The Inverse Selection: Tapestry, #1

By Alex H. Singh

ELORA'S WORLD IS 
ABOUT TO BE CHANGED FOREVER...

Elora never dreamed her vacation of Thailand would end with her being transported into another realm after discovering a mysterious tapestry hidden behind a legendary temple door.

Soon she finds herself lost in a world at war...

Tariforma is under siege by the vengeful Prince Italus and his flying tiger army. In search of allies. Elora joins the resistance and discovers a world of magic, wonder, and danger.

In a world torn apart by a cruel tyrant, where survival is the best she can hope for, will Elora ever discover the way home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alex H. Singh
• Release date: Jan 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781999467999

Alex H. Singh

Alex H. Singh is an easy-going & youthful writer devoted to creating the best experiences for his readers by letting his imagination paint a picture step by step which then gets translated into words, worlds & wonder. Alex has been writing since the age of 18 & is interested in all genres, especially Horror, Thrillers & Sci-Fi.  He hopes that everyone will enjoy his “Nubara” series, Upcoming for 2017 are the following “The Second Husband”, “Fallen Kingdom Book 1: “Lamp of Light”, Fallen Kingdoms Book 2: “Shield of Reflection”, Marked, Something Sinister, Fayeted and much more. 2017 brings a plethora of novels releasing within the year on Kindle & Print. CONNECT WITH HIM! FACEBOOK:  www.Facebook.Com/AlexHSingh TWITER: @AuthorAlexSingh WEBSITE: www.alexhsingh.com Want to be apart of the ARC TEAM? Then click the “EMAIL” icon on the website or feel free to sign up for the NEWSLETTER for more information

Book preview

Prologue

E LORA! Elora could only see the tapestry glowing before her, the same tapestry she travelled all the way to Thailand to see.

How did things end up this way? Bram thought as he watched Elora fall to the ground in slow motion. His face paled and his eyes widened. He couldn’t believe what was happening. Whatever this was, things didn’t look good for Elora.

She went into the strange temple to get a proper look at the tapestry, nothing but a rope holding her up as she looked over it. Suddenly, the rope snapped, Elora dangling from it, and the tapestry glowed due to…is that blood? Yes, it was! A drop of blood fell to the ground, spilling onto the tapestry, causing it to glow. And now, Elora was falling into it!

A bright flash of light later, Elora disappeared, and so did Bram in the memories of what led up to this day.

Yesterday

She was wearing a simple blue coloured jacket over a printed white t-shirt and blue jeans, and was looking around nervously—her eyes darting back and forth, to and fro—as she trembled in excitement, wondering what the next few minutes were going to hold. She had been longing to meet Marine and Bram for quite a long time and the fact, after endless hours of waiting and torture, the day had finally arrived was only made her nerves fry up in excitement of meeting them again. She was inside of the metro, leading to the terminal. Her messenger bag with her books and laptop was strapped tight around her side. Her baggage was already checked in so she didn’t have to worry about it, and now all she wanted to do was to get out of this infernally slow train and run out into the terminal and find where her friends were. There were so many things she had to share with Bram and with Marine! So many! Just the thought of them was bringing nervous tears into Elora’s eyes.

The past year had been busy for Elora, considering she was studying archaeology and the course work was wearing her down due to the amount of time she had to put into it. She definitely didn’t want to fall behind in the things that mattered most, especially since she was one of the more intellectual students in the class. On top of her course load, she also had her job to worry about. Being a librarian wasn’t as easy as everyone thought it to be. That job took a lot of time and effort. That was why she had been looking forward to this trip for a long, long time.

All of that coupled with the fact she was still not exactly sure what she wanted to do in the future. She had just passed her teen years and was becoming an adult. All she wanted right now was to be free. She was tired and had no ways of actually confiding her conflicts to someone. Who could she ask for advice on aspirations, goals, and the likes? She didn’t want to just sit around and do nothing. No! She wanted to be someone in life. And that is what had her stumped.

Maybe I am over thinking too much, she thought to herself, biting the inside of her chin. I am here for a vacation, not to ponder the misery that is my life at the moment. Come on James, cheer up! It’s been so long since you’ve met Bram and Marine!

