Micollies are eager to find her.

Panic laced through Fay’s thoughts. Kaylynn, my roommate, she’s meeting with Callen Micollie tonight about a job at the school. If he’s here…

Rue’s hand was firm on her shoulder. Warn her now. It’s a trap. Callen’s already here, and he’s using my office as his lair.

Fay’s message to Kaylynn was urgent, her fingers trembling as she typed. It’s a trap, Kaylynn. Get to the Tavern. Callen’s here.

I’m on my way, came the hasty reply.

Ending the call, Fay turned to Rue, her voice barely above a whisper. If I’m recognized, it’s not just me at risk, it’s my entire family. And Kayla… if she’s here, she’s in danger. I have to protect her.

Rue’s smile was a sliver of hope in the dim light. You’re not alone. Look, they’ve just arrived. He gestured to the door as two figures stepped into the Tavern, their presence commanding attention. Fay, meet Mac and Jake. They’re allies in this fight, though Mac’s not much for small talk.

Fay’s breath hitched, her recognition hidden behind a mask of composure. It’s… nice to meet both of you, she said, her heart a drumbeat in her ears. She glanced at Rue, her eyes searching for answers. This missing person - will she cause trouble?

Rue’s sigh was a storm brewing. If Kayla shows up, it’ll be a miracle if we can keep her safe until we figure out what’s really going on.

Mac’s voice rumbled like distant thunder. And if anyone tries to harm her or disrupt the peace, they’ll answer to us.

The Tavern’s ambiance was a blend of modern sleekness and rustic charm, the wooden floors and bar offering a nod to tradition amidst the hum of contemporary life. As Fay navigated through the tables, her laugh, tinged with anxiety, cut through the low murmur of conversations. Rue, this better work out. I’ve got more than just myself to consider.

Her gaze sharpened as Kaylynn entered, and a smile, fierce and protective, flashed across her face. I’ll do what you’ve asked, but Kaylynn stays here until it’s over. We need to understand why someone set a trap for her.

Rue, leaning against the bar where bottles of spirits created a mosaic of amber and crystal, nodded. She can assist Dain with the security cameras. Two sets of eyes are better than one, and she’ll be compensated.

After briefing Kaylynn on the situation, Fay led her to a back table prepared for the Technomancers, strategically placed for a quick escape or protection from conflict. You’ll be working with Dain Micaster. I haven’t personally worked with him, but word is he’s a smart ass, sarcastic, and exceptionally skilled.

The entrance of another figure halted Fay’s steps, her muttered curse barely audible over the low hum of conversation. Damn, Rue never mentioned Calvin Micheals would be here.

Rue approached, his serious tone cutting through the ambient noise of The Tavern. Change of plans. Calvin will join you and Dain. We’ve heard the High Council might target this meeting. If we have to flee, we’ll head to your parents cabin, everyone, including your son.

Fay’s protest was immediate, her voice rising above the clinking of glasses. Jacob’s only three, Rue.

But Rue’s confidence was unwavering, his assurance as solid as the bar they stood beside. He’s his father’s son. Trust me, Jacob will be there.

At the bar, Fay retrieved her daggers and staff, the tools of her trade gleaming under the bar lights. Mac’s comment from his stool was a jab at her resolve. You won’t stay sharp with that drink.

Fay’s retort was light, despite the gravity of the situation. Just a bit of liquid courage. I’m merely the background noise here.

Jake’s dismissive head shake was as much a part of The Taverns nightly ritual as the pouring of shots. You’re just a kid. Rue, why are we working with the short one?

Fay’s retort to Jake was sharp, her words slicing through the tension like the knife she brandished. I can hold my ground. What about you? Good for anything besides warming a seat and flashing those pearly whites? The moment the words left her lips, she caught the flicker of recognition in Jake’s eyes. His smirk grew as he raised his glass in a silent toast.

As Ian and Elizabeth entered with Torrin and Dain, Fay’s eyes followed them, her murmured observation blending with the ambient sounds of The Tavern. This is shaping up to be one hell of a show, she whispered to herself.

