A Saga of Shields and Shadows

By A.J. Shirley

Two fated mates embark on a journey of love, hope, and self-discovery in this spicy dark romantasy perfect for fans of The Witcher and The Wheel of Time.

In the kingdom of Kōsaten, the poor live by the mantra of "pair or perish." Outsider Macel

• Language: English
• Publisher: Culturally Conscious Creative, LLC
• Release date: Feb 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798989787418

A.J. Shirley

A.J. grew up voraciously reading her grandmother's Harlequin romance novels alongside Madeline L'Engle and R.L. Stine. She has remained an avid reader, whose book choices are as eclectic as her personality. As an anxious, Black, chaotic bisexual, A.J. Shirley writes spicy fantasy romance that is unapologetically inclusive.

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Prologue

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The Aegis, though not only human, is still very much human. They still have human needs and emotions; they simply have better control over their humanity. Their training prepares them to endure hardship, hunger, loss, and pain—both physical and emotional—without showing weakness. Aegises, however, are fiercely loyal to those they care about and will protect them as they do our entire kingdom. Consequently, to keep their priorities in order, Aegises seldom form personal attachments.

– From The Epic of the Aegis and the Wanderer by S.S. (The Shield’s Scribe)

Macella knew that the Aegis had arrived well before she came face-to-face with him for herself. How could she not when the other women had made sure she heard? They’d been taunting her relentlessly all day.

Macella didn’t really care what any of them said or thought. This was temporary. She needn’t make friends or get comfortable. She was here to earn coin and be on her way.

Macella had never looked down on women who made their living selling their bodies, but she never thought she’d be among them. When she’d left home, she had imagined she would find maid work along the way to…wherever Fate was leading her. Macella didn’t know where that was, but she knew it was far, far away from the poverty-stricken hovel where she’d grown up.

Nobody had come after her, as she’d known they wouldn’t. When you’re not the eldest nor the youngest, not sickly or exceptionally talented, not particularly useful but not troublesome, you can disappear in a family of twelve. Macella’s parents had likely rejoiced over their luck in having one less mouth to feed.

Unfortunately, Macella soon discovered that maid work was sparse and that nobody seemed eager to take on a woman with her minimal skills and experience. She knew how to care for simple injuries and illnesses, but she was no healer. She knew how to care for and entertain children, but she had no desire to be a nursery maid. She could read, write, and draw well, but the wealthy didn’t want secretaries from her station. Hell, they wanted better than her just to clean their skivvies. Macella wasn’t highborn enough or pretty enough to get work among those who could best use her skills.

(1) Thus, after several seasons of scraping by, Macella found herself standing in a brothel, awaiting her first customer. It could’ve been much worse. Macella enjoyed sex and didn’t mind at all when her sexual partners came and went. Years of watching her mother’s and sisters’ near-constant pregnancies had made Macella loathe to imagine herself with babies clinging to her for all her days. She preferred brief trysts that left her free to pursue her own whims.

Of course, that had left her few options in her village. Nobody could survive without a family unit in Shively’s harsh terrain, so unless you married, you stayed with your birth family until you died. Macella had never wholly embraced her people’s traditions, but she knew that she would not be able to reject the requirement to pair or perish. There had to be more to life than surviving, making babies, and trying to keep those babies alive. There just had to be. All her life she’d felt the tug toward something different. Something more. She believed her Fate had led her to this brothel.

Nevertheless, Macella was still plenty nervous about her imminent debut. She supposed anyone would be a bit nervous their first night trading sex for coin. The others had teased her enough to make sure she’d be at least a little afraid.

There’s an Aegis passing through, Hacienda had drawled loudly, so as to make sure Macella heard her. I’d bet my tits he finds his way here tonight. Nothing makes a man hornier than killing demons. He will be bursting to bury his sword in some willing lady.

And since no lady would have him, he’s gotta come here and make do with you sad whores! cackled Esme raucously. The other women joined in the laughter and talk, especially when they noticed that Macella was silent.

We should give him to new puss over there, Sheena chimed in. She had a pinched look about her that Macella had hated instantly. Let her pop her cherry on a mongrel.

