Secrets of the Twin-Born

By Blaze Drake

In the kingdom of Eldoria, magic is a rare and precious gift, bestowed only upon twins who share an unbreakable bond. Alara and Kai, once inseparable, have grown apart over the years, their relationship strained by a tragic event from their past. Alara, now a skilled warrior, has dedicated her life to protecting the kingdom, while Kai, a powerful mage, has retreated into solitude, haunted by the ghosts of his own making.

 

When an ancient evil, long thought vanquished, resurfaces to threaten the realm, Alara and Kai find themselves at the center of a political maelstrom. The kingdom's ruling council, desperate to maintain their power, seeks to manipulate the twins for their own gain. As whispers of war and betrayal echo through the halls of the palace, Alara and Kai must navigate a treacherous landscape of shifting alliances and hidden agendas.

 

Forced to confront their painful past and the secrets that tore them apart, the siblings embark on a perilous journey to rediscover the strength of their bond. Along the way, they encounter unlikely allies: a mischievous shapeshifter, a wise old sage, and a fierce warrior princess, each with their own role to play in the unfolding drama.

As the ancient evil grows stronger, feeding on the fear and discord it sows, Alara and Kai must learn to trust each other once more. Only by embracing the true power of their bond can they hope to overcome the darkness that threatens to engulf their world. But the path to redemption is fraught with danger, and the siblings must confront their own inner demons and make heart-wrenching sacrifices if they are to save the kingdom and each other.

 

In a breathtaking climax, Alara and Kai face the ancient evil in a battle that will determine the fate of Eldoria. With magic coursing through their veins and their hearts beating as one, the siblings discover that the greatest strength lies not in their individual powers, but in the unbreakable bond they share. As they stand together against the darkness, they realize that the true essence of magic is not in the grand gestures, but in the small, everyday acts of love and sacrifice that define their relationship.

 

The Unbreakable Bond is a sweeping tale of love, loyalty, and the power of family set against the backdrop of a richly imagined fantasy world. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world and the strength to face their deepest fears.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lovestruck Publishing
• Release date: Mar 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224393220

Blaze Drake

Blaze Drake burst onto the paranormal romance scene with her smash hit debut Forbidden Flames, enthralling readers with its tale of fated supernatural lovers. While new to publishing, Blaze has nurtured a lifelong passion for love stories with fantastical twists which is evident in the fiery imagination, intensity and allure woven throughout her breakout first novel. Hailing from the Midwest, she grew up enthralled by dark fairytales and cosmic romance novels, filling her free time scribbling poems and startup fiction which leaned heavily into mystical themes of eternal bonds. After pursuing her English degree with special focus on gothic romantic influences, she continued steeping herself in rich mythological lore and narrative archetypes across different cultures.  Blaze knew she had crafted something special when her undying love for the genre synthesized into Forbidden Flames. The book's perfect alchemical fusion of tender romance with otherworldly stakes proved a hit with audiences. Fans clamor to know if the star-crossed phoenix and dragon lovers will return for more heart-racing adventures exploring the intersections between magic and desire. When not meeting reader's insatiable demands for her unique brand of paranormal passion stories, Blaze enjoys venturing into remote wilderness locations to center herself and collect inspiration for crafting her next world of wonder. She also devotes time to various animal rescue organizations, claiming she gets her best plot ideas while caring for creatures great and small just like her fictional shifter darlings.  Stay tuned for what otherworldly romance Blaze Drake has in store next! If her smash debut is any indication, this ingenious author aims to continue raising the bar in fantasy-fueled amour.

