The Spirit Fire: Children of Adonai, #7

By Brandy Marks

The Spirit Fire, a spellbinding paranormal romance that will ignite your imagination and set your heart ablaze! Immerse yourself in the depths of hell, where Isadora, born of a witch with an extraordinary lineage, after she escapes hell, she embarks on a journey to find true love.

In this enthralling tale, Isadora's path intertwines with Blaze, an enigmatic incubus who both intrigues and challenges her. Their connection is electric, but can Isadora overcome her father's warnings about men? As she navigates the treacherous world of demons, witches, and firebirds, a stunning revelation awaits her - a half-sister who is not only a fierce fire dragon but also Blaze's sibling from a different father.

Confusion and uncertainty fuel Isadora's quest as she searches for the perfect man. Along the way, she encounters Astaroth, a captivating demon, once god of erotic love, who adds yet another layer of intrigue to her already tumultuous journey.

Prepare to be captivated by The Spirit Fire, where passion and danger collide in a realm where seraphs soar and forbidden love ignites. Immerse yourself in this exhilarating paranormal romance filled with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Don't miss out on this scorching adventure that combines paranormal elements with an unquenchable desire for love.

Indulge in the allure of demons, faeries, and fire dragons in a tale that will leave you begging for more. Experience the excitement of Isadora's quest for true love as she discovers the power of destiny and unleashes the fire within her soul.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with The Spirit Fire - a must-read for fans of supernatural romance and those seeking an escape into a world where passion knows no bounds. Secure your copy today and let the flames of desire consume you.

*** There are seduction scenes in the novel that make this book undesirable for young people. It is recommended for mature adult readers only.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DOTCross
• Release date: Apr 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9781963428186

Book preview

Prequel

Curse of the Faeries

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT one Faerie. As a silent observer, I’ve seen much. While most Fae are nothing like him, he is important to our story. Not understanding the fire bringers, those who flew over their lands with fire and smoke pouring from their mouths, this faerie grew to hate the seraphs, for that was their true identity. Instilling fear of them in his people, they came to believe the seraphs were demons. In doing so, what they had long enjoyed in the moonlight was lost to them.

One day, this faerie came upon Isadora, a woman of great beauty with long dark hair, blue eyes, and a body full yet firm and well-structured. As a child she was trained as a warrior by her father, once hell’s ruler. Her mother, once a witch, taught her to believe in Lord Adonai. Now she poses a challenge for the Fae who desires her, he is a lustful fellow after all. When she turned into a fire dragon and flew away, it was unexpected and he was furious and decided to make her his, no matter the cost. It reminds me of a saying, ‘my kingdom for a horse,’ only for him it was ‘his kingdom for a woman.’

Being a Faerie, his way was magic. So, he spoke with the ancient one. I desire this woman and will have her. You will help me. The ancient one tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted. So, she agreed, though she knew, Isadora was destined for someone else.

The prince returned to where he first saw the woman when he tried to seduce her. He set the magic spell to assure she found her way to the Isle of Glory Gone, a cove made just for the Fae by the Fae, of course. While it would be interesting to know why they named it as they did, it’s not important to our story.

Isadora wasn't alone when Drake met her. Kaida her half-sister was with her. The two had met shortly after Isadora left hell’s prism where she had been born and raised. After their first meeting, the two girls left their home on Naiad 1 on an adventure. Traveling to Naiad 2 they escaped some vampires only to find themselves farther north where they encountered demons and became involved in their war, not to mention the demon commander. I'll get to him in a minute.

By chance, the two meet an old man who asks them to help a young girl birth her infant, not knowing the child is a Fae. Once the child is born, they take the infant to its father, and meet the Faerie, the same one who is attracted to Isadora. She rejects him, again

Along the way, Isadora learns she is a fire dragon, after her sister, suspecting such, shoved her off a cliff to see if she could fly. She did, but was not happy about it nearly dying. Still, they journeyed on together and found a beach where they could enjoy themselves for a few days. Then, Kaida flew north to investigate a nearby island.