The others laughed heartily at this and joined in with the many reasons that Macella should bed the Aegis. These reasons all seemed to center on him being too monstrous for anyone else.

Seeing as we have seniority, we get to pass along unwanted customers from time to time, Hacienda said, straddling a chair across from where Macella sat writing, so that Macella was forced to look at the older woman. I doubt the Aegis will be too picky and will take whoever won’t refuse him.

He won’t mind new puss, Esme added. It don’t matter that you don’t half know your cooter from a hole in the wall. He has practice telling whores what he wants because Aegises like things none of us know much about. Nasty, ghastly things.

They like when you scream or cry or fight. Hacienda smiled cruelly. They like to take what they want.

I hear tell Aegises have three penises, Bella stage whispered. And they can unhinge their jaws like a snake when they eat pussy.

Everyone laughed again. Macella didn’t respond, despite how long their wit flowed. She was bothered, but she couldn’t show it. She didn’t believe everything they said, but everyone had heard disturbing things about Aegises. There had to be some truth in it.

Macella had seen Aegises a few times—cold, strong, silver-haired people with orange eyes and stoic faces. They came to her town looking for recruits among the poor. Many families were willing to give up a few children for the purse the Crown provided in exchange. Macella wondered if she had ever seen this particular Aegis before.

Apparently, the others had foretold correctly when they predicted the Aegis would visit the brothel that night. As soon as he arrived, the teasing started up again. None of the other women could pass Macella without offering advice and other inane comments. They gleefully repeated their earlier warnings and outlandish speculation, but Macella refused to respond. As far as she could see, the Aegis was content to drink alone in a corner and wasn’t even looking at the whores sashaying about.

So, when Madame told Macella that Aithan of Auburndale had procured a room and requested her services, Macella was rightly panicked. She hadn’t truly believed she would be the Aegis’s choice. There were all manner of women available, far less green and much prettier than Macella.

Macella was comely enough, with smooth brown skin, an unruly halo of thick hair, and ample breasts, hips, and butt. She could stand to lose a few stone, but she liked her appearance well enough. It had certainly suited her previous sexual partners just fine, but they’d been as sheltered as herself. Aithan of Auburndale had seen much of the world. Surely someone else was more to his taste.

When Macella suggested this to Madame, all she received was a withering look and a room key. She might’ve tried to persuade Madame, but she could see that the news had already spread, and she couldn’t give the watching whores the satisfaction of witnessing her discomfort.

Macella forced herself to walk deliberately, with her head high, as she left the bar and found her way to the Aegis’s room. He acknowledged her knock with a grunt. Macella took a deep breath and let herself into the room.

(2) Aithan of Auburndale stood before a looking glass, filling a basin with water. He didn’t look up as Macella entered.

Macella studied him. His broad back strained the thin fabric of his shirt as he moved sinuously through his grooming. Macella watched him run his wet hands through his silver hair and splash his face with water. The ends of his long, wavy tresses were wine red. She could see his arresting orange eyes, even though they weren’t on her.

Macella stood awkwardly, wondering if she was supposed to just undress or if she should say something bawdy or coy. She didn’t know what a regular man would expect right now, let alone an Aegis. Hesitantly, she moved a bit closer, positioning herself against a wall several yards from her customer.

I heard the other women talking to you about me, Aithan said without any preamble. His voice was deep and gravelly, almost emotionless.

You…heard? Macella asked stupidly, then remembered that Aegises had better senses than humans. He must have easily heard the women’s passing whispers.

Hmmm, Aithan answered, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror. Is this truly your first night?

Yes, Macella answered truthfully, but went on quickly, but I am not a virgin, if that is what you seek. I have had lovers.

Aithan repeated that noncommittal grunt of his. I do not come to brothels looking for virgins, Macella.

Macella felt a thrill at the sound of her name in his mouth. She didn’t know if it was a thrill of fear or of excitement. She didn’t bother asking him how he knew her name. Most likely he had overheard it, or Madame had told him, but for all Macella knew, he could read her mind.

It is not true what they said about me, Aithan continued. I do not have irregular or monstrous desires. I have a man’s needs and a man’s appreciation for…

Aithan trailed off as his eyes moved over her body in the mirror. Macella shivered, almost feeling the heat of his gaze traveling over her breasts, down her stomach, across her hips, and then lingering over where her thick thighs touched.