Book preview

Secrets of the Twin-Born

A Journey of Reunited Twins

Copyright © 2024 by Blaze Drake.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

First Edition : March 2024

Content

Prologue: The Awakening

Chapter 1: Shattered Bonds

Chapter 2: Whispers of Darkness

Chapter 3: The Summoning

Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past

Chapter 5: Unlikely Allies

Chapter 6: The Unraveling

Chapter 7: Echoes of Magic

Chapter 8: The Betrayal

Chapter 9: Into the Unknown

Chapter 10: Revelation

Chapter 11: The Gathering Storm

Chapter 12: Trials of the Heart

Chapter 13: The Forsaken

Chapter 14: Prophecy's Burden

Chapter 15: The Mage's Gambit

Chapter 16: Shattered Alliances

Chapter 17: The Forbidden Realm

Chapter 18: Shadows of Betrayal

Chapter 19: The Rival Twins

Chapter 20: The Price of Power

Chapter 21: The Darkest Hour

Chapter 22: The Twin-Born's Legacy

Chapter 23: The Final Battle

Chapter 24: The Unbreakable Bond

Epilogue: A New Dawn

Prologue: The Awakening

DARKNESS SHROUDED THE obsidian altar, an inky blackness that seemed to swallow the flickering light cast by the encircling torches. Thirteen hooded figures stood in a circle around the altar, their black robes absorbing the feeble illumination. An unnatural stillness hung in the air, broken only by the occasional guttering of the flames. 

The figure at the head of the altar raised skeletal arms, sleeves falling away to reveal bone-white fingers grasping an ancient black tome. A raspy voice rose in a chant, the arcane words echoing with a hollow menace. As the chanting grew louder, the torches flared with an unearthly blue light. Shadows danced on the stone walls, contorting into nightmarish shapes.

The time has come, the leader intoned. After centuries of slumber, our master will rise once more.

A murmur passed through the assembled cultists, a mix of anticipation and dread. They had planned for this moment for decades, but the gravity of what they were about to unleash still inspired awe and terror in equal measure.

The leader laid the grimoire on the altar, opening it to a page marked with eldritch symbols scrawled in rust-colored ink. Placing both hands on the altar, the figure chanted louder, the arcane phrases rising to a fevered pitch. The shadows writhed like living things, coalescing above the altar into a swirling vortex of impenetrable darkness.

Suddenly, a blinding flash erupted from the altar, throwing the leader back several paces. The assembled figures shielded their eyes, some crying out in shock and pain. As the light faded, a malevolent presence filled the chamber, a tangible aura of dread and malice.

From the depths of the vortex, two pinpoints of crimson light blinked into existence, like the burning embers of a dying fire. They pulsed with a sickening rhythm, growing larger and brighter until they resembled a pair of smoldering eyes, fixing the cultists with a baleful glare.

Who dares to wake me from my slumber? The voice was a rasping whisper, yet it filled the chamber, echoing in the minds of all present.

The leader stepped forward, bowing low. It is I, my lord. Your faithful servant, Morrigan.

A hiss escaped the being within the vortex, a sound that might have been laughter or contempt. Morrigan...I remember you, worm. Why have you summoned me?

Morrigan's voice trembled slightly as they replied. The time is ripe, my lord. The kingdom of Eldoria has grown complacent in your absence. Their vaunted twin-born protectors are divided and weakened. The stage is set for your glorious return.

The crimson eyes narrowed, boring into Morrigan's very soul. And what of the twin-born? They have thwarted my plans before.

We have been watching them, my lord, Morrigan assured. The siblings, Alara and Kai, are estranged. A rift has grown between them, one we can exploit. They are vulnerable.

A low growl emanated from the vortex, a sound that set the cultist's teeth on edge. See that you do, Morrigan. I will not abide another failure. If the twin-born interfere again, I will see you suffer for it.

Morrigan bowed even lower, their forehead nearly touching the cold stone floor. I understand, my lord. I will not fail you.

See that you don't. The burning eyes turned their gaze on the other cultists, who quailed under the scrutiny. And what of the rest of you? Are you prepared to do what must be done to ensure my victory?

A chorus of assent rose from the assembled figures, their voices tinged with a mix of fear and fervor. They had dedicated their lives to this moment, and they would not falter now, even in the face of the ancient evil they had awakened.

The malevolent presence seemed to swell, filling the chamber with a palpable sense of dread. Then let it begin, the voice rasped. Sow chaos in the streets of Eldoria. Whisper lies in the ears of the powerful. Spread fear and doubt like a plague. We will watch the kingdom crumble from within.

As the crimson eyes faded, Morrigan called out one last question. And what of the artifact, my lord? The one spoken of in prophecy, that could tip the balance of power?

