Novels by Darla Tverdohleb

They were ushered into a big hall. It was different from the big hall, which they had been brought into earlier. The tables were at the sides near the walls. The space at the center was vast. The five foreigners looked around them as they stood in the middle of that vast space.The entire place smelled of olive oil, in which the lights were fueled. The whole place was full of lights. They remembered that it was quite different from the dark desert lands of Ancient Egypt.

“Yes. Sihr means Black Magic. That is better known in Islamic religion. No one knows the depth and strength of its powers. It’s pure evil,” Kent answered for her and nodded to his friends.“Meaning, that Jinn is Black Magic itself? Aside from being a shape shifter?” Eric’s face twitched with discomfort upon knowing it. He thought this was definitely not good at all.

The more the five of them struggled, the more the blanket seemed to suffocate them, leaving them out of air.“Don’t struggle,” Kent said quietly in American English. “In the meantime, we should not expose Elise too much by using her powers.”The others readily agreed. They stopped struggling. The blanket appeared to relax, and they could breathe freely again. Not a few moments passed by, they felt themselves dragge

Present time, around mid-morning in Belmont, Wisconsin.The five of them got together at Kent’s house. His mother was surprised but was happy to welcome them all.Kent and Mazoi were at the library waiting for their three friends to come as agreed.

“He’s scary!” Eric almost shivered and his face twitched, which was his usual facial expression.The huge bat struck them with lightning from its third digit finger.Eric and Diana cursed when one of the corners of the glass sheet was hit and was broken.

Later in the evening, the five guests were called on for another banquet. It seemed that the royal family could not get enough of their magic tricks in so short a time. It was clear enough when the sultan requested them to do it again tonight.Elise materialized bouquets of flowers for each of the sultan’s wife at the opening of their performance. The ladies gasped in excitement, especially the queen. She beamed widely and picked up the bouquets to smell them.

“Happy birthday, Elise!” Kent kissed her soft cheek as he handed her the birthday gift.They were at Menominee’s Hut. The fast food was purposely closed for this special occasion. Elise was so happy for this birthday surprise her parents gave her. She didn’t expect this party at all.“Thank you, Kent.” She smiled prettily at him as she accepted his gift. It was in a small box wrapped in a lavender colored shiny wrapper. Their fingers touched and they both looked at them.Kent almost jerked his hands away as he looked around to check if Eric was somewhere near.“Hey. Are you looking for Eric? He’s busy with Diana,” she said pointing at a table where their respective friends were eating and chatting happily. They seemed to be in a friendly mood, not bickering at least.Elise then grabbed Kent’s hand while she carried the gift in the other. Being close to him like this made her feel excited a

They were all exhausted after walking around. They sat on the chairs provided for them by the servants while the high priestess was just following and watching them. She tried to be helpful but to no avail. Then an idea hit her. She walked over to the elite seer.“Why don’t you go back to the king’s residence? Perhaps the portal you are seeking is there? After all, your mission was to help the king win the battle and unify the Two Lands,” she suggested.The four teenagers looked at one another. The high priestess had a point of course. Elise’s heart was beating so fast with excitement and anticipation. She could almost feel like they were back on Belmont Mound in no time.They headed back to the king’s residence even when it was before the break of dawn. The guards let them in to the king’s residence without questions. They found the Medjay who was asleep, sitting near the king’s almost golden throne.Elise

“Oh, it’s really so hot!” Diana complained a bit later after they had their early dinner.They were still at the temple, and the high priestess explained to them on her duties in the temple. Zadi and her guards already returned to the king’s residence while the two girls were left with the high priestess to educate them.“Well, you can refresh yourselves. You do not need to go to the king’s residence. I can let you go to the pool and warn the guards that you can enter and use it anytime.”“Oh, that’s really great!” Diana exclaimed. “Let’s go, Elise!”“Thank you… great aunt,” Elise said to the high priestess before they left.Nefer just smiled as her eyes followed her great niece.Elise and Diana only had their underwear on when they plunged into the cool water that night. They were so happy to feel the refreshing and soothing coolness of the wate

“Yes, elite seer,” Nefer replied straightforwardly. “But the time and place will depend on your fate. You will see visions beforehand. As I believe, you saw visions before coming here, correct?”Elise nodded at the correctness of the high priestess. “Yes… I saw visions, images. I saw the double crown of the king he’s wearing now. I saw his face, the totem of scorpion and several others. I never thought they would all come into reality. I thought I was just… stressed out—tired due to my studies, you know?”“I understand, elite seer.”“So… May I ask why exactly it has to be me?” Elise questioned almost desperately as she pointed at herself.“That question, elite seer—I just found out the reason recently.” Nefer paused and sighed before she continued. “You are my distant relative.”Zadi stared at the high priestess in sur

Present time at Thompson’s residence in Belmont, Wisconsin.After a passionate lovemaking with his wife, Kevin cuddled his wife to sleep again. He looked at her beautiful, satisfied face. He almost forgot how beautiful his wife was. He was so busy with his managing the four law firms in New York that he took his family for granted.The law firms were all so busy. He never thought before that there would be so many lawsuits these past few years in New York City alone. These were either personal injuries, assaults, accidents, criminal or civil cases. Most were pended and took a long time due to investigations or cross examinations. He realized just now that it was tiresome after all these years. Then he contemplated on his life, his family, his attitude toward his work, his attitude toward Kent, his only son…He blinked as if remembering something. He thought of the times when Kent would only greet him when he was home. He had never asked his son to s