I am not a brute, Aithan said. He straightened, finally turning to face her directly.

Macella heard her own sharp intake of breath as she met his gaze.

I will not force you to do anything you do not wish to do, Aithan stated, his fiery gaze intensifying. As a matter of fact, I will not even touch you until you beg me to.

Macella’s mouth dropped open involuntarily. You think I’m going to beg you?

She had meant for it to sound incredulous, but her voice had come out breathier and higher than she’d meant it to. This was not going anything like she’d expected. She could see a glint of amusement in the Aegis’s eyes, but his expression remained neutral.

I suppose we shall see, Aithan replied. Then, in one fluid movement, he slipped his shirt off over his head before turning back to the basin to wash.

Macella used the moment of release from his gaze to catch her breath. She could feel warmth beginning to pool in her belly. His muscles rippled beneath the scarred skin of his back and torso. Macella had never seen such a beautiful body in her life.

I do not want much in the world, Macella, Aithan told her as he washed beneath his arms. I have to eat. I like to drink and kill monsters. And I like to fuck beautiful people.

Macella gasped and felt the warmth spreading through her body. Was she actually supposed to feel aroused by her customers? By an Aegis?

I read people well. Most people are more monstrous than any demon I kill. They reek of greed and fear and lies. The smell is overwhelming. Aithan turned again to face Macella. You smell like a stream, a crackling fire, an evening breeze, and good pussy. Very, very good pussy.

Aithan let his pants fall to the floor, unashamedly letting Macella take him in. He did not have three penises, but the one he had was plenty. It stood firm, lengthy, and just girthy enough to verge on painful. Macella’s vagina clenched involuntarily. She leaned against the wall, letting it support her, since her legs suddenly felt unreliable.

Aithan approached her slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. Macella was grateful for the wall behind her. Otherwise, she surely would’ve swooned when he stopped mere inches from her—close enough that she could feel his heat and the press of his erection against her skirts.

(3) Aithan leaned toward her, and Macella tensed for the feel of his lips against hers. It didn’t come. Instead, the Aegis inhaled, passing his nose over her cheek, past the curve of her ear, and down her neck.

Macella didn’t move. His breath felt so good on her skin, awakening tendrils of pleasure deep in her stomach. He continued breathing her in, moving from her neck to her throat and over the swell of her breasts. Without touching her, he slowly lowered himself to his knees. His nose passed near the hollow of her belly before he settled with his face inches from her vagina.

This time, Aithan looked up into her eyes as he inhaled deeply. Very, very good pussy. He exhaled and Macella felt the tingle of wetness growing between her legs. I cannot unhinge my jaw like a snake, but I don’t need to in order to make you cum in my mouth.

Macella shuddered as the muscles in her stomach clenched. She had never wanted to feel a mouth so badly.

Would you like me to eat your pussy, Macella? Aithan asked, his warm breath penetrating the layers of her skirt.

Y-Yes, Macella stammered, barely able to force the word out of her mouth. She seemed to be using every bit of her energy to hold herself upright.

Then ask me to eat your pussy, Aithan commanded. I told you that I would not touch you without your permission.

Macella swallowed hard. She whispered, Please eat my pussy.

Hmmm, Aithan breathed against her. That’s not quite begging. Not enough for all the things I want to do to you. You will have to try again. Tell me you want me. Make me believe it.

Macella did want him. She wanted him now and she wanted him badly and she didn’t care that this was a business transaction. She wanted him.

I want you, Aithan of Auburndale, Macella panted. Please. Please fuck me, Aegis.

Aithan smiled and Macella only had a moment to take in how beautiful he was before his face disappeared beneath her lifted skirt. And then there was nothing but sensation. His hands gripped her hips firmly, preventing her from moving away. His tongue moved slowly and patiently, exploring each crevice before dipping inside of her. He hummed contentedly at the taste, and Macella felt a spasm of pleasure ripple up her body. Then his tongue found her clitoris and expertly went to work.

Macella came hard, crying out and gripping handfuls of his hair. Even then, he didn’t stop, murmuring into her pussy, asking, telling, commanding her to cum again. Macella did as she was told.