A final hiss emanated from the dissipating vortex. Find it. Bring it for me. With that power in my grasp, none will stand against me, not even the vaunted twin-born.

With that, the presence vanished, leaving the chamber feeling empty and cold. The torches sputtered back to their normal hue, and the shadows retreated to the edges of the room. 

The cultists looked at each other, a mix of relief and grim determination on their shadowed faces. They had succeeded in their task, but their genuine work was just beginning. The fate of Eldoria, and perhaps the world, now rested in their hands.

Morrigan turned to face the others, pulling back their hood to reveal a face ravaged by dark magics and twisted by hate. You heard our master. We have our orders. Go forth and sow the seeds of Eldoria's destruction. We will not rest until the kingdom lies in ruins at our feet.

As the cultists filed out of the chamber, Morrigan lingered by the altar, running a finger over the ancient symbols inscribed in the stone. A cruel smile played at the corners of their mouth. 

Sleep while you can, twin-born, Morrigan whispered. Your doom is coming, and not even your precious bond will save you now.

With a swirl of black robes, Morrigan turned and strode from the chamber, their footsteps echoing in the silence. The ancient evil had awakened, and the fate of Eldoria hung in the balance. The stage was set for a confrontation that would shake the very foundations of the kingdom, and in the heart of it all, two siblings, once inseparable, now found themselves on a collision course with destiny.

Chapter 1: Shattered Bonds

THE CLASHING OF BLADES echoed through the crisp morning air as Alara sparred with her opponent in the palace training yard. Sweat beaded on her brow, her fiery red hair pulled back in a tight braid. She moved with fluid grace, her sword an extension of her arm as she parried and countered each incoming strike.

Her sparring partner, a burly guard named Thorne, grunted with effort as he sought to penetrate her defenses. But Alara was too quick, sidestepping his lunge and retaliating with a swift riposte that sent his blade skittering across the flagstones.

Yield, she said, the point of her sword hovering inches from Thorne's throat.

The guard raised his hands in surrender, a rueful grin on his bearded face. I yield, Lady Alara. You're too quick for me.

Alara lowered her blade, a small smile tugging at her lips. You're improving, Thorne. A few more sessions and you might actually present a challenge.

Thorne laughed, retrieving his sword. I'll take that as a compliment, my lady. Same time tomorrow?

Of course. Alara nodded, sheathing her own blade. I look forward to it.

As Thorne departed, Alara turned to find herself face to face with a familiar figure. Kai stood at the edge of the training yard, his arms folded across his chest. He was clad in the deep blue robes of a mage, the fabric shimmering with arcane sigils. His raven hair was longer than she remembered, falling past his shoulders in a silky curtain.

For a moment, the siblings simply stared at each other, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy in the air. It had been months since they had last spoken, the rift between them seeming to grow wider with each passing day.

Brother, Alara said at last, her voice carefully neutral. I didn't expect to see you here.

Kai's mouth tightened, his amber eyes flickering with an emotion Alara couldn't quite read. I need to speak with you, Alara. It's important.

Alara raised an eyebrow. More important than your studies, I suppose? I thought you had sequestered yourself in the Arcanum, delving into the mysteries of the cosmos.

A flicker of irritation crossed Kai's face. Don't be glib, sister. You know as well as I that my studies are vital to the defense of the realm.

Are they? Alara asked, an edge creeping into her voice. Sometimes I wonder if you even remember the world outside your precious library.

Kai's eyes flashed, his hands clenching into fists. For a moment, Alara thought he might lash out at her. But then he seemed to deflate, his shoulders slumping.

I didn't come here to fight with you, Alara, he said, his voice weary. I came because I've heard whispers of a growing threat. Something stirs in the shadows, a darkness that could engulf us all.

Alara frowned, her irritation giving way to concern. What kind of darkness? What have you heard?

Kai glanced around, as if to ensure they were alone. Not here, he said. Meet me in the Whispering Grove at midnight. I'll explain everything then.

Before Alara could reply, Kai turned on his heel and strode away, his blue robes swishing around his ankles. She watched him go, a mix of frustration and worry warring in her heart.

