The Shadowborn's Bane

By Evelyn R. Blackwood

Get ready to be swept away into a world of magic, passion, and sacrifice - "The Shadowborn's Bane: A Tale of Light and Darkness" is an unforgettable epic fantasy adventure!

Follow the journey of Aria and Rhys as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Aethoria, battling the forces of darkness that threaten to consume everything they hold dear. With richly detailed world-building, heart-pounding action, and a love story that will leave you breathless, this tale of light and darkness.

As an ancient prophecy unfolds, Aria must embrace her destiny as the chosen one, mastering the elemental magic that flows through her veins. But when the seductive pull of darkness threatens to lead her astray, will Rhys's unwavering love and loyalty be enough to guide her back to the light?

Packed with twists, turns, and shocking revelations, "The Shadowborn's Bane" is an emotional rollercoaster that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Don't miss out on this epic tale of magic, romance, and the unbreakable bonds of love and friendship. Download your copy today and let the adventure begin!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eclipse Books
• Release date: Apr 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224316342

Book preview

The Shadowborn's Bane

A Tale of Light and Darkness

Evelyn R. Blackwood

Copyright © 2024 by Evelyn R. Blackwood

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

1.Secrets in the Mist

2.The Healer’s Touch

3.Remnants of Yesterday

4.Malakai’s Machinations

5.The Witch’s Bargain

6.Revelations in the Dark

7.The Price of Power

8.Darkness and Devotion

9.The Gathering Storm

10.Destiny’s End

Chapter 1

Secrets in the Mist

The ancient trees of the Whispering Woods loomed over Aria Silverthorne, their gnarled branches reaching out like twisted fingers grasping at the heavy mist. The damp earth muffled her footsteps as she navigated the undergrowth, her hand never straying far from the comforting weight of her sword. The Lumina had entrusted her with this perilous mission, and she knew the stakes were higher than ever before.

Aria’s thoughts drifted to her early days with the secret society, a time when she had been a mere novice at learning to harness her magical abilities. The Lumina had taken her in when she was just a child, orphaned and alone, and had given her a purpose. Now, as a skilled mage and warrior, she was determined to prove herself worthy of their trust.

A twig snapped behind her, and Aria whirled around, her sword leaping into her hand. Through the swirling mist, she discerned a tall, cloaked figure emerging from the shadows. As the man lowered his hood, Aria recognized the chiseled features and piercing blue eyes of Rhys Galahad, the legendary Silver Blade.

I come in peace, Aria Silverthorne, Rhys said, his deep voice cutting through the eerie silence of the woods. We have much to discuss.

Aria regarded him warily, her grip tightening on her sword. And what would the famed Silver Blade want with a mere Lumina mage?

A flicker of amusement danced in Rhys’s eyes. Your reputation precedes you, Aria. The Lumina speaks highly of your skills, both in magic and in battle. And I suspect we hunt the same prey.

Aria’s heart raced at the mention of their shared enemy. The Shadowborn.

Rhys nodded gravely. They grow bolder with each passing day. My sources whisper of a dark ritual they seek to perform, one that could grant them unimaginable power.

A chill ran down Aria’s spine, and she knew it had nothing to do with the cool mist that enveloped them. She had heard the whispers herself, had seen the signs of the Shadowborn’s corruption spreading like a malignant growth across Aethoria. The once vibrant forests were now withered and decayed, the rivers ran black with poison, and the very air seemed to hum with a malevolent energy.

What do they seek? Aria asked, almost dreading the answer.

Rhys’s expression darkened. Ancient artifacts, imbued with the power of the elements. The Heart of the Mountain, the Tear of the Sea, the Breath of the Wind, and the Flame of the Sun. If the Shadowborn succeed in harnessing their power...

He let the words hang in the air, the unspoken implications clear. Aria’s mind raced with the possibilities, each more terrifying than the last. She had seen firsthand the destruction the Shadowborn could wreak, had watched as entire villages were consumed by their dark magic. The thought of them wielding the power of the elements themselves was almost too much to bear.

We cannot let that happen, Aria said, her voice filled with steely determination. The Lumina will stop them, no matter the cost.

Rhys regarded her for a long moment, his blue eyes searching her face. And what price are you willing to pay, Aria Silverthorne? The Shadowborn are not to be underestimated. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, and they have spies everywhere, even within the Lumina itself.

Aria’s blood ran cold at the thought of traitors within their ranks. She had always trusted her fellow mages implicitly, had always believed in the purity of their cause. But if what Rhys said was true...

How do you know this? she demanded, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Rhys reached into his cloak and withdrew a small, leather-bound journal. This belonged to a scholar named Alric, who devoted his life to studying the prophecies of Aethoria. He believed that the key to stopping the Shadowborn lay in the hands of the elemental masters, those who had truly mastered the power of earth, water, air, and fire.

Aria took the journal from him, her fingers tracing the worn leather cover. And you think Alric’s research can lead us to these masters?

I do, Rhys said, his voice low and urgent. But we must move quickly. The Shadowborn are already seeking them out, and they will not hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in their way.

Aria’s heart pounded in her chest as she considered the enormity of the task before them. To find the elemental masters, to unravel the secrets of Alric’s journal, to stop the Shadowborn before they could complete their dark ritual... it seemed an impossible feat. But she knew that she could not turn away from this challenge, not when the fate of Aethoria hung in the balance.

Then let us begin, she said, tucking the journal into her satchel. We have no time to lose.

Together, they set off deeper into the Whispering Woods, the mist swirling around them like a living thing. Aria could feel the weight of their mission settling upon her shoulders, the burden of the choices that lay ahead. She knew that the path they walked was fraught with danger, that the Shadowborn would stop at nothing to thwart their efforts.

As they walked, Rhys spoke of his own past, of the events that had led him to join the Silver Blades. He spoke of his sister, a talented mage who had been seduced by the promises of the Shadowborn and had ultimately paid the price for her betrayal. Aria could hear the pain in his voice, the raw grief that still haunted him.

I’m sorry, she said softly, laying a hand on his arm. "I know the toll that the Shadowborn can take on those