Silence (Book 5 of "The Whispers of Rings")

By Catherine LaCroix

In the finale of ‘The Whispers of Rings,’ Josselyn follows her leads into a conspiracy greater than she ever imagined. She discovers the truth—and finds herself at the mercy of her family's murderer. Vengeance is a dream long-forgotten when Josselyn is forced to fight for her life.

~~~~~ Excerpt ~~~~~

I went to my room and pulled a book from my shelf. It was a collection of stories Victoria would read to me before I fell asleep. I needed to hold on to a memory that wasn’t Adrien’s hands against my skin. As I made my way outside, I averted my gaze from the walls with their familiar tapestries and paintings. I slowed when I made it to the gardens, collapsing onto the grass on my back and closing my eyes.

The songs of birds accompanied a gentle breeze. The warm sun felt divine on my face. For a handful of seconds, time stood still, and nothing was amiss. I hugged the book to my chest and clung to that small span of peace.

“May I join you?” I hadn’t heard Cyprus approach, but his voice never seemed to startle me.

I nodded, not ready to open my eyes. He lay beside me in the soft grass. Gently weaving one arm beneath my waist, he encircled the other around me, pressing himself against me. I lay the book aside and turned into him, burying my hands and face into his tunic. The gentle caress of his lips brushed against my throat.

He held me in silence for a long time, the sun warming my back and his steady heartbeat slowing my breaths.

“Josselyn...I’m sorry,” he whispered, “I should have never left you alone in that tavern.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boruma Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Oct 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370264292

Catherine LaCroix

After spending time as a musician, caterer and wine connoisseur, I've returned to my true love in life- the written word. I adore painting worlds filled with lush environments, deep characters and sensual romance. Whether it's hundreds of years in the future, or a thousand years in the past, I love to take my readers on fantastic journeys that will leave them begging for more.

Book preview

Book Five of The Whispers of Rings

Silence

Written by Catherine LaCroix

Cover Artwork by Marlena Mozgawa

Other Books in this Series:

Whisper

Promise

Echo

Oath

Copyright 2016 Catherine LaCroix

-- All Characters Depicted are Over 18 --

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I

I awoke in a room that was painfully familiar. Ivory sheets and pillows covered the bed, decorated with green, patterned embroidery that I traced with my fingertips. I didn't remember moving to Jeremi and Victoria's room- I still clutched the contract of sale and dried lily to my chest like lifelines. Despite the dry trails of skin on my cheeks where I'd cried myself to sleep, I felt more rested than I had in days.

We were worried about you. Isabelle's voice came from behind me. I turned to see her and Cyprus sitting on the floor next to the bed. I...I didn't want to wake you. I know you needed the sleep.

When I attempted a reply, my throat was scratched and hoarse. I swallowed and tried again, my voice still weak. You don’t have...to sit on the floor. I managed a smile, but inside I felt empty.

Josselyn, what’s wrong? Cyprus stood, helping Isabelle to her feet. They both approached, worried and seemingly afraid to touch me.

This whole time...it was Adrien this whole time. I offered Cyprus the contract. He scanned it before handing it to Isabelle, color draining from his face. I’m an idiot.

Gods...this is… Isabelle sat beside me, abashed. "You were auctioned? Sold like livestock? What