One big sofa bed was shared by the three guys and one for both Elise and Diana only. Diana was already fast asleep while Elise could not sleep at all even though she already closed her eyes a long time ago.She opened her eyes then and kept on watching Kent who was already asleep in the other sofa bed. He was near the edge of the sofa bed. The Medjay was in the middle and on the other side was her brother.She badly wanted Kent to be happy. She had hoped that his father would soon acknowledge his presence, give him some attention and be a good father to him. She wanted him to experience of living with a happy family. She had thought of it since Diana revealed to her about his family, his feelings toward his father and his hidden wishes about a happy family.She got up and went outside of the tent. She conjured a single couch from the tent so she could sit on it under the stars. Her tired body was curled as she sat on the big couch. She looked around the camp. Ev

The celebration was held at the palace ground that very same night. Foods and drinks were served in a matter of less than thirty dots. It would last until midday. And before that was over, the prisoners of Uzob were all freed and joined this rare celebration. It must have been a very historic day for everyone in the Aryan world.But before that, Miryeob and my sister Shahrae, together with Kaiyahv, had a priceless reunion. It filled my heart with warmth and joy as they embraced each other. I smiled watching this happy moment for our family. I watched them with a smile on my face. They were talking animatedly like they really had a lot to talk about. Well, I thought that was true since it had been a long time since they had been separated from each other. Thinking that my sister’s father was already dead, there was indeed a lot to catch up. The whole evening would not suffice it, I’m sure.Rugien embraced me from behind, watching the scene that I was focused on. The King

“Free all the prisoners in Uzob. The only thing they did wrong was go against the impostor king. That means they’re all innocents,” Rugien said. He then informed them where Uzob was located.They nodded. They were about to go when Rugien halted them. “One other thing.” He glanced at me first before he continued. “Frith’s body.”“We’re going to take care of it,” Bullox said. “Right now, he’s going to be washed clean by a couple of our fellow warriors before he’s going to be sent to his family. That’s the least we can do for him at the moment.”However, Rugien shook his head. “No. Frith can still be brought back to life. Will talk to Healer Ulf regarding this matter.”I snorted. “Huh? Are you saying that he still has the chance to be alive even after his life source is sucked by the Creyer?” I asked Rugien about that unbelievable suggestion.He turned to me and all eyes were on him now. “The old palace healer has found something in their research, Xerra.

It was then that Rugien and I grabbed it at the same time that it was taken away from Isoog like his strength diminished. Together, we thrust the staff through his chest and to his heart. Blinding light erupted from within and it seemed that he just melted into a mist, into nothingness, only to appear the real King.I knew it the moment his green eyes were settled on Rugien. The Grand Crown Prince could tell it, too, that it was his real father.“Father!” He embraced the older man.The two males looked happy with this reunion. Well, who wouldn’t? I looked at the staff that was now solely in my hand. I couldn’t feel its surging power now. But I didn’t care. All is well now. My eyes met Zelian’s who stepped closer to us. He bowed to the two royalties and so did the others, including the Furezos and the remaining elite warriors. It looked like there was less than half of their number that was still alive.“Zelian! It’s been a long time since I last saw you,” the

As the General told me his real name, he attacked me with a whip that he manifested. I barely realized that the name of his brother’s staff was Creyer, which was taken from his name after all. The impostor loved his brother dearly—it was crystal clear to see. It was quite admirable. I could understand since I had a precious sister that I loved so much.Anyway, it was good I was fast enough to dodge his attack. My poniard blocked it the second time, which was caught by it. In turn, I pulled it and slashed it. His hold was broken. I quickly bluffed a thrust but attempted to slash his leg. He was quick to dodge both times it was amazing. He was amazing. I gave him that. However, he just got motionless all of a sudden.I whipped around to look behind me to see who it was. Of course, it was Frith. He used his favorite weapon, the needle, which made the General paralyzed. I smiled, satisfied, at the unmoving Crey.I then paid attention to Rugien and the King who are stil

“Or you’re going to break my neck? Is that it?” I sarcastically told him but my hand was still tightly holding my weapon. I refused to be threatened by him despite of the current situation.Rugien suddenly made a more-than-a-superbeing move. He stood right in front of us in less than a split dot. His face was grim that I’d never seen before. His eyes burned with fire as he looked at the General of the Elite Aryan Army.“Ah, my son!” The King followed as well after a dot passed by.I looked at his Creyer. With this distance, I could probe into the King’s mind. However, it was blocked somehow. He looked at me with a mocking and evil grin. He shook his head unaffectedly.“I know your ability, Xerra. However, you cannot use it against me.” He paused. “Even you, Rugien. No matter how powerful you are.” He turned to the Grand Crown Prince.Rugien reached out to my mind, I realized. I let him probe into mine. Now he knew what I discovered. His face went grimme