The mood shifted palpably as Callen strode in with Vane, the latter parading with the arrogance of the untamed. Vane’s crass call for whiskey was met with a contemptuous serve from the bartender, Whiskey bitch! He growled as he reached for the bartender Shy. Make it quick.

Fay’s knife was a silent flash of danger as Vane reached for the bartender. Touch her, and I’ll slit your throat. Drink up, she spat out, her threat as cold as the edge of her blade.

Jake’s laughter broke the tension, his amusement echoing off the wooden walls. Feisty and fierce—I think I like this little female.

Callen’s grip on Fay’s wrist was a silent message, his thoughts a whisper in her mind. Patience, justice is on its way.

Shy laughed as she turned making the shot of whiskey, spitting in it then handing it to Vane, Here is your whiskey bitch.

Fay laughed as Jake smirked at Shy, Can I a whiskey on the rocks, hold the spit.

Retreating to Kaylynn’s side, Fay’s voice was a hushed warning. Keep your eyes peeled. There is something in the air and I don’t like it.

Kaylynn’s wary glance at Rue was all the confirmation Fay needed. I thought he was on our side.

Fay’s head shake was a dark omen. In this game, trust is a luxury too expensive to afford.

In the dimly lit expanse of The Tavern, where the modern world met the ancient pulse of elfin magic, the air was thick with the scent of aged whiskey and the undercurrent of tension. The polished wooden floors bore the weight of warriors and secrets alike.

Kaylynn’s eyes widened, a revelation flickering within them, but before words could form, Dain’s arrival sliced through the moment. His voice, casual yet edged with recognition, greeted her. Well, hello, Chica. Have we met before?

Fay turned spinning her head toward Kayla and Dain as the word Chica came out of his mouth. Kayla’s groan was a symphony of dread and resignation. I’m in deep trouble.

Fay, her senses as sharp as the daggers concealed beneath her modern attire, leaned in close, her whisper a blend of promise and warning. Help Dain and Mr. Micheals with the cameras. And Dain, if you don’t keep her safe, I will rip your balls off.

Calvin’s voice, disapproving yet tinged with concern, cut through the tension. You could use some manners, young lady.

Fay, standing tall in her leather jacket that did little to conceal her warrior’s poise, faced her uncle. Her voice was a mix of defiance and fierce loyalty. I know how to behave, but she’s under my protection. And I’ll protect her at any cost.

In the corner, Kaylynn’s anxious murmur was barely audible over the clinking of glasses as Calvin positioned his sleek, modern computer. I’m as good as dead.

The room, a modern-day fortress with its stone walls adorned with flat screens displaying security feeds, seemed to hold its breath. Dain’s laughter, a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation, echoed off the high ceilings. He won’t kill you, Chica, just make you wish he had.

Kaylynn’s denial was swift, her voice a ghostly whisper, as she eyed Fay who was watching everything that was happening in the room. I’m not worried about him.

Memories flooded Fay’s mind, the laughter of friends now lost, the thrill of their first taste of freedom, and the dark shadow of Vane’s threats. Disappearing had been her only choice to protect everyone she loved. Since then, she had been a ghost, haunted by the life she left behind at fourteen.

Rue looked around as Fay, Mac, Jake, and Torrin made their rounds, We have one more coming. Jonnin himself wanted to be here for this. Do not piss the big guy off. Aien and I would like to keep our establishment intact.

Her mother’s soft groan broke through the murmurs. No one mentioned Jonnin would be here.

Her father’s chuckle, a sound of relief mingled with age-old wisdom, followed. If he’s here, he knows. At least we can assure him she’s alive.

Fay’s heart ached with the desire to reveal herself, to end the charade, but the risk was too great. Her tears were hidden as Jonnin Micollie entered, a towering figure of elfin nobility, his presence commanding the room. The life of Felicity, brief but filled with love and laughter, flashed before her - a family that had taught her strength and joy.

Jonnin’s voice, booming with a father’s desperation, filled the Tavern. We need to hurry this along. I’ll ask only once. Where is my daughter?