Aithan stood swiftly. Macella’s knees had weakened, and she might have fallen were it not for his hands on her hips. Without a word, Aithan slid his hands from her hips to her ass, lifting her effortlessly. He slid into her easily, pressing his mouth to hers as he did so. Macella wasn’t sure where her moans ended and his began as he thrust into her, filling her as she’d never experienced before.

It hurt a bit, but the pain was swallowed in the overwhelming, all-engulfing, lavish, maddening pleasure of him inside of her. He held her there, reveling in the feel of his throbbing hardness in her warm softness. It felt amazing and impossible and unbearable. She was going to explode if he held her like this much longer.

Is that okay? Aithan murmured against her lips.

Fuck, god, yes, Macella moaned back. She could feel him smiling.

Can you take more? Can I go deeper? the Aegis asked, moving his mouth to trace along her neck.

Macella hadn’t realized there was more, but she should’ve known. She’d seen his cock, and it had been bigger than any she’d ever encountered. She wanted all of it.

Yes, Macella panted. Give me all of it. Fuck me, Aegis.

Hmmm, Aithan hummed against her throat. As you wish.

He fucked Macella as she never had been, nor imagined she could be, fucked. He fucked her slowly, sliding in and out almost painfully gently, penetrating a little more deeply with each stroke. Each time, she thought he couldn’t go any deeper and it couldn’t possibly feel any better, and then he did go deeper, and it felt fucking fantastic.

When he finally gave her all of it, Macella felt a delicious weightless sensation deep in her gut. She threw her head back and cried out, her nails digging into his unyielding back muscles.

Aithan growled in a language Macella didn’t know and began to move faster. He did it in increments, building speed gradually, while his mouth traced along her neck and throat and across her collarbone. Macella arched her back, but the wall behind her inhibited her movement. She squirmed in frustration.

No doubt intuiting her desires, Aithan pulled her tight against him. Before she could even think, he’d pivoted away from the wall and lowered her onto the pile of blankets and furs without breaking their union. Macella cried out again at the sensations that washed over her at this new angle.

Okay? Aithan asked quietly and, in response, Macella thrust her hips up, forcing him deeper.

And then they lost themselves completely, Macella’s legs wrapped tightly around Aithan, his face buried in her neck, with one hand gripping her ass, his other entwined in her hair, tugging gently. Macella rode the rhythm of Aithan’s deep strokes over wave after wave of pleasure, until she completely shattered. She came so hard she cried tears of joy. The Aegis came with her—she felt his body tremor and his grip tighten as he groaned in that mysterious language. The moment seemed to unfurl like a wisp of smoke, stretching into timelessness.

After, Macella stared up at the ceiling, her mind racing. The Aegis still lay on top of her, his head on her breasts. The silence stretched around them comfortably, spell-like.

Let me accompany you awhile, Macella said softly, breaking the silence. She felt the rumble of the Aegis’s deep laughter.

An Aegis and a whore traveling the kingdom. We will be ever so welcome wherever we go, Aithan replied dryly.

Macella bristled. I am more than a whore and, I expect, you are more than a killer, Aithan of Auburndale.

Aithan groaned and propped himself up on his forearms to look at her. Macella met those orange eyes with her own black gaze. She refused to look away.

You’re serious, Aithan said flatly.

Macella gave a curt nod.

Sighing, Aithan rolled off of her to lie on his back at her side. Macella, there is a reason Aegises do not marry. Our lives are too dangerous and unpredictable to allow room for other responsibilities.

I am not asking you to marry me, Macella retorted, working to keep her voice even. My family has been trying to get me married off since I first bled, some nigh two decades ago. It will take more than one good fuck for you to accomplish what they could not.

Then what do you expect? Aithan demanded. You believe we will have glamorous adventures, and you will join me at court for fancy parties?

Macella sat up so that she could glare down at him. In the low light and the cover of her shadow, his orange eyes deepened to a near-red.

Macella refused to be intimidated. I expect that it will be nice to have companionship on my wanderings, especially when that companion is a skilled protector. I expect that I will leave this place soon, like I have left so many before it. I expect I will keep going until Fate tells me to stop, because it is Fate that set me on this path and only Fate that can stop me.

