Novels by Barny

—DAWNSPIRE CASTLE, SUNSTONE PEAKS, AETHERIA—Madeleine made her way through the quiet corridors of the castle as dawn was beginning to break. Sleep had evaded her for most of the night, her mind restless with questions about Dante's visit to the Oracles and what secrets they might have revealed about her true nature.She found Dante in the main courtyard beside two saddled horses—one midnight black, the other a dappled grey. His tall figure was silhouetted against the rising sun, his features composed into their usual stoic expression."You're awake early," he observed as she approached."I couldn't sleep," Madeleine replied, stopping a few feet from him.Dante studied her for a moment before speaking. "I'm leaving for Eldoria this morning. I'd like you to accompany me."The unexpected invitation caught her by surprise. She knew of Eldoria, the land of the fae, but had never visited it herself."Eldoria? Why?" she asked, searching his face for clues."I have matters to attend to," Dan

—DAWNSPIRE CASTLE, SUNSTONE PEAKS, AETHERIA—It was evening by the time Dante returned to Dawnspire Castle. The towers gleamed in the moonlight as he materialized in the central courtyard, his mind still reeling from the Oracles' cryptic warnings. A cool breeze carried the scent of night-blooming flowers, but he barely noticed, lost in troubled thoughts."You're back."Dante turned to find Madeleine sitting on a stone bench beneath a flowering tree. She stood as he approached, her expression a mixture of relief and determination. The sword he had crafted for her hung at her side, the silver crystal pommel catching the light of the torches that lined the courtyard."How long have you been waiting?" he asked, noting the stubborn set of her jaw."Long enough," Madeleine replied. She stepped closer, her eyes searching his face. "What did the Oracles say? From Lysander's explanation, it must have been important for them to summon you like that."Dante hesitated. How could he explain what h

—DAWNSPIRE CASTLE, SUNSTONE PEAKS, AETHERIA—Madeleine moved with growing confidence, her new sword almost singing as it cut through the air. Three days of practising with it had already improved her form dramatically.The blade gleamed in the morning light as she thrust forward, nearly catching him off guard.Dante stepped back, a flicker of approval in his golden eyes. "You're learning quickly."Madeleine couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. Coming from Dante, this qualified as great praise."I have a good teacher," she replied, raising her sword in preparation for his next attack.Dante stilled suddenly, his head tilting slightly as if listening to something she couldn't hear. His expression shifted, brows drawing together in a slight frown.A small flame appeared in the air between them, startling Madeleine enough that she nearly dropped her sword. The flame expanded, forming the shape of a letter sealed with a symbol she didn't recognize—three intertwined circles. The

—DAWNSPIRE CASTLE, SUNSTONE PEAKS, AETHERIA— Madeleine woke to the sound of distant hammering. She sat up, pushing tangled hair from her face as she listened. Curious, she slipped from her bed and dressed quickly. She followed the sound down a spiral staircase she'd never explored before, descending deep beneath the castle. The air grew warmer with each step, until sweat beaded on her brow. The hammering grew louder, accompanied now by a strange hissing sound and the unmistakable heat of a forge. At the bottom of the stairs, she found herself in a narrow corridor lit by torches. The hammering emanated from behind a heavy wooden door at the end of the passage. Carefully, she approached and eased the door open just enough to peer inside. Dante stood before an anvil, bare-chested, his bronzed skin glistening with sweat that caught the light of the fire. In his hands, he held tongs gripping a length of metal that glowed white-hot. The muscles of his back and arms flexed as he brought

—DAWNSPIRE CASTLE, SUNSTONE PEAKS, AETHERIA— Madeleine bolted upright in bed, a scream tearing from her throat. Sweat plastered her nightclothes to her skin, her heart pounding so violently she thought it might burst from her chest. For several terrifying moments, she couldn't distinguish reality from nightmare, her eyes darting wildly around the unfamiliar chamber. Moonlight filtered through tall windows, illuminating the stone walls of her room in Dawnspire Castle. Not the ceremonial grounds. Not the tent. She was safe. But the terror remained, clinging to her like a second skin. Dante burst into the room, barefoot and shirtless, golden light flickering around his clenched fists. His eyes swept the room, searching for threats, before settling on Madeleine's huddled form. "What happened?" he demanded, the flames around his hands intensifying. Madeleine drew her knees to her chest, suddenly aware of how she must look; wild-eyed, tear-stained, pathetic. "Nothing," she managed, he

—MOONSHADOW PACK TERRITORY, AETHERIA— Philip's quarters lay in disarray. Maps covered every surface, some torn at the edges, others marked with violent circles and crossing lines, and the smell of frustration filled the air. Philip paced the length of the room, his muscular frame tense with restrained energy. Dark circles shadowed his eyes from too many sleepless nights. He paused at the central table, staring down at the largest map. "Where are you hiding?" he muttered, his finger tracing a path from Lunaria through Valoria's borders. "Where did he take you?" A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Philip snarled, the sound more beast than man. "I said I wasn't to be disturbed!" The door opened despite his command. Rebecca slipped inside, her beauty carefully arranged—red hair cascading in perfect waves, her dress cut low to reveal just enough skin to be enticing without seeming desperate. She carried a tray with food and wine. "You need to eat, my love," she said, her