The Demon Prince: Of Knights and Monsters, #3

By Corinne M Knight

At the illustrious Roslyn Academy, the Order of the Dragon meticulously cultivates the supernatural creatures that benefit their agenda.

 

Jade was abandoned by her mother and has been alone ever since, yet she finds solace in Roslyn being her home. When a sinister power broods over their campus, she courageously undertakes to discover who is behind it - no matter the cost. 

 

Ashley Rex, a new student at RA, is immediately captivated by Jade in more ways than one. But with a devastating secret looming in the background, can she really accept him for who he is? Or will his truth come back to haunt him?

 

When an inferno engulfs the Old Mill that leaves one of their classmates dead, all attention turns to Ash and his strange behaviour. Knowing he would face an unfair trial, Jade grabs his hand and mysteriously transports them into a barren desert far away from the school. With no visible means of escape and nightfall clawing at their heels, they must find a way out swiftly. 

 

As they trudge through the ruthless sun, Jade eventually succumbs to fatigue and Ash is compelled to carry her into a nearby cave. Upon Jade regaining consciousness, they are presented with an unwelcome reception of armoured soldiers sent by their ominous sovereign to deliver them to the vicious queen. 

 

Will Jade and Ash make it back to the academy? Or will their destiny be sealed in the merciless land of the desert queen?

 

***

 

The Demon Prince is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy third novella in the Of Knights and Monsters series. This fast-paced story of love, courage, and coming-of-age is set in Roslyn Academy (England, UK), and in the Fae Realm of Eseron and features secret societies, supernatural creatures, and action-packed adventure with a side of otherworldly realms, epic battles and forbidden love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Guanyin Publishing
• Release date: Apr 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215806821

Book preview

Roslyn Academy

Jade stepped into the silver mists of the veil, the boundary that divided the waking world from the dreamland. She had practised lucid dreaming techniques for months and now she felt ready to do this on her own, without being pulled into a dream state by someone else.

As she ventured forward cautiously, a chill swept through her, and she sensed this new realm calling out to her. The mists twirled around her, eager for her to enter. A peculiar mix of emotion and energy surged through her, causing her heart to race in response.

Jade was now standing between two worlds, the conscious world and the realm of dreams. For a moment, she paused and looked back, beholding the waking realm with a newfound appreciation. Then she turned to face the new world and walked forward, unafraid and ready for whatever was to come.

As soon as she arrived, she found herself surrounded by a blanket of snow. The fog hung low over the river and the air had taken on a mistiness that blurred her vision. While she walked the narrow path that led to the citadel, the ground treacherous beneath her feet, she noticed the river was frozen over and a tomb-like silence enveloped the land.

Jade felt an uneasiness in her chest as she realised the change in seasons meant that something had gone wrong. She picked up the pace and hoped nothing had happened to the prince who had been there to help her countless times. As she arrived at the fortress, she saw parts of it had been destroyed; the towers looked like they had been hit by missiles, and various chunks of debris lay scattered around the area.

Her hands trembled as she opened the inconspicuous little iron gate that led to the sunken garden, and there was Ashlan, facing away from her, observing the black tulips. He seemed deep in thought, his head slightly tilted to the side and his crown perched atop his wavy raven hair.

Jade exhaled a sigh of relief. He was okay. She had been expecting something terrible for a moment, her emotions running wild. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and found him facing her, their gazes connecting.

Jade’s expression softened to admiration as she took in the sight of Ashlan. He was the Prince of Valoraa, yet he didn’t carry himself like royalty. A two-piece suit of midnight blue made him look almost commonplace. His skin was as pale as porcelain and his eyes were the colour of the sea. He had full, deep-red lips, giving him an immortal elegance. Although his royal robes were absent, his ethereal beauty beamed through, leaving no doubt about his royal status.

I’m glad you came, he said, smiling sheepishly.

What happened? Why did the weather change and why is the castle damaged? Jade asked.

My magic mirrors the chaos in my heart. I should’ve stayed away, but I didn’t want to alarm you. He conjured a fur coat and draped it around her shoulders. This will help you stay warm. I couldn’t bear to see you shivering.

I’m glad you’re here, but you must tell me what made you so upset. I know this world was created by you, and I feel your pain deeply.

My father is adamant that I marry soon so I can produce an heir and maintain the line of succession for the throne. After all, my sisters cannot become queens. He tsked, a slight frown appearing on his brow. But the idea of marriage does not appeal to me. Instead, I desire to use my magical abilities to explore distant lands.

Jade stepped closer, her fingers tracing lightly through his hair while she tried to soothe him. Secretly, she wished they could travel together. Ashlan had become her confidant ever since she began visiting the dreamland. But her heart coveted more than that.

Can’t you use your abilities to escape this place?

It isn’t as simple as one may assume. The Valoraans are cursed to remain inside their realm. It’s an old spell put in place by the devil himself. I’ve only been able to find a dreamland loop, but I lack the strength to break free of it.

Is there anything I can do to help? It’s torture to see you in this much pain.

Ashlan shook his head, stepping away from Jade. The evil of my world can travel through all worlds. I cannot put you in harm’s way.

I’m not worried. I’m shielded by ancient magic, and I know I’m the only one who can help you. Jade looked him in the eyes and smiled, believing he knew what must be done.

I cannot bring about your demise. You’re my only friend. He sighed.

Jade wondered if Ashlan’s lack of faith in her stemmed from her mother abandoning her at the academy. That he didn’t want her help because he and she were just as helpless as each other.

No. She couldn’t be too hard on herself. Ashlan had come into her life when she had called to the heavens in desperation. He saved her from a dark and miserable life, and she would do anything in return to help him.

Stop overthinking it. The academy is like a fortress. Nothing evil can get there.

If that is your wish… I only hope that when the time comes, I will be strong enough to keep you safe. But for now, I must take some of your magic.

Ashlan unrolled a spell-infused parchment and his chants reverberated around the garden, becoming more urgent as he clamped his hand onto Jade’s wrist as he drained away her life force. Agony surged through her veins like molten lava, searing her whole body and scorching her soul. She writhed and begged for mercy, but Ashlan’s will was unstoppable. He gripped her tighter as he continued his incantations, his voice rising in crescendo until Jade felt like she was being ripped in two. Then suddenly, everything turned to darkness, and the torment evaporated.

Jade’s eyes flew open as her consciousness returned to the human realm. She felt the softness of the bedding and the warmth of the flames. The aroma of a crackling fire and burning wood reminded her she was back at the academy. Taking a deep breath, she dabbed a corner of her sheet to her forehead, wiping away the sweat.

She attempted to return to the realm of dreams, but something restrained her. Why would he betray her like this? After all the moments they had shared, how could it conclude in such a manner? Ashlan had appeared in her dreams countless times, revealing wonders that seemed only possible in fantasies.

Her thoughts drifted back to the day their paths first crossed. Abandoned by her mother at the academy, she had felt utterly alone, turning to any deity who might lend an ear. In those initial months, loneliness and sorrow gnawed away at her, threatening to consume her entirely. Until, in a moment of desperation, she made a fateful