Body of Jewels: The Rise of Jinn, #1

By Abby McCormick

"Do you want to make a wish?" "No," Alex snapped, his impatience palpable. "I can handle this myself." He swiftly removed the plastic protector from his driver's license, expertly maneuvering it into the door's crack, unlocking it with a fluid motion. Layla made a huffing sound.

 

Alex Blackwood has a genie he never asked for, and another burden on his hands. Now he has to fend off accusations of being behind his fencing partner's disappearance and brush off every opportunity Layla presents to make his wishes. But Alex' fierce independence makes it difficult for him to accept help from others or trust anyone with his secrets. Now he has to find a way to navigate his father's deadly cult and rescue Claudia before she is killed. Can Layla help him or will she just get in the way?

 

Embark on an enchanting journey in this mesmerizing first installment of The Rise of Jinn series. This adult epic fantasy intricately weaves romance, mystery, and suspense into its captivating narrative. Drawing inspiration from the allure of Aladdin and Arabian Nights, this tale immerses you in a world of cults, genies, and men who battle for dominance. Experience the magic and unravel the secrets as you begin The Rise of Jinn series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abby McCormick
• Release date: Oct 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223365778

Abby McCormick

Abby likes to think she’s a mom of many children. She has a pet bunny, way too many plants, but only one child. She hopes to foster and adopt to fulfill her nurturing instinct. Living in a world of kitty cats and rainbows, as her husband says, Abby tries to see the optimistic side of life, even though it can sometimes be hard. Her books provide her with a way to shine light on the most important parts of life: love. Her books, though ranging across several micro genres, explore stories of forbidden romance. She believes that love can prevail despite challenges presented by difficult circumstances, societal taboos, and cultural barriers, proving that sometimes, our hearts find solace in the most unexpected of places.

Book preview

CHAPTER one

Lost and Found

A SHAME YOUR USUAL SPARRING PARTNER wasn’t here to give you an easy victory, Nathaniel taunted, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as they removed their masks, stepping off the piste.

Save your taunts for someone who cares, Alex retorted, his voice dripping with a raw edge.

He exuded an air of cold detachment as he turned on his heels and strode away. Beneath his seemingly aloof exterior, a storm of conflicting emotions raged within him, twisting and churning. The absence of Claudia, conspicuous and haunting, left an unsettling void that gnawed at his core. How could anyone concentrate when her absence loomed over everything?

Alex's gaze lingered on the door, his anticipation palpable as he half expected Claudia to grace the threshold and apologize for her absence, their routine duel hanging in the balance. In his imagination, he played out the scene with practiced grace, accepting her apology with a gracious smile before engaging in a spirited sparring session.

But the scene that unfolded before him shattered his hopeful reverie. Instead of Claudia's lively presence, a figure cloaked in a somber suit loomed in the mahogany doorway, casting an ominous shadow.

The sight of his father, Professor Cornelius Blackwood, sent a shiver down Alex's spine. The stark contrast between his father's medium-length white hair, meticulously plastered back in an aristocratic manner, and the sharpness of his dark gray eyebrows emphasized his severity. A neatly trimmed white beard framed his father's face, adding to his air of distinction and authority.

Alex met his father's gaze, swiftly concealing the fleeting flicker of hope that had briefly illuminated his features. In its place, a facade of composure and detachment settled over him like a mask.

His father's eyes, piercing and calculating, bore into his own, their depths revealing a mix of paternal authority and a touch of amusement. The weight of his father's presence hung in the air, the unspoken expectations, and the constant desire to impress him weighing heavily on Alex's shoulders.

You look disappointed to see me, his father remarked, a subtle arrogance lacing his tone, a familiar feature that Alex had grown accustomed to. He tightened his grip on the strap of his bag, a reflexive response to the tension that simmered beneath the surface.

Maintaining his composed facade, Alex met his father's gaze with an icy coolness that mirrored the man before him. He adjusted his bag on his shoulder, a slight movement betraying his underlying unease.

Not at all, Alex replied, carefully selecting his words. I was simply expecting someone else.

His father's eyebrows arched, a spark of curiosity gleaming in his eyes. Leaning in, he feigned innocence as he probed further.

Oh. And who might that be?

Just a classmate, Alex responded, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. Claudia.

An indecipherable look flickered in his father's eyes, swiftly replaced by a dismissive wave of his hand. His condescending tone took center stage.

I wouldn't dwell on it too much. She probably couldn't handle the rigors of Harvard. It takes a certain caliber to thrive here.

Isn't she at the top of your history class? Alex's voice dripped with disdain. His jaw clenched, his patience wearing thin as his father callously dismissed Claudia's achievements. The audacity of Cornelius to overlook Claudia's dedication and potential fueled a blazing resentment within Alex.

Despite the reverence owed to a father, Alex couldn't help but question Cornelius's true intentions and the knowledge he might be concealing.

I have come with an invitation. I've been gone for a while, and I believe it's time for us to reconnect, Cornelius stated, his voice carrying a subtle edge, as if daring Alex to challenge him. The tension from the fencing classroom still lingered, fueling their exchange.

Alex narrowed his eyes, his own determination shining through. Reconnect? After all this time? What's the real game you're playing, Father? His suspicion remained steadfast, refusing to be swayed by his father's sudden overture.

Cornelius smirked, his gaze filled with calculated confidence. Ah, always so suspicious, Alex. Perhaps I've come to recognize your potential. Or maybe I have something to offer that you can't resist. His words dripped with a daring insinuation, teasing Alex's curiosity.

The tension in the air thickened as the conversation veered into dangerous territory. Alex leaned forward, his voice laced with defiance. Don't think your empty promises and veiled intentions impress me. I know better than to trust your words. The scars of past deceptions fueled his skepticism, guarding him against the allure of false hope.

A flash of annoyance flickered across Cornelius's face, quickly replaced by a mask of feigned innocence. "You judge me too harshly, son. There's more to this invitation than meets the eye, yes. But rest assured, I'm not here to play games. This is an