Elizabeth’s cringe was a mirror to the collective tension as Fay resumed her vigilant patrol, her gaze sharp and searching. Ian’s response was a mixture of assurance and uncertainty. We don’t know her whereabouts, but she’s out there, stirring up trouble. We’ll find her, brother.

Rue’s nod to Torrin and Mac was a silent command, and they moved to seize Vane. Fay, her instincts screaming to join the fray, remained steadfast, guarding Kaylynn as the conflict erupted. Dain and Calvin formed a protective barrier around her as the fight drew near. Kaylynn’s eye roll was a flash of normalcy in the chaos. What the fuck, guys?

Calvin’s hand was swift, a paternal reprimand to the back of her head. I know you have manners. This one might need some work, but you certainly do not!

Mac, his movements a silent promise of retribution, was the first to strike, his approach to Vane as silent as the night itself. His hands, calloused from centuries of warfare, found their mark with the precision of a master craftsman. Vane, caught off guard, stumbled backward, his own hands coming up too late to ward off the assault.

Torrin, a giant among elves, moved with a fluidity that belied his size. His voice, usually so reticent, now boomed through the Tavern like thunder, a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of his actions. Don’t move, Jack ass. It was my fated mate you hurt. Don’t give me a reason to kill you! His words were a growl, the sound of a beast pushed to the brink of savagery.

The knee Torrin pressed into Vane’s neck was not just a physical restraint; it was the weight of centuries of duty and the fury of a wronged lover. Vane, pinned beneath the unyielding force, was a serpent caught under the heel of justice.

Fay, her instincts honed to a razors edge, stood vigilant before Kaylynn, her eyes never leaving the tableau of her past protector subduing her tormentor. The air around them crackled with the raw energy of the elfin warriors, their modern attire doing little to mask the lethal intent written in every line of their bodies.

Jonnin’s approach was like a shadow falling over the scene, his presence commanding even amidst the chaos. Is he the one who took her from the house? His voice was a low rumble, the sound of a mountain on the verge of collapse.

Calvin’s response, though silent, was a tempest of guilt and telepathic confession that Fay could sense even without hearing the words. The silent communication between him and Jonnin was a stormy sea of blame and responsibility, a silent exchange that spoke volumes in the space of a heartbeat. Calvin sighed as he looked at his older, yet larger than life brother, So you see it was my fault. He may have been the one to push the issue, but I was the one to let them leave unattended in the first place.

Jonnin growled as he turned to Vane, Where is my mine, Callen, and Calvins daughters at? Speak freely or we drag it out of you.

The growls that erupted from Fay and Kaylynn were primal, a duet of fury and protective instinct. They were the sound of the wild, of creatures pushed to defend their own. And when Vane dared to speak, his words were gasoline on the flames of their wrath. The tramp is exactly where she belongs.

Kaylynn cleared her throat, a signal of brewing questions. Callen and Calvin’s daughter? Kayla frowned as she looked down at her computer screen. Several of the Mega’s and what looked to be some high up elfin males were surrounding the Tavern. The sudden announcement of new threats was a jolt back to reality, a reminder that the world outside was as dangerous as the one within. We have company! Kaylynn announced, her voice cutting through the tension.

Calvin and Dain’s dive into their computers was a dance of fingers on keys, a race against time and technology. We need to head to that cabin. There are too many Megas out there, Kaylynn turned to Fay, urgency lacing her words.

Fay’s chuckle was a brief respite from the gravity of their situation. She addressed Rue with a commander’s authority. Time to move this party. Get your people out.

The bartender, Shy, chuckled as she loaded a nine-millimeter and tossed it to Lily. We’ve got this, Shorty. The rest of you, get moving.

The escape was a whirlwind of motion and urgency, the warriors strength on full display as they carried their charges to safety. We can walk, jerks! Fay, Kaylynn, and Elizabeth protested as they were scooped up and carried out the back door.