Hmm, Aithan grunted. He studied her carefully.

Macella wondered what he saw.

I expect that Fate led me to my first and last client tonight and that we were destined to meet, Aithan of Auburndale, Macella finished, lifting her chin determinedly.

The Aegis said nothing for a long moment. Finally, he heaved a deep sigh. I expect that I am going to come to regret this decision.

Macella felt a surge of triumph, but she tried to look as collected as the Aegis. I expect you are wrong about that.

(4) Macella leaned over the Aegis and planted a kiss in the soft hair of his chest. Then she kissed each one of the taut ridges of muscle in his abdomen. By the time she reached her destination, his penis was rising to meet her. Slowly, she trailed her tongue around the tip, her eyes finding his again.

I expect that we are going to have some very good times along the way, Macella murmured. Then she lowered her mouth onto his penis, stopping only when she felt herself begin to gag.

Fuck, gasped Aithan, his back arching slightly. I expect you might be right.

Macella marveled at the way his cock stiffened as she worked her mouth up and down its length. It really was a rare specimen of male excellence. She was already beginning to throb at the thought of him inside of her again.

Aithan groaned and lifted his hips. Macella smiled to herself. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one eager for round two.

With a final strong suck, Macella lifted herself to her knees. Aithan stared up at her, his eyes burning fire bright. Macella removed her blouse. Aithan’s eyes widened slightly as he took her in.

In their haste, they hadn’t actually removed any of Macella’s clothing for their first round of sex. Consequently, Macella had enjoyed the pleasure of seeing his beautiful naked body in all its glory, while he had felt hers without seeing it fully.

She stood and began to undo the laces of her skirt. Aithan watched, his eyes smoldering. So Macella took her time, undoing the laces slowly before pushing the skirt over her hips and letting it fall to the floor.

Hmmm, Aithan made a deep, appreciative sound.

It was amazing how many things he could convey with a grunt. Macella felt the compliment warming her skin as his eyes traced her curves. Full breasts, slightly rounded belly, small waist, and wide hips. She turned slowly so that he could see her plump backside as well, earning herself another one of those appreciative humming grunts.

When she figured he had seen her all, Macella lowered herself back to the blankets. She straddled the Aegis and took his cock into her hand to position it against her wet warmth. Aithan inhaled sharply, his cock pressing insistently against her.

Slowly, Macella lowered herself onto his waiting girth. She gasped as it filled her. Somehow, each new angle was a glorious discovery. Macella rocked her hips and felt Aithan spasm in response.

Their second coupling was a long and luxurious journey. Each of them seemed to be trying to learn the other this time, discovering the person beneath the labels of the Aegis and the whore. They looked and tasted and caressed as the fire burned low and the sounds of the tavern faded.

When they had finally had their fill, the Aegis held Macella against him. He buried his face in her coils and curls, inhaling deeply. Macella felt a lazy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Where do you come from, Macella? Aithan murmured into her hair.

Macella yawned. North of here a fair distance. My village was called Shively.

Macella of Shively, since you will be honoring me with your companionship on my journey, I want to make you a vow, Aithan said, his voice low and serious. I vow to protect you as best I can. I will never tell you a falsehood, even if the truth is painful. I will never hinder you or your Fate. You are not bound to me. You are always free.

As are you, Aegis, Macella replied sleepily. The last thing she heard before falling into a deep and dreamless sleep was Aithan’s monosyllabic grunt. She wasn’t sure what it meant this time.

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(5) They left early the following morning. The other women gawked and whispered indiscreetly as Macella gathered her scant belongings. Madame refused to pay Macella, considering she’d fed and kept the new girl several days before putting her to work. Macella didn’t argue, even though she’d earned her keep with some downright disgusting cleaning tasks over her few days’ stay.

Aithan insisted on paying for both the room and Macella’s time for the entire night. Macella knew that Madame was impressed, though she wouldn’t show it. For their service to the kingdom, Aegises had the authority to require any citizen to provide them food and shelter at no cost. It was obviously a gesture of good will—and perhaps an apology for the loss of her employee.

