Adanya Tebbet-Theus and the Dark Mask: A Family Legacy, #3

By Iuliana Foos

An overlord cursed to spend his days as a ruthless, emotionless beast of a man; a woman hell-bent on revenge; when these two meet, heaven and earth implode.

 

Driven by hatred and a thirst for revenge, Adanya wants nothing more than to kill the tyrant Overlord Xarrix, the beast behind the mask. Until he, the man she holds responsible for her parents' deaths, blackmails her into marrying him.

 

From behind the safety of his mask, Xarrix has taken the galaxy hostage with his impressive armada, as well as enough secrets to bend anyone's will. A prophecy reveals the beauty determined to end his life is the key to his hidden desire for peace—if he can conquer her heart.

 

When worlds and swords collide, Adanya and Xarrix are unprepared for hatred to turn into love. Crossing the line between enemies to lovers, proves to be a much higher price for the desired peace than either were prepared for. Only one question remains: can they find love and bring about peace before one of them dies?

 

**This is a sweet, closed door romance for ages 14+.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DLG Publishing Partners
• Release date: Jul 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201976583

Book preview

Chapter 1

Adanya

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A couple of weeks after the third anniversary of her parents’ deaths, Adanya, clad in a black leather suit—her second skin—activated the holoprojector. In the privacy of her cabin, she allowed inner rage to fill every ounce of her body.

The translucent, orange-hued, projected image of Overlord Xarrix Kreider, the sole target of her hatred, sprung to life-sized height, floating about two feet off the ground.

You’re a murderer. You killed my mom. A loud pulse roared in her ears.

Hands closed around the two sword hilts, Adanya removed them from the belt around her waist.

A press of the buttons, and the new, indestructible metal—durasteen poured from the handles, shaping into almost three feet long, double-edged thin blades.

Light reflected off the shiny surface of the weapons, and Adanya unleashed all her anger upon the hologram. I hate you.

In a flurry of rapid movements, she stabbed and slashed through nothing but air. The overlord’s image didn’t even flicker.

Sheer power swirled around the frozen hologram. A mask covered the left side of his face, leaving only his right eye and cheek visible.

Adanya walked a circle around the projection.

Because of you, I didn’t even have my parents’ bodies, to offer them a proper funeral. You monster.

The memory of their deaths fueled another violent attack.

For three long years, she has trained and waited. The recordings—transmitted across the galaxy—showed her parents losing their lives during a fight inside the infamous throne room of Baruul. Shocked, she couldn’t shed not even one tear when she watched the images for the first time. Now, she wanted nothing more than to kill the man responsible.

Xarrix’s father, Overlord Vorek Kreider, had defeated Adanya’s father in an unfair battle.

A growl ripped from her throat, like it did every time she relived the painful memory of that day.

The archives praised her mother for killing the cruel Lord Vorek—her shot perfect, but she had lost the fight to Overlord Xarrix’s powerful energy attack. Both her parents had perished, with the whole galaxy as spectators.

You’re going to pay. With a precise, controlled movement, her twin swords plunged into the hologram’s chest.

A flick of her wrists and the blades retracted.

Heated, she lowered the zipper of the vest, and returned the hilts to their respective spots on her belt.

In the main room of the ship, her brother, Thane, and their cousin, Radox, carried on muffled conversations.

Adanya stared out the window. The spaceport, an opened-roof building, offered the same view from earlier, before they had landed on the Overlord’s home world.

Hundreds of slick, pewter-colored and golden-trimmed ships, swarmed around the world of Baruul, shining brighter than the stars beyond.

The famous Armada—a mystery nobody knows where it came from.

Her mouth dried, and Adanya grabbed a bottle of water from a nearby table, then opened the lid.

The liquid slid with coolness down her throat, it but failed to quench her thirst for revenge.

Damn, that’s a lot of ships considering most of them are deployed throughout the galaxy along with their blasted droids.

She twisted the cap on the water bottle and placed it on the same table, beside the leftovers of her dinner.

Nobody stands a chance against this.

Whispers and the echoing sound of steps stopped. Doors slid, hissing throughout the ship.

Yeah, was about time they went to sleep. She rose and stretched her arms overhead, then repositioned the weapons on her hips. I have work to do.

Earlier in the day, her brother and cousin had forced her to stay behind while they went out on a recon mission on Baruul. But she wasn’t going to let an opportunity like this pass by.

Adanya rummaged through the travel bag and fished out her mother’s brooch—a disguised cloaking device.

For a short moment, she stared at the oversized emerald, remembering how it always made her mother’s eyes sparkle.

I miss you, but—palming the gem, she held it to her chest then slid it into a hidden pocket in her vest—I promise to make you proud, Mom. She blinked away pooling tears.

Ear against the door, Adanya listened for any sounds coming from the ship’s corridors. Nothing but silence.

They’ll be sound asleep soon. It’s my turn to go out.

As an extra measure of safety, Adanya waited a little longer. Nimble fingers worked the buttons of the bracer on her left wrist until the palace’s schematics popped into a tridimensional map.

She had memorized it the moment she’d got it. However, checking it one more time wouldn’t hurt.