Reaching the car, the weight of their predicament descended upon them. They were a fellowship of warriors, elfin and vampire alike, united by the bonds of bloodshed and combat. The path forward was shrouded in uncertainty, yet a singular truth stood resolute: they would confront it shoulder to shoulder, as they had surmounted innumerable perils in the past. Callen and Elizabethe shared a knowing glance before addressing Kayla and Fay, while Rue Torrin gently guided Fay to a seat. There has been a change of plans. We need for the two of you to go to the boarding school with Torrin and Dain.

Fay’s response was a laugh, tinged with incredulity and mirth. Yeah, no, not happening. I agreed to go to this cabin with all of you. I never said anything about any school.

Kayla, struggling within Callen’s grasp, let out a resigned sigh. Fay refuses to go anywhere near the school.

Calvin carefully set Kayla down as Elizabeth faced Fay, her eyes brimming with distress. Our daughter went missing from that school. She should be about your size. We just need them to think that you’re her, just for a few hours. Maybe then we can get some answers.

Fay’s heart thundered in her chest, the revelation hitting her like a bolt of lightning—she was the missing daughter they had been so fervently searching for. Her gaze flitted from Callen to Elizabeth, then lingered on Torrin and Dain. A decisive moment passed before she leveled a finger at Kayla. When this is over, I am kicking your ass.

Kayla’s question cut through the tension. That mean you will do it?

With a nod, Fay sealed her fate. Against my better judgement, yes.

The Charger’s engine hummed, a low purr that filled the tense silence following the revelation of Kaylynn’s identity. Torrin glanced at Fay as he took a sharp turn taking the farther away from the Tavern and the life that Fay had made for herself. Look Feonna Micheals was a child when she went missing. But she was tough as nails, a fighter in her own way. She and the others got into constant trouble, yet they stood up for each other and any other student that needed it. Can you act as if you are her.

She sat, her posture rigid, the muscles in her jaw clenching and unclenching as she processed the weight of Torrin’s words. Her eyes, usually so full of fire and defiance, now flickered with the vulnerability of exposure. Fay inhaled as she looked out the window, How would this feaonna have acted when Kayla got her caught.

Dain laughed, as he looked from Fay to Kayla. She would be pissed, screaming, yelling, hitting. That is until Kayla needed her and she would be by her side.

We’re here. Torrin jumped out of the car reaching in the back seat grabbing Fay as Dain grabbed for Kayla. He leaned down whispering in Fays ear, Fight as if you life depends on you getting away from this place. Because it just might.

Yet, there was no time to dwell on the unraveling of her secrets. The mission at hand demanded her focus, and she was not one to shy away from a challenge. The familiar surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins, a welcome distraction from the unease that gnawed at her.

Fay’s growl snapped Kayla back to the present, her resolve hardening. Kayla, I warned you about coming back here. Once I’m done with this idiot, you’re next. The threat, part of their ruse, was a lifeline, a role to slip into and a mask to wear once more.

Kayla met Fay’s fierce gaze, her own eyes alight with a spark of mischief. This was a game they would play together, a dance of pretense and survival. And as the car doors flew open and chaos erupted, Kayla tackled Dain to the ground, her fists flying with practiced precision.

She was a whirlwind, her movements a testament to the warrior she was, even as her heart raced with the knowledge that her true self was known. But in this moment, she was Feonna, the best friend back from the dead, and she would play her part flawlessly.

As the scuffle ensued, Kayla’s voice cut through the commotion, a mix of desperation and assurance that belied the turmoil within. It’s going to be okay! Please trust me on this. Her plea was a battle cry, a declaration that despite the odds, they would prevail.

Dain’s grip shifted, flipping Kayla onto her back, his tone a mix of irritation and warning. Stop hitting me, and don’t you dare head-butt me again! The physical struggle was a mirror to the internal one, each blow a release of the tension that threatened to consume her.

Fay’s sharp kick to Kayla’s shin was a punctuation mark in their performance, her voice laced with betrayal and anger. Why didn’t you tell me who you were from the beginning? Why lie to me? The questions hung in the air, a reminder of the stakes at play.

Kayla’s head shake was filled with exasperation and a hint of resignation. You would have run again. Do you have any idea how many times I’ve found you, only to lose you again? I saw no other choice, and neither did Malay. And you know she’s never wrong.

