Romans de joannatcrawford

Seth and the First Spear stood there awkwardly, saying nothing at first. The cave echoed with silence, the kind that grew louder with every passing moment. Seth's thoughts spun like a storm. Where do I start? I have so many questions. “Start anywhere,” she said gently. “I’ll answer your questions.” He blinked. “That’s right—you can read minds.” “Absolutely right. And emotions, just like you and Charlene.” Her tone was soft, steady, trying to ease the tension she could feel rising in him. She sensed his nerves and didn’t want to make this any harder than it already was. “Walk with me, Seth.” They paced through the cave, the cool air brushing against them like ghosted memories. “Can I just talk plainly to you?” Seth asked, hands shoved in his pockets. “Without all the prestige? Your Majesty and whatnot. All due respect.” “Your daughter certainly does,” she grinned.

The camp was getting fuller by the minute. So many Fates had journeyed to come to Audubon with them. Every night since ReNew's recovery, Charlene refused to leave one soul behind. She had sent out a message every night ever since the original message, letting every Fate know where they were and that they were welcome. Some guards even showed up. Charlene was sitting on the sand dunes, knees hugged to her chest. One after another came to her—some bearing gifts, others seeking wisdom. She welcomed them all. A barely visible figure appeared close by. Fading in and out. She could tell he was torn and in deep agony, or at least pretending to be. "Hello friend, can I help you?" "No you can't," he said, voice hollow. "I'm lost." Black clouds started to form around them, curling low over the dunes like smoke from some unseen fire. "Maybe I can help you?" Charlene kept her tone light, but

The guards came pouring into the Grand Hall, limping, bloodied, broken—some barely clinging to life. Most had no strength left to open portals; they had walked the long road back on foot, dragging their pain with them. Torock stood at the high window in his office, watching through the warped glass with a dark sneer. His face twisted with disgust. "Look at them," he growled under his breath. "Pathetic. Useless!" His rage mounted, uncontainable. With a roar, he slammed his fist down onto the desk, sending papers, relics, and glass shattering across the floor. "Portal! Now!" he snapped. The air split with a shimmer as a narrow rip opened. "Asmodeus—speak." A hazy image formed—a demon’s grinning face, sharp and gleaming. "As I told you before, Torock," Asmodeus hissed, his voice like oil and embers, "unless you're willing to deal, we have nothing left to discuss." "W

Charlene stood by the pool of water, formed by the wrath of the tsunami, staring at her reflection. "You’d think after all I’ve done," she muttered, "I’d care about all of you." Her gaze lifted. Bodies floated in the marshy water—soldiers and the unfortunate Sect, all dragged downriver by the torrent’s fury. "Nope." She stepped over the corpses, gliding weightlessly as if walking on air. Their deaths meant nothing now. What a waste of life, she thought. "It all seemed so important just a moment ago... ha!" Her laugh echoed, light and hollow. "Now? I could care less." Suddenly, movement. What’s that I hear? Guards stumbled through the woods—survivors of the tsunami, broken and bleeding, crawling their way back toward the Grand Hall. Charlene perched high in a tree, hidden among the branches. Her eyes tracked them like a cat watches prey. "I could pick them off

The cold bit their skin the moment they stepped through the portal. The air was thick—wet with smoke, laced with ash. Flames cracked in the distance, spitting embers into a dark sky. Tree trunks glowed like coals. The scent of burning wood mixed with something worse: fear. "Fellas, get up!" Seth’s voice cut through the haze. E and Idris stirred on the floor, groggy. "We gotta go now! Get your stuff! I’ll explain on the way!" "Wait, what?" Idris rubbed his eyes. Charlene was already pulling him up by the arm. "The Sec’s in trouble. We have to go now, unc!" They didn’t hesitate. Issa, the twins, and Tabitha remained behind. Seth led the way up the path, constantly looking over his shoulder. No one could follow. Not now. Seth opened the portal to the woods near the Sec’s village—too close for comfort. Flames greeted them. So did screams. "MOVE!" Se

She came storming out of the portal, furiously wiping her eyes and muttering under her breath. Everyone knew better than to approach her when she was like this—everyone except her father. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Idris asked gently. “Nothing!” she snapped, her voice sharp and brittle. “Nothing has you that upset? Hate to see you when it’s something,” he said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. If looks could kill, Idris would’ve dropped dead. Charlene was not in the mood for jokes. “Something’s obviously bothering you, Princess,” he tried again, this time more serious. Charlene didn’t want to talk. But she knew if she stayed silent, he’d just keep pressing. “Argun is leaving,” she blurted out, the words hitting the air like a blow. “What do you mean?” E asked, confused by the sudden declaration.