The Veiled Realms: Lyra Solane, #1

By Morrow Blackwood

In the captivating first installment of a magical fantasy series, "The Veiled Realms" introduces readers to Lyra, a young mage of Solara who feels the weight of her constrained existence within the sun-drenched realm. Her life takes a dramatic turn during a rare solar eclipse, which not only unveils her unique elemental magic but also sparks an intense rivalry with Kael, a visiting water mage known for his mastery and arrogance.

Forced together by fate, Lyra and Kael embark on an extraordinary journey beyond the familiar landscapes of Solara. As they navigate the challenges of the wild, they encounter mythical creatures and uncover relics from the Era of Unification, a time when the realms were bound by peace and harmony. Through trials and adversity, their initial rivalry transforms into a deep, complex connection, laying the foundation for a bond that defies their expectations.

However, the true test of their journey begins when Lyra's burgeoning powers attract the attention of the enigmatic Order of the Veil. Confronted with a cryptic prophecy, Lyra learns of her pivotal role in the fate of the realms—a destiny intertwined with a looming threat that seeks to tear apart the fabric of their world.

As "The Veiled Realms" draws to a close, Lyra and Kael make the decisive choice to journey to Verden, seeking answers and allies to confront the shadows that loom on the horizon. With a cliffhanger that hints at the hidden dangers threatening all realms, readers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Lyra and Kael's epic saga of magic, mystery, and a quest to unite the divided realms against a common enemy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bacon Smile
• Release date: Mar 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224224722

Book preview

Chapter 1: The Eclipse of Solara

In the realm of Solara, a place where the sun's warmth was as constant as the beating of one's heart, Lyra Solane stood atop the ancient Solar Spire, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The air was charged with anticipation, the kind that precedes the storm or the first breath of dawn. Today was the day of the solar eclipse, an event so rare that it was considered a harbinger of change, of endings and new beginnings.

Lyra, draped in the golden robes of a solar mage apprentice, felt a knot of excitement and unease in her stomach. She had always excelled in her studies, her natural affinity for solar magic making her one of the most promising students of her generation. Yet, beneath the surface of her achievements, there was a restlessness, a thirst for something more than the structured, predictable life of a solar mage.

As the first sliver of darkness began to consume the sun, a hush fell over the crowd gathered at the Spire. Lyra could feel the energy of the sun waning, a sensation so alien in the ever-bright realm of Solara. It was as if the world held its breath, waiting for a sign, a revelation.

Lyra, you should be proud. Today, you stand among the esteemed ranks of those who witness the eclipse, said Master Caelan, her mentor, his voice steady and reassuring.

Lyra nodded, her eyes never leaving the darkening sun. I am, Master Caelan. It's just... I can't help but feel that today will change everything.

And so it might, he replied, a cryptic smile playing on his lips. The eclipse is a time of magic and mystery. Be open to what it may reveal.

As totality approached, the temperature dropped, and the world was bathed in an eerie twilight. Lyra extended her hand, her palm facing the obscured sun, a practice gesture to channel the sun's energy. But today, the energy that coursed through her was different—it was cooler, tinged with shadows and a depth of power she had never felt before.

Master Caelan, Lyra whispered, panic edging her voice. Something's wrong. The magic—it's not the same.

Master Caelan turned to her, his expression shifting from curiosity to awe as he observed the aura of twilight magic enveloping her. Incredible, he murmured. Lyra, you are channeling the magic of the eclipse itself. Embrace it. Let it guide you.

Encouraged by her mentor's words, Lyra closed her eyes, surrendering to the strange, new magic. She felt it swell within her, a river of light and darkness intertwined. When she opened her eyes, the world seemed sharper, the colors around her more vivid in the twilight.

The crowd gasped as the air around Lyra shimmered with a soft, silvery glow, an aurora of light that danced around her like the first morning's light. Whispers spread like wildfire, a mixture of fear, wonder, and awe.

Did you see that? Lyra Solane, she—

—tapped into eclipse magic! But how?

Master Caelan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, grounding her. You have been gifted with a rare magic, Lyra. This is a sign of great things to come.

But Lyra barely heard him. Her mind raced, grappling with the implications of what had just happened. She had stepped into uncharted territory, wielding magic that blurred the lines between light and dark, sun and shadow.

As the eclipse waned and sunlight reclaimed the sky, the crowd slowly dispersed, leaving Lyra and Master Caelan alone atop the Spire.

Master, what does this mean? Why me? Lyra asked, her voice a mix of wonder and apprehension.