The Eyes of Black: An Elemental Romance, #1

By Abby McCormick

In the enchanting world of ethereal beings that live amongst humanity, "The Eyes of Black" tells a captivating tale of forbidden love, difficult choices, and the courage to defy destiny. Step into a realm where angelic Air Elementals soar through the heavens, and secrets lie woven within the delicate fabric of their society.

At the heart of the story is Iris, a breathtakingly beautiful Air Elemental with an aura that radiates grace and ethereal power. Destined to uphold her family's traditions and expectations, Iris leads a life that appears perfect on the surface. But beneath her angelic facade lies a longing for something more, a desire to break free from the constraints of her predetermined path.

Enter Mr. Black, Iris's loyal and devoted butler, whose unassuming presence belies a heart brimming with unspoken affection. As they spend more time together, a bond forms, transcending the boundaries of their social roles. Love blossoms in the most unexpected of places, between an otherworldly being and a simple servant.

Caught between her duty and her heart's desire, Iris finds herself torn apart. Should she surrender to the expectations placed upon her, forsaking her true happiness? Or will she summon the strength to embrace her forbidden love, risking everything she holds dear?

As readers accompany Iris on her journey, they will be captivated by the inner conflicts that torment her, the undeniable chemistry between her and Mr. Black., and the timeless struggle between societal norms and the pursuit of personal fulfillment and the true nature of love and happiness. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the power of love to transcend boundaries.

"The Eyes of Black" is an alluring blend of fantasy, romance, and self-realization that will keep readers entranced from the first page to the last. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure, where the boundless depths of the heart collide with the fragile wings of an angel, and choices made will forever alter destinies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abby McCormick
• Release date: Oct 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223452515

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

First Edition: May 2023

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DEDICATION

To my beloved husband,

who transformed my darkest fears into a captivating fairytale,

just as Mr. Black did for Iris.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: Unveiling the Masquerade 1

Chapter 2: Familiar Strangers 7

Chapter 3: A Twist in the Tapestry 17

Chapter 4: A Night of Surprises 31

Chapter 5: Shadows and Confessions 41

Chapter 6: Rise of the Rebel Queen 55

Chapter 7: Secrets of Forbidden Desires 61

Chapter 8: Surrendering to Vulnerability 73

Chapter 9: Forced Alliances 89

Chapter 10: Defiance 93

CHAPTER one

Unveiling the Masquerade

IRIS SAT WITH HER FAMILY around the dining room table. Her mother and father opposed each other on the ends while Iris and her sister stared across the table at each other in the center. There were at least a dozen empty chairs separating the individuals so that no one was close enough to pass the sea salt. Of course, that was what the waiters were for.

The grand dining room was elegantly lit by candelabras on the table and sconces on the damask wallpaper. The sparse light created shadows on the far walls and made the crystal dinnerware glisten in rainbows.

Everyone’s posture was perfect, limbs moving gracefully, it wasn’t hard to tell they weren’t human. Their physical appearances also helped give it away: the unnatural hues of their eyes, the glossiness of their hair; the smoothness of their skin.

No one spoke as the butler, Mr. Black, had the waiters and waitresses deliver the sixth course. The other five had been equally silent.

Iris’ mother, Lilly, with her sharp face and frosted white lipstick, wore a pale pink Couture gown that was emblazoned with tiny pink flower appliqués. Her glistening diamonds, adorned on all parts of her body, complimented her crystal blue eyes strikingly. Her short white hair was in gentle finger waves; she had adopted the trend in the 1920’s and was hard-pressed to change it, too much like other parts of her life.

Iris, too, had snow white hair and pointed features, but her locks were confined under a pearl headband with a brooch that rested upon her forehead, giving her an oriental appearance, counterbalancing her doll-like features. She wore a sheer, nude dress, adorned with red and white d'esprit –placés embroidered roses, which came down to brush upon her plain gold sandals. Originally the neck of her gown had been high like her mother’s, but Iris had had it altered to expose what little cleavage she had. Her sharp bow lips were painted in a bold red lipstick and her translucent lavender irises were encircled by a thin layer of mascara.

Iris’ older sister, Cala, was wearing a colorless Couture gown by Christian Dior. It was neutral, strapless, and had a full skirt behind the hourglass waist. Her silver hair, as shiny as her liquid steel eyes, was swept back in a romantic chignon bun, but her fierce eyebrows, drawn in with dark charcoal, were anything but sweet. The lines on her face were severe as always, contrasting against her rounded lips and soft skin, all kept simple with little to no make-up.

The girls’ father, Ariston, was wearing a gray suit that coordinated with his hair and eyes. He was tall, muscular, and had broad shoulders. His square jaw was clean-shaven and his dark grey eyebrows sharp.

How was your week, Lilly? Ariston’s clear, powerful voice rumbled through the dining hall. She flicked her icy eyes to him precisely, despite the shadowy room.

It was lovely, she said as if it had been the best week of her eternal life and she was more than pleased to recall it to her husband on command.

She spoke of her trifling adventures in her lovely voice, which, like her hair, was soft, fluffy, and pleasing in its delicate tenants et aboutissants. Lilly finished her story and took a sip of her wine.

Iris was quite glad such dinners only took place once a week.

Ariston turned to Cala.

How has your ballet been coming along?

Fine, Iris’ sister said briskly, her face expressionless. She did not meet his gaze, which he turned to Iris after stagnant pause.

Iris, Roman is coming for dinner tomorrow night to discuss your future together, Ariston said to Iris. Of his handful of sentences, it was the first noteworthy thing he had said all night.

Cala’s fork clattered onto her plate creating a disturbance in the superficially serene environment. Iris watched her through her peripherals, appraising her reaction, as Cala paired back her shoulders and took a sip of her red wine, watching Iris closely from across the table with a menacing gaze. Cala was even more upset about the news than Iris was.

Lilly put her fork down and delicately patted her chilling lips with her linen napkin. She looked between her three dinner companions as if waiting to see who the next blow would come from.

Is that so? Iris asked starchily, putting down her own utensil with which she had been using to move her food around on her plate ever since it had been presented before her. Iris never had an appetite on Sunday nights.

Yes, Ariston said, dismissing her tone. Iris always had a tone. I realize you have a lot going on what with starting school tomorrow, but I’d like to move things along.

Iris inhaled, making her lean, petite nose flare.  She resembled a siren, her hair pushed backward from her beautiful face, which was contorting in kinetic rage, her transparent lavender eyes flashing. She pursed her poison red lips before speaking.

Shall I expect his proposal on his own or will you be coaching him through that as well? Iris hissed.

No one spoke as she