Her plan, to sneak into the throne room of the most hated man in the galaxy, was going to test her, a feat she looked forward to.

Adanya patted the pocket hiding the brooch, mentally going over the details of her adventure to come.

A light hiss came from the acclimatization system cycling to save power, assuring her the ship had gone to sleep for the night.

Lights had long since dimmed or turned off in different parts of the aircraft. Adanya inhaled, preparing herself for the task ahead.

In a different time zone from the spaceport, the palace was in a district three hours behind.

Perfect timing. Adanya grinned. Maybe I’ll find Xarrix in his throne room—preferably alone.

With a deep breath, she exited the cabin, tiptoeing her way out of the ship.

Public portals took her as far as the edge of the somber district. From there, she took advantage of the trees and bushes in short breaks, demanded by the cloaking device mechanism, avoiding being seen by any of the guards posted or patrolling the grounds.

Her mother’s brooch, helpful in its own right, had a downside. The temporary invisibility properties required frequent recharging. Having to wait thirty seconds after two minutes of use, raised the issue of taking cover.

Entering the palace offered a welcome challenge, and every column, niche and statue decorating the corridors had become her new allies. Getting out, after taking her revenge, was the easy part—portals spread throughout would take her to the spaceport.

If I make it out alive, she thought to herself.

Either way, the man she held responsible for her parents’ deaths had to die tonight—at her hand.

Chapter 2

Xarrix

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Blade in hand, Xarrix knelt in front of the blue flames. Stale air filled the underground temple—a simple room with a stone altar in the middle.

With one short movement, he slid the edge of the dagger across the palm of his right hand, then closed his fingers into a fist.

Perfectly round droplets fell into the eternal fire with a light sizzle. As if accepting his offering, the flames danced higher, brighter.

Oracle, speak to me. His words echoed against rough, uneven walls.

Eyes closed, Xarrix inhaled the familiar, sweet incense burning, then exhaled a slow, controlled breath, steadying his mind.

You called, My Lord? The melodious voice reached his ears.

Her presence charged the air with renewed energy.

Reopening his eyes, he met the oracle’s glowing gaze.

A delicate apparition wrapped in white, floated a few feet above the ground only steps away from him. Silver hair swirled around her face as if winds accompanied her.

I need answers. Xarrix rose to his feet.

To what questions? The spirit sashayed closer.

A long time ago, you predicted the war, my father’s demise, and the coming of a millennia-long peace.

All of them true. Your father died at the hands of a woman, and you’re dominating an entire galaxy. Her words brought in his mind victorious memories along with painful ones. You are the new Overlord, the one who will bring lasting peace.

How? There is no peace in sight. At least not in the way I desire.

For a few seconds, the apparition floated around, as if searching for words.

In the simplest possible way—love.

Unlikely. I locked my emotions away a long time ago.

A woman seeking retribution will come to you. She’s the key. If you succeed in making her fall in love with you, she’ll be your wife, the mother of your children.

Xarrix furrowed his brows. A wife, children, a family, none were part of his immediate plans—at a later time, perhaps, but not now.

How am I going to do that?

You’ll know when the time comes, but if you fail, she will bring about your demise.

And when will this happen? Frustration at her cryptic answers nipped at his self-control.

Again, the spirit made a complete circle around the room’s crude walls, delaying her answer. She’s here, on this world.

Soon, then? Xarrix clasped his hands behind him.

So, someone has the temerity to attempt an assassination here, in my palace? The thought both amused and intrigued him.

Nobody had ever bested him in combat, though many men had tried. An energy user, gifted or cursed, depending on one’s perspective, with special abilities, he had defeated all who had sought his downfall. And now, a woman comes forth? Interesting.

Yes, soon. The oracle stopped in front of him. It won’t be an easy task. But stay focused, and you will prevail.

How convenient. Xarrix contained his irritation. That lets you off the hook.

A smile parted her lips. My job was to guide the chosen ones and to predict the upcoming events. You must figure out the how.

She floated away from him, the ends of the soft fabric of her dress caressing the air.

This is the last time we shall see each other.

What do you mean? Xarrix squared his shoulders.

The sacred energies created me to show the Kreider dynasty the way. You alone will reach the destination. The woman opened her arms upward. Now free, I may embrace the tides of rest after one thousand years of being trapped between worlds.

What about my children? Who will guide them? Xarrix took a few steps toward the fading apparition.

They will carve their destinies in a peaceful world. Each word came out softer, as if from a greater distance. My mission is complete.

And what if I still need you?

You won’t. Keep your eyes and your mind open, My Lord. The answers you seek lay within you. Farewell. With a twirl, she disappeared, leaving him alone.

Unsatisfied with the answers, Xarrix returned to his throne room.

Statue-like guards lined the corridor leading to the open double doors. Sometimes he had a hard time remembering that inside the shiny armors were people.

In a way, he preferred the droids. No emotions, no questions, no complications. They only executed orders.

In the vast space, he gazed toward the domed glass ceiling.

His Armada sparkled in the evening sky. Before the mysterious fleets appeared out of nowhere years ago, Xarrix used to spend hours staring at the blinking stars.

