The Dark Heir: Of Knights and Monsters, #1

By Corinne M Knight

The Order of the Dragon looms ominously over Europe, controlling and manipulating every supernatural creature within its grasp.

 

When member Lucien de Winter is assigned a case that involves mysterious demonic activity at a privileged academy, he meets Avery, whose electric spirit captivates him.

 

Avery can't help but be pulled into the maelstrom of danger and supernatural creatures surrounding Lucien. With no idea of what lies ahead, she knows she must do whatever it takes to help Lucien stay alive.

 

But when Lucien is forcefully turned into a vampire, the Order ruthlessly dispatches its knights to hunt him down.

 

Embarking on a perilous journey across Europe, Lucien must find Vlad Dracula—the one person who can save them both and tear apart the Order of the Dragon forever.

 

***

 

The Dark Heir is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy first novella in the Of Knights and Monsters series. The story is set in Roslyn Academy (England, UK), Blois (France) and Bran (Romania), and features secret societies, supernatural creatures, demonic activity and action-packed adventure with a side of perilous journeys and forbidden love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Guanyin Publishing
• Release date: Apr 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201258122

Book preview

Roslyn Academy

Tick tock. Tick tock.

Lucien de Winter was sitting in the headmaster’s office, watching the mechanical cuckoo clock swing its pendulum from side to side.

He was waiting for the elderly man to finish reading a document he had brought from the Order. While Mr Brunner took his time, almost like he was doing it on purpose, Lucien found the workings of the machinery fascinating.

Your file says you’re twenty-one, Mr de Winter.

Yes, sir. I’ll be twenty-two next summer.

Very well. You look about eighteen to me, which is to your advantage.

The young man nodded in understanding. He knew his youthful appearance, more than his combat skills or attractiveness, was the reason he stood out from other talented candidates. While he wasn’t fond of looking much younger than his age, it gave him an edge in blending in and investigating violations against the Order and various supernatural occurrences.

So, why here? the headmaster enquired. Why Roslyn Academy?

I can’t divulge much, sir, Lucien explained, his tone guarded. They’ve assigned me to this task with the strictest confidentiality. You’re the sole individual authorised to be aware of my true identity, granted access by my credentials and the letter from the organization’s head. Any further details are strictly on a need-to-know basis.

You should give me something to work with. I demand to be informed of what I’m dealing with here, the headmaster snapped, his nostrils flaring. What division of the Order are you from?

I’m a knight. A high-ranking member. Disciples get this by training most of their lives.

Then you’re no novice. Tell me, should I be worried?

Lucien grinned. Old man, I suggest you start praying. If the rumours hold any truth, you’ll be dealing with some demonic activities. But if I discover you’re involved, no deity will come to your aid.

Mr. de Winter, you seem to have misunderstood. I recommend that you conduct a thorough investigation before assigning blame. Despite your claims of expertise as a knight, you appear to be inexperienced, akin to a novice on his maiden assignment.

Lucien was certain the headmaster had something to do with the demonic activity. He’d used this cheap tactic to unnerve him, and it worked. The fool fell right into his trap. The man before him was hiding something. He didn't know what it was, but it had a connection to the issue at hand.

Let’s pray you’re right, then, for the sake of the students. It would be a shame to skin you alive. He chuckled.

Until tomorrow, Mr de Winter. The headmaster dismissed the knight.

See you tomorrow, Mr Brunner. Lucien got up from the chair and made his way to the exit.

He opened the heavy wooden-panelled door carved with an intricate pattern as he heard the older man shout after him. Don’t forget to pick up your uniform from my secretary, Mr de Winter.

How could I forget such an important detail? He laughed. Blending in was his speciality. Countless missions and hundreds of hours of training made him who he was today. A killing machine trained to do the bidding of his higher-ups, all in the Order’s name.

As he ventured into the hallway, Lucien collided with a brunette girl who appeared to be a student, judging by her uniform. Her blue blazer, white shirt, black tie, blue pleated skirt, and high ponytail suggested as much. However, he couldn’t help but notice how short her skirt was, a detail that struck him as indecent. He gazed at her, his throat tightening. Despite her petite and delicate appearance, she exuded an air of danger akin to a cursed rose adorned with poisonous thorns—beautiful yet deadly.

The girl’s looks disarmed Lucien. She had long, raven hair, with loose tendrils framing her face. Dark, sparkling eyes—which weren’t the usual European shape—enhanced her beauty. He coughed, composing himself.

She was standing in one of those spots that echo every sound in a room. How did he know that? He used the same trick on the old man moments before stepping into his office.

Did nobody tell you it’s not polite to listen to people’s conversations? he chided her. She clearly needed to be taught a lesson.

The girl’s pretty mouth turned into an ‘o’, then she smiled.

I just got here. An expression of satisfaction played in her eyes. Rumour has it you’re the new student, and I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. Tell me, what brings you here? Where did you study before?

She fired off questions left and right, catching him off guard. His eyes couldn’t help but stray to her rosy, plump lips as she talked. Part of him wished she’d just leave, but another part enjoyed having her around.

I'll give you an answer, but only if you spill the deets on what brings you here, Lucien replied nonchalantly. Did she get sent to spy on him by his higher-ups? No, that wasn’t possible. Someone as young as her wouldn’t be an agent of the Order, would they?

You’re used to getting your way, aren’t you? She sighed. Very well. My friend told me a good-looking guy walked into the headmaster’s office. I had to see if it was true.

Is that so? Lucien asked, an eyebrow lifted in curiosity. Was she attracted to him? Suddenly, his task became much more intriguing.

Nah, but you’ll do. She laughed, and it wasn’t a nervous cackle. The girl looked smug with confidence, like she knew something he didn’t.

I’ll do? That’s quite bold of you, little girl. His eyes sparkled with irritation. Just who did she think she was? He had nearly tripped over her when he exited the headmaster’s office, all thanks to her carelessness.

One, two, three, and calm down. She’s just a vexing student. You’ve seen her type before.

Hey, listen. There’s a big party tonight at the usual spot where everyone hangs out. Want to come? She flashed him a delighted grin. Something was off. Why didn’t she have a witty response to his remark?

Despite finding her personality somewhat grating, the chance to do a bit of sleuthing was too good to miss. He decided it was time to turn the tables on her. With a smile, he prepared to play his part.

I’ll be there. Who would say no to that? Lucien replied, giving her an overly flirtatious look.

Just so we’re clear, this isn’t a date, all right? I’m doing you a favour. It’s going to be packed with some of the academy’s top students. You don’t strike me as the nerd type, she retorted, her eyes narrowing.

If you say so. He stepped closer, reducing the space between them. Leaning in, he trifled with the idea of kissing her, curious about her