A Heart of Fire and Flame

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A dark Rumpelstiltskin retelling.

The balance within the realm has shifted, and one must rise to fight the emerging darkness. But what would happen if the one meant to rise, joins the darkness instead of standing against it? Not everything is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets. When attacks are coming from every side and you can no longer trust those around you, how far would you go to reclaim the life that was stolen from you?

Harlowe

Peace between Valoren and Pyrithia was built on a knife’s edge, dependent on both sides remaining on their own side of the border. So when the most lethal warriors in all the realm ride in on the backs of their dragons unannounced, I’m prepared to defend my kingdom with my life.

Despite my mistrust, I can’t help feeling drawn to the enigmatic, sexy-as-sin General of the Cathal. Silas can be summarised in three words:

Dangerous. Deadly. Deceitful.

So why can’t I fight this pull I feel towards him?

Silas

I have a job to do and the Princess of Valoren is a distraction I simply do not need.

And yet, I want to possess her, to own her, to make her mine.

But I’m not the only one hunting her. 

A dark force threatens the realm of Aetherian, hiding in the shadows for centuries, waiting for this moment.

Plotting. Manipulating. Seizing power.

And now the only one strong enough to stand against it is being held captive within its grasp.

What would you do when you can no longer distinguish friend from foe? When the one who claimed you betrayed you first?

How far would you go to survive?

Harlowe

I have to escape.
I cannot yield to this monster.
I cannot be the ruination of our realm.
I don't know who to trust or if I'll ever feel safe again.
All I know is that the man with the soulful brown eyes that haunt my dreams will either be my strength or my destruction.

And he’s hunting me.

Silas

I made a mistake.
I put my faith in the wrong people, and I lost everything.
I refuse to give her up, however. She is mine and I’ll never let her go.
I'll burn the entire realm to get her back.
She is my obsession, and I will destroy anyone who gets in my way. Including her.

Let the hunt begin. 

 War is coming to Aetherian.

Hungry for power and retribution, the shadows that have stalked the kingdoms for centuries now stand ready to plunge the realm into eternal darkness.

Hidden forces lurk behind the veil; watchful and calculating. Their influence knows no bounds and one misstep could seal the fate of an entire realm.

Harlowe

Everything I have endured, and every challenge I have overcome, has led me to this moment.

The future of Aetherian teeters on the edge, and the weight of responsibility rests heavily on my shoulders.

Kieran is hunting me and this time, he won’t let me slip free of his grasp.

The power he wields is devastating, and I am not strong enough to stand against him.

Silas

Everything in my world has been narrowed to a single focus: Protect Harlowe with my life, and I will not fail her.

I have watched her grow and flourish as she transformed into the queen she was always meant to be.

And while many things have changed, one thing never will: She. Is. Mine.

As the final battle approaches, the question is not whether the realm can be saved. The question is, what are you prepared to sacrifice to save it?