A warrior, trained since he could walk, Xarrix had traveled across the galaxy, and ventured into the unknown territories beyond.

He had conquered new worlds, forced enemies to kneel before him. And now, he would fall in love with a woman who wanted him dead?

Impossible. She must’ve made a mistake.

Xarrix shook his head and signaled the guards posted inside the room to leave.

At the end of the black runner, atop four steps, he sat on his throne. Darkness surrounded him, like a comforting mist.

That damned oracle, and her confusing premonitions. His fist slammed against one of the armrests.

To his right, the control panel for the fleets forming the Armada and communications, blinked in the same lazy rhythm as always.

He had carried his family’s legacy and strengthened The Dark Legion of Baruul. One world at a time, his territories expanded beyond any known borders.

Peace, on his terms, was still a dream—one some unknown woman would help him achieve? How?

Xarrix let out a sigh and relaxed in his seat. Seconds ticked away into minutes, but no answers came to him.

A new, never felt before energy charged the air, as if the whole unseen universe had rearranged itself.

Perhaps his mind played tricks on him.

Xarrix rubbed his temple. A sudden spike in the surrounding energy chilled his spine.

There’s another energy user nearby. Or was it just the aftereffect of the oracle’s influence stirring in the air.

Eyes closed, Xarrix let the energy flow through him, reaching out, with invisible tendrils. A strong presence approached.

There was no mistake, a disruption in the darkness moved closer and closer, like a light growing brighter each second. He wasn’t alone in the throne room.

Show yourself. Not a particle moved.

Still connected to his enhanced senses, Xarrix tried to detect the source of the disturbance.

Materialized from thin air, only a few yards away, a woman stood before him.

Is she the assassin the oracle spoke about?

Bright green eyes stared at him from under thick, black lashes with a familiarity that caught him off guard. Had he met her before?

Flawless, light peach skin contrasting with dark, luscious waves of hair and pink lips, assured him he would’ve remembered the beauty before him.

Who are you? Xarrix leaned forward in his throne.

Whoa. You’re uglier in person than in those holos. Black pupils marking the center of her emerald irises dilated. I didn’t think it was possible.

You haven’t answered my question. Irritated, Xarrix rose to his feet.

Well, your hideousness took time to register. Arms crossed over her chest, forced his gaze to the daring décolleté of the tiny vest. Is that mask of yours hiding more ugly, or are you missing half your head?

"I’m not missing anything." Xarrix couldn’t help but notice her exposed midriff above the belt holding two sword handles.

So, in other words, just concealing more ugliness. A smirk tugged at her pink lips. But you’re still missing a hand. She nodded toward his left artificial replacement, made from the same pewter metal as his armor. You should know, out there—arm raised, she pointed toward space—in the real world, there is this thing called reconstructive surgery. Maybe you should consider it.

Xarrix closed his fists. Nobody mocked him and lived. Ever. I don’t need it. My hand is the latest technology in—

Pfft. It looks like you robbed a scrap yard and stole it from the first rusted droid you came across.

Her defiance should’ve infuriated him, but instead, it piqued his interest, even more than before. Is that why you came here? To insult me? Xarrix cleared the four steps down from his throne.

I’ve only stated a fact. It doesn’t count as an insult. Any other bits and pieces missing? She waved a hand up and down. A hint of mischievousness sparked in her eyes.

Everything’s in place. Xarrix took a confident step closer. You still haven’t answered my question.

Sorry, what’d you ask, again? Freaks distract me. She backed away from him, as if mentally measuring the distance and the reach of her weapons.

Who are you, and why are you here?

That’s two questions. Her hands wrapped around the sword hilts dangling on her hips.

For a second time his gaze glided over her slim body, from the high ponytail, to the thigh-high boots. A pretty package for sure, soft and warm—Xarrix shook off the desire to touch her. Answer me.

Let’s see, how I can formulate an adequate answer to both your inquiries? Another step back, and shiny, thin blades extended from her hilts. I’m the one who’s going to kill you.

Deep green lightning flashed along the edges of her swords.

You will try. Behind his mask, Xarrix arched his left brow. But you will fail.

Aren’t you full of yourself. Her blades cut through the air in two circles, taunting him.

You look familiar. Xarrix straightened his spine. Despite the threat, he didn’t reach for his weapon.

I should. You killed my mother. Cold, green flames of anger danced in her eyes, shooting hateful arrows toward him.

Lady Tebbet-Theus. He finally recognized the eyes etched in his memory. She killed my father.

Only because that lunatic killed mine. What did you expect her to do? Send him a thank you note? Her tone scaled upward, the first sign of losing control. So, to keep it all in the family, I’ll kill you, and be even.

Is that so? Xarrix advanced toward her. For each of his steps forward, she countered, keeping a steady distance between them.

Cocky, arrogant, and a superiority complex—her brows furrowed—fight me, you coward.

Are you sure that’s what you want? A fight?

She launched toward him, her short fuse finally ignited.

Energy flowed through Xarrix, reflexes and muscle memory kicked in. His right arm extended. Light golden ribbons of energy traveled toward the woman with green eyes. The flowing threads enclosed in a translucent, glowing bubble, levitating