The Furezos spread out quickly and with agility that I’d never witnessed before. I realized that they indeed worked hard to be able to defend themselves and to protect their land against the King, although it was unsuccessful until now. The King and General Isoog just got out from the flying capsules, which obviously warped from the palace to get here quietly and quickly.I ducked when a flying sword was aimed at my direction. I quickly ran to take cover behind a tree. The leipods or simply called as follow-the-enemy flying weapons were deployed all over us to automatically track and attack us. They were as big as an Aryan hand with a triangular shape and steel gray color. They flew without sound, hence perfect for surprise attacks as well. Once it sees and locks in on its target, it won’t stop until the target is terminated.“Execute all the rogue warriors and the rebels!” I heard the King’s command.I swallowed and looked at my poniard that was in my hand.

Harman kneeled in front of Alodia when she sat on the edge of the bed in Harman’s room. An open small box with a twinkling diamond ring met her eyes when she looked at it. She thought he must have prepared it long ago, knowing that he truly loved her since the day he set his eyes on her on their way to Romania.“Can I officially hold on to you forever, iubirea mea?” His eyes searched hers as he asked that question.“Can you tell me first why you gave me the papucul doamnei?” she asked him, looking intently at his waiting handsome face.“To let you know that you are rare and difficult to find,” he answered with amusement.She laughed at that and wound her arms around his neck, looking into his eyes. “I should say you’re very rare too, Harman. I wouldn’t find any man who’s like you. Never in the whole world!”“I know,” he agreed, proud of himself, ma

Harman, in turn, gently caressed her back. “All is forgiven now,” he said quietly in her ear. “And just for the record, I never had a grudge on you for leaving me that day. But I just thought I’d died. My life was so meaningless without you, Alodia. I was working so hard just to find you. I just loved you everyday more and more, iubirea mea. Just that you were not there by my side. That was what hurt me so much! And that I couldn’t hug you, kiss you and make love to you…” He kissed her neck then; his lips felt the fast-beating pulse there.“B-but… if I confess something to you… would you forgive me?” She wriggled free from his embrace and looked him in the eye. Her eyes were filled with tears.“Alodia, I love you so much! I don’t even know why I love you so much. Why won’t I forgive you? And I’ve even already accepted that my family won’t ever forgive me again, e

The other woman smiled at her. She could see that there was a change in her. She could feel that this woman’s smile was genuine this time.Maybe it is because of Harman. She has him already in her life, she thought dejectedly.“You still have a grudge on me, huh?” Laili stated and stepped closer to Alodia. She looked fashionable in her cream-colored long winter coat.“And why not? You’re the reason that…” and she halted. It was all in the past. “Why are you here, by the way? If… you’re looking for your husband, he’s not living in that house but that one across the street. This one right here is my friend’s.” She pointed the houses respectively while she spoke, trying to not blow up in Laili’s face.Why did I even think of talking to her when she called me anyway? Now, she regretted it.The other woman chuckled. “My husband you’re sayi

Alodia didn’t know how she got home because of the memories and different thoughts that bothered her. She felt like a zombie walking after she off the bus. It was even a miracle for her to arrive home still in one piece. She was so damn tired! And she fell into the couch like a defeated soldier.She stirred from her disturbed nap because of the doorbell. It was like there was an emergency. She didn’t know she’d fallen asleep when her body hit the couch. When she glanced at her wrist watch, it was already past six in the evening.“Shit! Nicu!” She ran toward the door to open it.Then, she stepped back when she saw Harman with Nicu. The kid came in and looked at her desperately for a second or two.“You’re such a loser, Alodia!” he said gaily. “You forgot to pick me up at school!” he complained in his usual gay tone. There was no grudge in this boy, which amazed her.However, she frowned at

Alodia literally jumped back because of it. Her hand was on her breast. She turned and walked away from him, as fast as she could. But Harman followed her and held her arm tightly.“Will you stop running away from me? If you do, I’ll still follow you around. You know that!” he said in a hard tone. She looked at him with desperation in her eyes. She thought he was just one of those men that she left with a broken heart. She would let them fall in love with her and leave them high and dry, and then, she was on her merry way.“How could you still follow me around when I’ve already left you? I already threw you away like garbage!” But actually, he was like a shadow that she wanted to get rid of. She had her own reasons besides her revenge on men.“Yes, I even asked myself that same question. Why am I doing this? You killed me when you left me. My heart

“You already took care of me and Nicu, Alodia. That was all I asked of you, right? Besides, you’ve done more than you ever know. You made me strong when my husband was gone. You came into my life and Nicu’s just in time! And believe it or not, I found the best friend in you. You never left me high and dry,” she said and laughed, quoting her. “And I want to do the same for you. I’ll be by your side to get you through this, Alodia. That’s a promise. So, you have to show me that you are strong, too. You’re not like Alyanna. You’re different from your sister. You can do this. You were able to get through this before. Why not again? Just think of it as a replay.” Her friend soothed her by rubbing her back gently.She tried to nod as she continued to cry. It still hurt especially that it was about Harman. She thought she was over him after all these years. But then, she had loved him still all these years. And nothing chan