She had not met her friends, Bram Barabu and Marine Jenkins for quite a while and that is what she was looking forward to the most. She didn’t want to be alone; she hated being alone and lonely. She knew that she had a lot of things to catch up on, but the fact that she was going to meet the two of them again was going to be strange.

I wonder how old that man is. Elora’s mind suddenly changed as a blonde haired man walk out of the metro in front of her. Getting out of the terminal, her eyes widened at the man that was walking away, looking at his phone. He had a simple black bag with him and looked as if he was her age. The fact he was tall and rugged looking didn’t help her either. He’s certainly handsome though, really handsome.

Elora! Elora looked up, perking up at the familiar sound. She got up, trying to find the familiar head of sandy blonde hair. After a few moments, she finally saw it coming at her in the distance. She didn’t even bother to brace herself from the impact of the crushing hug; all she cared about was she was no longer alone in the airport. Oh my god Elora, look at you! It has been so long!

Hi Marine! She enthused, her excitement mirroring Marine’s as she searched her face, looking for anything out of the ordinary. But there was nothing to see; Marine was exactly the way she remembered her. "Wow, it has been a long time has it not?"

Yeah, Marine nodded, her eyes actually tearing up slightly. We were so excited to meet you, you stay so far!

I know, Elora sighed and shook her head. I stay really, really far. I wished that I didn’t stay this far because, well, I wanted to meet you for such a long time but I just couldn’t. I had so many things to do—my job, my college and life—that I couldn’t come in. Elora paused for a second, realizing she didn’t see someone who should’ve been there. Where is…?"

Elora couldn’t speak as she caught sight of Bram. It had been a while since she had seen the man, but she had to admit, Bram had grown up good. The man was wearing a black blazer over a white t-shirt that made his black hair and eyes stand out like tires in a snowstorm and his blue jeans hugged him in all the right ways as he walked toward her and Marine, two bags trailing behind him.

No longer was he short, or cute and bubbly as she remembered. Now his height was far above her own. He had grown quite muscular as well, as she could see the perfectly formed muscles bulging inside of the shirt that he was wearing. He was not buff, by any means not at all, but the mere sight of him definitely attracted attention. She remembered that Bram was not exactly the healthiest of the boys when they were young, he was short and scrawny. But by gods had he grown good! The way his black hair fell on his face and the way his pointedly black eyes looked at her made Elora’s heart tremble, but she knew that she had never been attracted to Bram in such a way that she was feeling now. By gods being under that gaze of this hunk of a man was already making her feel bubbly and frothy from the inside of her heart!

Why, still remember me Elora? Wow, that ought to be something new, Bram stated as he walked toward the group, his voice deep and attractive, the perfect baritone of the best man she could find. As far as Elora remembered, Bram and Marine were together and by hells did Marine struck when she was able to strike! This hunk of a man was the biggest catch that there was in the sea out there! Elora was surprised by the growth that Bram had showed, but at the same time impressed by his size and his looks. Should have waited for me, Mars.

Sorry Bram. Marine sheepishly smiled as she got back to her boyfriend’s side, leaning on her tip-toes to kiss him on the cheek. Elora cut out of her surprised stupor and gave Bram a hug in greeting as well. She could feel Bram stiffening slightly at the contact but she didn’t care. Had she looked properly at Bram’s eyes, she would have seen why he had stiffened up.

His eyes were filled with love for Elora, love that he was struggling to hide as he hugged her back. While Elora hadn’t any idea as to what she was doing to him, Bram knew it well. He had been in love with this beautiful woman for a long time. How long, he wasn’t certain, but one thing he was certain of: his love for her wasn’t going to change anytime soon.

He and Elora had met a long, long time ago, in a cooking class at that. In fact, he remembered the day as if it was just yesterday!

A ten year old Elora James raised a haughty eyebrow at the equally ten year old boy who was looking at her intently. She had tasted his dish—egg Soup with white rice and freshly prepared pickled vegetables—and had found it… adequate.

Actually, she found it better than adequate. She had been skeptical the moment she met him in cooking class and rightly so. When she found out he was the best one in class, it was hard to believe. They were the same age, how could he best her? The level of skill she believed he had was non-existent. The moment she voiced that to him, the young Elora had seen a mischievous gleam in the redheaded boy's eyes that had her cautious from that moment on.

