Shifter's Retribution: The Immortal Opus, #3

By Angelique S. Anderson

Fable-Shifters Hope and Castiel are doing all that they can to keep what's left of their race, alive. 

Only Lucien has torn through the kingdoms turning the humans, and their protectors, against each other. 

The Omniscients have been silent, while everyone around the Fable-Shifters is dying. It appears as if Lucien has won.

When Castiel takes off to Terra Enim to sacrifice his life, and fight Lucien himself, Hope will have to make a decision that may affect the rest of the world as we know it. 

In the final book of the Immortal Opus series, when all hope is lost—A terrible battle will take place at Terra Enim. 

With great love comes great sacrifice, and in this heartbreaking conclusion—Only one side will come out victorious.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angelique S. Anderson
• Release date: Feb 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201627317

Angelique S. Anderson

An Avid mover, adventurer and chaser of dreams. She began her journey in Kalispell, Montana. Singer and songwriter in hobby, she is the mother to four precocious little ones and lover of all animals. She hopes to encourage others with her journey and passion for life. She is currently off adventuring in Stockton, Ca with her high school sweetheart.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Beginning of the End

Castiel didnt want to be here at this moment. He didnt want to be saying his final good-byes with men who had committed to lay their lives down. The adrenaline coursed through him so strongly, that it was almost painful. As much as he held out hope, he knew there would be no coming back. They were headed to their deaths.

He wasn’t alone in the terror that drove them forward; the men at his side felt the same way, it was all they could do to silence the deafening roar of the fear they felt in their minds. To say they were at a loss was an understatement.

They were all about to leave someone or something of importance behind—the feeling of solitary wrapping around them like a harsh glove.

I know, my friends, that we’re not just going into combat this time. We’re going to war. Everything we’ve ever overcome lays in the balance at this moment. We must muster the strength required of us to do this, and we will. Remember that we don’t fight alone but go with the power of the Omniscients. We have to trust that.

His encouragement barely mustered a response from them, as the people said their farewells, exchanging tearful good-byes.

Gabriel continued to half-heartedly make his way around to those he knew, giving hugs and handshakes as needed, his strong leather shoes making no sound. Sympathetic eyes exchanging glances with one another.

What if we never see each other again? Amelia asked.

We already know we will, in Elysium, Castiel responded.

It’s not enough. Have we not suffered enough? she shot back.

"We have suffered much at the hand of Lucien, but our suffering. All of our suffering—is about to be over," he said, kindness in his eyes.

Yes, Amelia, it is unfair. We know this, but our time here is almost over. Soon we’ll all be reunited, never again to experience pain or suffering, Gabriel offered, patting Castiel on the back in understanding, even as he stayed behind with Amelia and Hope.

It was not easy to face the road ahead of them, but they accepted their fate. There were only a few that didnt; Amelia was understandably one of them.

So many unanswered questions raced through their minds as if their thoughts were in unison.

Would this be the end of Lucien, finally and forever?

Alternatively, Castiel wondered if he genuinely would die. If they all would, would this be the end of them all, forever? Even though he fought to kick the idea out of his mind.

Please come back to me, Case. Please. You promised me. Hope interrupted his thoughts, even as he stood close to her, stroking her hair.

I will; I promise I will, he said as firmly as he could. He wanted to believe it; he wanted Hope to believe it. To trust that they had more time together, that one day they would have a little Hope and Case running around, but those days were far ahead, and all he could say at this moment was, I love you, beautiful Hope. Be strong… He squeezed her one last time, holding her against his vested chest and feeling the warmth of her once more before stepping away from her to hug Amelia.

Take care of her for me, he whispered to Amelia.

Of course, I will, Case. Just come back to us, Amelia said. She patted his shoulder reassuringly, giving him one last lingering look.

Case nodded again, and with that, he and the others traveling to Terra Enim promptly mounted their horses. They offered a brief wave and nod over their shoulders, as they headed Northward towards where it all started.

Hope watched Castiel’s strong back ride into the shadow of day until he was just a dot of dark in the distance. She sobbed as if she would never see him again; the finality of it hit her.

It was Amelia’s soft voice that spoke, and her gentle hand touched her shoulder.

Sweet Hope. This is not the end… surely, you must know that? Remember as Case said, you must know whatever darkness lies ahead; this is the start of a beautiful beginning. It is always darkest before the light. Wasn’t it Case that told us, that even if we all die we’ll be together again? We must not lose hope. Not now. Now come on, we have work and little ones to tend to. I need your help. I can’t do it all on my own.

Hope looked to Amelia; her eyes blurred from crying, and her gaze was met with kindness and a broken heart. There it was, right in her eyes. The evidence of years of pain tugging at the edges of Amelia’s hazel gaze. It was as if Hope could see the cloud that had descended over her face. Losing her daughter, then her son, and now possibly her husband. That would be too much for anyone. Only Amelia was here urging Hope on, comforting her in her time of sadness.

"Yes, of course, Amelia. I will do whatever you need me to do. I am sure Duke will come out of this soon, and then we will be unstoppable