The brothers grip was unyielding as they dragged them down the gravel-strewn driveway, each step crunching like bones underfoot. The air was thick with the scent of impending rain, and the looming steps to the front door were slick with evening dew, cold and wet against their skin. The high prince awaited, his silhouette an ominous shadow against the soft glow of the foyer's light, accompanied by the stoic figure of Christian. Upon spotting Callen Micollie, Kayla’s resistance flared, her breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps that mingled with the nights chill. Fay, her emotions a whirlwind, raised her eyebrows at him, her skin prickling with a mix of confusion and concern. Where’s my uncle? Her voice was a hushed echo in the vastness of the night, disbelief heavy in her tone; Calvin had vanished from the car as if swallowed by the shadows themselves.

Using her telepathy, Fay reached out to Torrin, her mental tendrils seeking answers in the void. The connection was a buzz against her temples, a whisper of thought that was almost tactile, like the brush of a feather against her mind. Seriously, where did Calvin go?

Kayla, her gaze now a fortress of avoidance, redoubled her efforts against Dain's ironclad hold. Her voice was sharp, the words cutting through the damp air. He’s been scarce since you left! Her accusation was a bitter taste in her mouth, hinting at stories untold.

Torrin’s voice reached Fay, tinged with a hint of regret that seemed to seep into the chilly air, a low rumble that resonated with unspoken truths. He had to handle some matters. And Blondie’s right; he disappeared when his niece went missing.

Taking a deep breath that filled her lungs with the night's crispness, Fay faced Callen and Christian, the men whose absence had left a void she hadn’t realized until now. Callen’s greeting was formal yet warm, a fire in the cold. His words were a soothing balm, yet they carried an undercurrent of formality that was almost palpable. Feonna, it’s good to see you’re alive and well. Your parents have been informed, and you’ll see them soon. Kayla’s response was a hard swallow, the sound a stark note in the quiet as he turned to her. We had an agreement, didn’t we?

Fay observed as Kayla mustered all her strength against Dain, her stance a bastion of defiance. Yes, we had a deal! Her voice was a blade, sharp and unwavering, the determination in her words almost visible in the air.

And what was that deal? Callen probed, his voice a chisel sculpting the air, each word a sensory imprint on the moment.

Kayla’s frown was a fortress of defiance and frustration. I stay put, and you stay out of my life! Her declaration was a banner of rebellion, her breaths coming in heated puffs that contrasted with the coolness of the night.

He advanced a step, his question pointed as an arrow. And what happens now that you’ve broken it? His presence was a tangible force, the expectation in his tone almost something you could touch.

Kayla’s eye roll was theatrical, a performance for an audience of one. You’re going to be glued to my side, pretending to be a father. Her words were laced with scorn, the disdain in her voice a flavor that soured the air.

His smile was one of paternal certainty, a sculptor confident in his creation. There’s no pretending. I am your father, and you will learn respect. His decree echoed with the finality of a gavel, the sound reverberating off the walls. He then addressed Torrin and Dain, his command cutting through the tension. Take them to my office and wait for me.

They ushered the two females down the hallway, past whitewashed walls adorned with photographs of former students, each frame a silent testament to a legacy. The office, once Calvin’s sanctuary, now held the air of a museum, the scent of aged paper and lost time lingering like ghosts. The mustiness of the room was a stark contrast to the fresh night air they had left behind. Fay’s curiosity was piqued, a flame in the dark, but she dared not reveal too much. She turned to Kayla, her question genuine, a seeker of truths. What happened to the man who used to run this place? And what did he mean by ‘he is your father’?

Dain tensed; his response curt as Torrin opened the office door, the creak a whisper of secrets. The sound was a sharp intrusion, slicing through the silence. How is that any of your concern?

Once secluded in the office, Torrin released Fay, though Dain maintained a firm grip on Kayla’s arm, a jailer to her spirit. The touch was cold and unyielding, a stark reminder of her lack of freedom. "It’s my concern because he helped me