Her fears were unfounded the moment she had taken a bite of his food and was nearly sent to food Nirvana. Of course she could never tell the young boy in front of her, she was too proud to do so. Okay, maybe not too proud. He did pretty well for his age.

How long have you been cooking again? she asked, a light blush on her face.

I've held a knife since I was seven. So, it’s been three years? The redheaded boy grinned broadly at the girl across from him. What'd ya think?

I-It was a-adequate, she stammered out, a full blush adorning her cheeks.

Just adequate? Bram asked cheekily, rubbing his chin and leaning in closer to the girl.

Ye-Yes! the girl squeaked out, leaning away from the infuriating boy. He was getting on her nerves, but she could not find in herself the will to push him away.

Well then… Bram crossed his arms across his chest and smirked broadly. Looks like someone's a little dishonest.

I am not dishonest! Elora shot back at the boy, indignant at his disrespectful tone. Your food was just adequate, and barely so!

She frowned when he smiled even more widely, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. The girl now realized she had gone just a little too far.

Is that a challenge?’Cause if it's so, I'll make you eat your words.

She wanted to smack that cheeky grin off his face so badly now. You're a hundred years too early to challenge me Bram! The little girl huffed, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. Neither knew who was going to be the better one out of the two and the entire class shivered at the declaration between them.

That was one of the various things they were close in. It was all about their bond, and the bond that they once shared. Bram remembered every single moment he had with her, and how they had grown up.

Bram also remembered the day when they had decided to go swimming, and their little encounter with the shark. It was the first time he had seen Elora actually scared for him, as the shark had almost killed them. Or at least had tried to kill Bram.

They were close once, but as time went on, the distance grew and they parted ways. Then Bram met Marine and he just couldn’t reject her. Not over a simple childhood crush. But it was not a childhood crush, was it? No, it was actually a much bigger thing than a simple crush. He didn’t want to be a part of a crush or anything of the sort.

He had always been in love with Elora James, always, but he could never win her heart. He still had that silk band with him, and he wore it whenever he cooked, but it wasn’t made for today. Today was a day of fun.

And that was Elora then. Even when they were barely in their teen years, she had been a beautiful and kind young woman. And now...

Elora was still short, but her height was not defined as the embarrassingly-short-like-a-dwarf height, but rather by her well-defined curves and beauty. Where once there had been baby fat on her face, there was none. Instead a well-defined, heart shaped face was in its place. When once those deep brown eyes held innocence, now they were smoldering and held defiance and pure, raw emotion that made him hold his gaze where he shouldn’t. Her soft reddish-brown hair flowed behind her as if she had a fiery visage. And her body…she had definitely grown from the petite girl for sure. Perfect natural curves molded inside the tank-top and jeans she was wearing and by the way she felt pressed against his body in what she thought was just a platonic hug, he could fell the nice, tantalizing visage of her breasts. Not to mention the mesmerizing scent clinging to her body, the scent of Valentine’s Day: a burning fireplace, rich Swiss chocolate, and freshly bloomed roses. It took all of him to let go of her and when she smiled at him with those ruby red lips, it was a chore to not pull her back in and relish in her.

There’s so much I need to tell you! Breaking out of his stupor of the past and his appreciation of how his long-time-love had grown, he looked at Marine who had a really, really excited look on her face as she grasped Elora’s hand and tugged her along. And so much you need to know about! We have so many things to discuss and plan about the vacation as well!!!

I know, right. Elora nodded, her own eyes looking interested. Well our flight’s going to take a while. How about you start telling me what all is going on with our good old home?

Well as much as I want to believe you, our flight is boarding. Shall we go then? Bram said, pointing towards the ‘now boarding’ sign on the plane. Elora nodded and looked at a disappointed-looking Marine who just wanted to sit down and gossip with Elora. But they had an entire plane ride to go through, and that was what she was looking forward to.

As they walked ahead, Bram was still looking at Elora, appreciating how she had grown. She was still only twenty years old and had just come out of her teenage years and yet she was really beautiful.

It turned out that their seats were close to each other, Bram was getting the window seat while Elora and Marine sat beside each other, looking keen to gossip about all that was going on in the world. And the way that they talked, it was going to be strange as hell.