I knew you wouldn’t stay long, Madame told Macella, her face impassive. You have that wandering look about you.

I am following my Fate, Macella replied, lifting her chin. I know I have a grand purpose, and I am going to find it.

Madame sighed heavily. You are a smart woman, Macella. I would not expect you to be foolish and reckless enough to link your Fate to one such as he.

The Aegis stood near the front door, his face as stoic as ever. Madame gestured to him with a curt nod. Macella heard murmurs of agreement from the watching women. Aithan’s expression didn’t change, but Macella bristled and squared her shoulders.

You are not the first to doubt me, and I’m certain you will not be the last, Macella said, her voice loud and clear. There is not much room in small minds for those of us who refuse to shrink. But I will not make myself small for anyone’s comfort. Fate led me here and to Aithan of Auburndale. I am not afraid of where it—or he—will lead me next.

Macella spun on her heel and walked away from Madame without looking back. The murmurs of the whores followed her. She felt their eyes on her as she joined Aithan near the exit. Macella turned to face them one last time.

I thank all of you for preparing me for my monstrous first client, Macella called to them, keeping her face serious, while she allowed her eyes danced with laughter. It has been lovely knowing you all, but I must go. This kind of jaw flexibility is just too rare to let slip away!

Aithan’s rumbling laughter echoed in the shocked silence. Macella bowed ceremoniously to the watching women. She walked out with her head high, Aithan chuckling in her wake.

And thus began the Epic of the Aegis and the Wanderer.

Part 1

Baptized in Blood, Forged in Flame

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The kingdom of Kōsaten is an in-between place whither the veil between the world of the living and dead has always been thin. These thin places threaten to tear, allowing untold dangers to cross into our realm, intent on destruction. We send our children to a torturous training and transformation, aware that this sacrifice keeps us safe.

Only 10 of every 100 potential Aegises survive the training and transformations. These survivors are no longer our children. They know the unknowable and can do the unimaginable. They’ve looked into the fires of hell, into the face of fear. No matter their appearance when they began, they leave with the telltale wisdom silver hair and hellfire orange eyes that mark the Aegis.

The Aegis shields us, carrying the weight of our world and the power of the gods on their shoulders. Only the Aegises stand between our kingdom and complete desolation.

Very little is known of the training the Aegises endure. Once they cross the mountains of Smoketown into Duànzào, they are lost to us until they emerge anew. They are no longer members of the families they were born into, but instead, belong to one of the otherworldly Shield Guilds. You can determine an Aegis’s guild by the hue of their hair. While all Aegises have hair of silver, the ends of their tresses vary, those colors denoting which hellish deity they faced during the trials. If they survive their encounter, they are thus marked and given magical gifts by these dark gods. While the nature of these gifts is unknown to average citizens, we do know which colors align with which dark deity: Crimson for Lucifer, onyx for Hades, emerald for Apophis, cerulean for Kali, gold for Mictlantecuhtli, violet for Meng Po. Presumably, there are many other death deities our Aegises may encounter, but with such a low survival rate, we can never know their true number.

There are none so loyal in our great kingdom as the warriors who shield us. We cannot fathom the debt of gratitude we owe the Aegises of Kōsaten. They sacrifice love, stability, companionship, and safety to protect us, despite our barely deigning to tolerate them in return. Imagine our kingdom without their loyal service. If but a few of them were to grow lax in their duties, it could spell the end of our civilization. This scribe has seen the evil awaiting us just on the other side of the veil. I have heard their inhuman cries, smelled the stench of death, and witnessed their bloodlust. Do not doubt that the monsters we fear are truly real and much closer than we wish to believe. Our foes are tireless, persistent, and insatiable. Their only desire is to consume our world. If but a fraction were loosed upon the kingdom, the horrors they would rain upon us would be unspeakable.

– From The Epic of the Aegis and the Wanderer by S.S. (The Shield’s Scribe)

Chapter one

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Macella did not regret her decision. Her months traveling the kingdom with the Aegis had easily been the best of her life. Everything was new and interesting. Each night, Macella scribbled in her notebook—her most precious possession—chronicling the things they had seen and done. She filled her sketchbook with drawings of all manner of people, plants, and