Once, she and Kai had been inseparable, their twin-born bond granting them strength and comfort in even the darkest of times. But that was before the tragedy that had torn them apart, before the secrets and the silence had driven a wedge between them.

Sighing, Alara turned back to the training dummy, drawing her sword once more. She attacked with renewed ferocity, trying to lose herself in the familiar rhythms of combat. But even as her blade struck true, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her gut.

Something was coming, a storm gathering on the horizon. And whether or not she liked it, it seemed she and Kai would have to face it together, just as they always had.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Alara walked the familiar path to the Whispering Grove. The ancient trees loomed overhead, their leaves rustling in the evening breeze. Somewhere in the distance, a nightingale trilled its haunting song.

Kai was waiting for her in the center of the grove, his face illuminated by the pale glow of a mage light hovering above his palm. He looked up as she approached, his expression grave.

You came, he said, sounding faintly surprised. 

Alara crossed her arms. Of course I came. You said it was important.

Kai nodded, letting the mage light dissipate. It is. Alara, I fear we are on the brink of catastrophe. An ancient evil, long thought vanquished, is stirring once more.

Alara's brow furrowed. What are you talking about? What ancient evil?

Kai took a deep breath. The Devourer, Alara. The one our ancestors defeated centuries ago, at significant cost. I've seen signs, portents in the stars and whispers in the Arcanum. It's coming back, and if we don't stop it, it will consume everything we hold dear.

Alara felt a chill race down her spine. Every child in Eldoria grew up hearing tales of the Devourer, the malevolent entity that had nearly destroyed the world before being sealed away by the first twin-born. But those were just stories, weren't they?

How do you know this? she asked, her voice tight. What proof do you have?

Kai reached into his robes, withdrawing a small, leather-bound tome. He held it out to her, his hand trembling slightly.

This is the Codex Umbra, a forbidden text I discovered in the Arcanum's restricted section. It speaks of the Devourer's return, and of the signs that will herald its coming. Alara, I've seen those signs. The rising of the blood moon, the withering of the sacred grove, the madness that has gripped the populace. It's happening, just as the Codex foretold.

Alara took the book, her fingers brushing against Kai's. For a moment, she felt the old connection flare between them, a brief surge of warmth and understanding. But then it was gone, replaced by the cold reality of their estrangement.

She flipped through the pages, her eyes widening as she took in the eldritch symbols and cryptic prophecies. A growing sense of dread settled in her stomach as she realized the truth of Kai's words.

What do we do? she whispered, looking up at her brother. How do we stop it?

Kai's expression was grim. I don't know, Alara. The Codex speaks of a power that can defeat the Devourer, but it's vague. It mentions the twin-born, and the strength of our bond. But we both know that bond is not what it once was.

Alara flinched, the words striking her like a physical blow. She knew Kai was right. The tragedy that had claimed their parents, the secrets they had kept from each other in the aftermath, had strained their relationship to the breaking point. 

We will have to find a way, she said, her voice resolute. For the sake of Eldoria, for the sake of everyone we love, we must stand together against this threat.

Kai met her gaze, his amber eyes glinting with a fierce determination. You're right. Whatever has come between us, we cannot let it stop us from doing what must be done.

He held out his hand, an echo of the gesture they had used since childhood to affirm their bond. Alara hesitated for only a moment before clasping his hand in hers.

Together, she said, her voice ringing with conviction. We will face this darkness together, as we were meant to.

As their hands met, Alara felt a flicker of the old connection, a warmth that spread through her like a sip of honeyed mead. It was faint, a pale shadow of what they had once shared, but it was there.

A starting point, she thought. A foundation on which to rebuild what had been broken.

There in the Whispering Grove, beneath the watchful gaze of the ancient trees, the twin-born made a silent vow. They would stand against the rising dark, would fight with every ounce of strength and magic they possessed.

And in the end, they would either triumph together or fall as one, their fates forever intertwined.

As they left the grove, the nightingale's song took on a mournful note, as if the creature could sense the trials that lay ahead. Alara and Kai walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

A storm was coming to Eldoria, a tempest of shadow and malice that threatened to drown the world in eternal night. And at the heart of it all, two siblings, their bond