So, what is your plan for this vacation? Leaning on the hand-rest of the seat, Marine leaned forward. From where Bram was sitting, he could see his girlfriend’s own figure highlighted against the shirt and jeans she was wearing and he had to appreciate her figure as well. While no Elora, she definitely was good looking with her naturally pale skin. I have been looking forward to this so much! Like, honestly!

I know, so have I actually. Elora smiled, her eyes glinting. I have heard so much about Thailand and Chaing Mai that it’s getting a bit ridiculous. My boss, the warden of the library, couldn’t stop talking about the historical semblance of this site. It is so mystifying and so elegant in nature that I couldn’t help but search more about it.

Ooh...what all did you find? Marine asked, looking interested. You are the most studious out of all of us and also the most interested in history.

"Well, I have heard and recorded a lot of tales about the entire caves and all, but that is a bit of a long story. How about you tell me about home? How are things back at our old stomping grounds?"

Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree from Hell, as Bram would describe it. There was no way in the eight flying hells that he was going to say they were like a real Christmas tree. Nope, the intent behind those blue eyes was definitely horrifying.

Oh…well. Where should I start? Hm...yes! I know! Let’s start with myself and Bram. So, one day I come to our apartment to find Bram working on something on his computer. I honestly didn’t know what it was, but I was sure that it wasn’t something I was meant to know.

Was it porn? Elora asked bluntly. Bram coughed out, choking his surprise, and Marine giggled. It was, wasn’t it?

No, though I wish it was; it could have been good blackmail. Marine giggled. But it was actually a novel that he was writing. It was a cute, fluffy, romance novel.

Romance novel? Since when does Bram write? Let alone romance? Elora asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at Bram, who was now heavily blushing. Wow, you’re really changing huh? I can’t believe it, honestly speaking.

H-hey... Bram tried to protest but, of course, he couldn’t against Elora. Elora just giggled and let the curiosity pass on and instead looked at Marine again.

So...I was looking at what he was writing and I found he was actually writing a scene where the guy proposes to the girl to be his girlfriend. I was shocked that he was writing such a good scene, Marine said, her eyes sparkling. So I asked him why he acted dense all the time. He replied that he was not dense and understood love and romance as much as the next person. My reply was to tell him that he was as dense as a rock, and one thing lead to another before I know it, he’s kissing me.

I am pretty sure that there is nothing ‘romantic’ about this, Elora said dryly. So you had an argument about how dense Bram is, and then suddenly Bram is kissing you. Is that how your relationship started?

Well, that and through a lot of arguments over who is better in chess, Bram said softly so no one could hear it. Marine was busy giggling with a fond, happy look on her face. And judging by the look that Elora had, despite her reservations, she was happy as well. And that thought really made him worry about his own future that he was dreaming about with Elora. But that is how our relationship started, yes.

Wow that is something, Elora muttered. So what do the two of you do now?

Oh, I am studying to become a hotel manager, and Bram is currently in his third year in journalism, Marine replied. You’re still in archaeology, huh?

Yeah, I am. Elora smiled slightly. And I’m a librarian now.

That’s so cool! I love books. Marine almost gushed out and for once Elora was once again reminded of the past when the two of them would play with their toys. But all were old now, really old. So what did you find about Chaing Mai?

Oh, well, first of all that the lost temples aren’t actually lost. It is more like the extremely hidden temples, Elora said, remembering all that she had written. And there are also some really spooky stories. One of the stories I read about the temple was that there were some kids in there who went inside of the temple one day. It was late at night and they were trying to open a door that couldn’t open. So they were going to blast it with explosives, but then rumours popped up about how there was a monster inside of the temples as the children came out with scars so deep and grotesque that not even plastic surgery could hide them. One of the children was also driven mad.

Wow, that’s hard-core, Marine whispered. Bram didn’t look concerned. Stories were, after all, stories. Imagine us going in there.

Yeah, you’re right. Elora nodded, snorting. I don’t believe in all that bull, but it is an intriguing rumour. But you don’t need to worry, you have a hunk of a boyfriend to save you like the knight in shining armour he is.

Marine smiled and Bram rolled his eyes. He then cuffed Marine on the back of her head to banish any thoughts that weren’t needed in such a situation. Then Marine suddenly looked at Elora, confused.

By the way, Marine looked curiously at Elora. "Don’t you have a