Novels by Elbert Quinn

As we run through the woodland, Callum's hand firmly holding mine, the tension in the air is palpable. Every stride Victor's army takes gets louder and closer until I can hear it echoing in my ears. The trees appear to close in, winding around us like a prison, and my heart thuds in my chest."We must continue to move," Callum exhorts in a stern yet quiet voice. Even though I can feel the weight of the looming conflict bearing down on us, his eyes spark with resolve.I nod, but my body is exhausted from the mental maelstrom roiling inside of me as much as the running, and my legs feel heavy. Though Bennet's revelation still taints my thoughts like a poison, I can't afford to be weak right now. Not when we are about to die.The rustle of leaves in front of me abruptly stops me in my tracks. As others start to appear out of the darkness, I know what's happening and my blood chills. Victor's outlaws. They are present. There were dozens of them, encircling us from all sides and obstructin

Everything around me is poisoned by Bennet's words, which linger in the air like a curse. I suddenly lose my capacity to breathe as my heart thuds forcefully in my chest. As his revelation sets in, the ground wobbles under me, sending the sword of betrayal even farther into my heart. Unable to take my eyes off of him, I take an unsteady step back. "You did this, did you?" His statements have upset me so badly that my voice cracks. "My family was destroyed because of you?" Bennet's eyes implore me to understand and forgive him as his face contorted with humiliation. However, how can I? How am I ever going to forgive such a thing? The guy I once loved is now standing in front of me recognizing that he contributed to the devastation of my family and my world. Bennet adds, "I didn't know," in a voice that is hardly audible, as if raising his voice may fracture the tiny thread of control I'm holding to. "Aurora, I had no clue it would end this way. Victor took advantage of me and manipu

The room seems oppressively tight. With our hands securely clenched together as if the tie were enough to hold us planted, Callum and I stand side by side. However, the weight of everything hangs down on me like a thick fog, regardless of how tightly I cling to that warmth. For individuals I care about, every decision we make might be the difference between life and death, and the tension is intolerable. I can feel my chest becoming tighter as we start strategizing how to reply to Victor's attack. As he provides guidance and advise, Callum's voice is solid and steady, and I can tell he's doing all he can to keep me safe. But every time I talk or look at Bennet, I'm reminded of an old grief I thought I had long ago forgotten. The sensations swirling in my chest are bewildering and disturbing. I thought that I had moved on. I assumed I had ignored Bennet. But now that he's so close, those memories are emerging and fighting to grab a footing. I can't get rid of Bennet's presence like a

Bennet's words hit me like a kick to the stomach. "Crush the pack?" Horror twisted in my blood, I whispered. It feels like my heart is going to burst out of my chest. I'm not alone anymore. Victor isn't merely chasing me. He is chasing everyone. Each and every one.Bennet is standing a few feet away, his attitude serious. His eyes are gloomy and dark with sorrow or regret. I am unable to tell. "Yes," he answers softly but with a shiver of certainty. "Aurora, he will attack soon. And everyone you care about will perish if you don't stop him. My throat tightens every breath. The world seems to have fallen away from under me. I feel as though my legs could fall at any time. The seriousness of what he's saying is beyond my understanding. Victor's goal is to destroy everyone. Callum, my pals, my pack... I turn to face Callum, and my eyes lock with his angry, protective look. I can nearly hear his teeth grinding together because of how tightly his jaw is locked. His body language is screa

At last, we reach a depth of the forest, far enough that the rogues' noises are muted. The breeze hardly stirs the leaves around us, and the night feels uncannily calm. Running has left my legs burning, and my heart is still racing. However, despite the brief security, I can't get rid of the growing doubt that makes my chest tighten like a knot.Bennet. He helped us, but why? What would make him suddenly change sides after everything he's done? The uneasiness that is churning in my stomach won't go away, and it doesn't make sense. I turn to face Bennet and stop walking, removing my hand from Callum's hold. My voice is shaky and my breath comes in short spurts, but I'm able to hold it steady enough. "Bennet, why did you assist us?" I ask, breaking the quiet with my words. Bennet's dark, mysterious eyes meet mine. My worries just get bigger when he doesn't reply right away. With a tight body, Callum approaches me, prepared to assist if Bennet makes a mistake. With a harder tone now,

Bennet, with his massive shoulders straight and his weapon still burning weakly in the darkness, stands tall between us and the outlaws. With a determined fire in his eyes, he swings around to face us when his vicious stare latches onto Victor's fleeing body. With a forceful and uncompromising voice, he announces, "I'm not letting Victor win this fight." My body trembles from the adrenaline of the near-escape, and I blink in amazement, still leaning on Callum for support. Why is Bennet now aiding us? I wasn't even positive whose side he was on until a few seconds ago. Tension pervades the air, and I can feel Callum's muscles tensing up next to me. He holds me protectively behind him as he moves forward Bennet, his jaw tightening into a snarl as his body emanates rage. "Bennet, you're the reason we're in this mess," Callum says in a low, frightening voice. "They came here because of you. We were put up by you! Bennet's expression stays uncompromising. He maintains his cool, but as