While gone, not used to being a dragon, Isadora practices flying over the coast. The Fae, he calls himself Drake, appears and tries to entice her into an affair with him, and again she says no. He leaves in a fury, for no man enjoys rejection, especially twice by the same woman.

Upon Kaida’s return, the girls enjoy the beach and fly along the coast. Discovering a lovely cove, unaware it was Faerie land, they played in the warm waters and ate the fruit of the land, until that evening when the Faeries appeared.

DRAKE, THE NAME BY which they knew the Fae, accuses the two of stealing from the Faeries and secures Isadora and Kaida in a cave. He promises retribution will come in the morning.

The night is clear with stars bright above, and moonlight streaming in as Faerie music plays on. He leaves a beaker of sweet wine for the girls and adequate beds. Having drunk too much wine, the two fell asleep, not worried about the Fae. Drake then came to Isadora, assured she had partaken of the spelled wine and would desire him.

Open your divine gate to me, the arrogant sod demands. The sound of Faerie songs plays in the night to enthrall her as he goes to take her, then a voice speaks. This is forbidden. Drake is slammed into the wall by invisible hands, and slides to the ground, not knowing what to think. Wiping blood from his mouth where he'd bit his lip, he climbs to his feet and approaches again. Only this time, he runs into an invisible. He is furious. No surprise there.

You dare deny me, a prince. I’ll have another and make her mine. One could see he was a conniver for a sly grin crossed his face. Do you care for the other one as much? he said, then, using his magic, he links his desire for Isadora to Kaida. Coming to her in the moonlight he realizes how truly gorgeous she is, and completes the link.

Drake speaks words of magic only a Fae would know to enchant the maid. Kaida awake, sees the handsome Fae and feels lust, then pulls back the cover to invite him into her bed. The spell was completed in twilight and shadow as Drake pulls her to him. Together they move as in a dance. You need not hear the rest.

When he's done with her, Kaida falls asleep and Drake waits to see the magic work. Oh yes. The spell he set wasn't just to have his way with her. Oh no. It entailed so much more.

Kaida’s breasts become fuller, nipples a deep rose, belly swells with new life. Creatures of beauty to do my bidding. He smirks though saddened it was not Isadora, then considered another mischief, What if? he wondered aloud. As Drake weaves another spell, again the voice is heard. My vengeance comes.

I was as puzzled as Drake who says, Who dares to threaten the prince of the realm? There is silence. What foolishness is this? I have played fair by the rules of magic. He casts the warning away and waits until it is time, then calls for the bringer of life. Whoever gave the warning doesn't play by magic rules, but that is a long time in coming.

Sometime later, when he knew it was time, he called the Life Bringer who had accompanied him to the Isle.

She is ready to give birth to the infant. Anyone could see jealousy burn in her eyes, for she tried but could not produce a female child, yet she does as her prince commands, always to please him. Foolish woman. Ah well, on with the story.

Her hands caress Kaida’s belly. My prince. You will be pleased Using her magic, she brings two infants forth, both females. She lays each down and wraps them in warm white wool.

Leaning down, he smells their fresh scent. I’ve been doubly blessed not cursed. He looks about, fearful of retribution, then demands, Return them to the crystal room.

Drake whispers new words of magic to break the link and complete the memory spell. Then, pondering a moment, he decides revenge is best served cold, so again alters the spell. Before leaving, his lips again to taste of her sweetness, then leaves the sisters to awaken and discover whatever will be.

MEANWHILE, BEFORE ISADORA and Kaida’s adventure, after Lucifer was redeemed, Astaroth, Prince of Demons and god of erotica, runs a pleasure house on Earth for hell’s new ruler. One day a woman who'd lost her memory is sent to him. He trains her as a whore for his pleasure house, not knowing who she is.

Astaroth falls in love with the whore, until she regains her memory, whereby he learns she is an angel of Adonai and Lucifer’s longtime love. He, as you know, was once hell’s ruler and her name, Miriam. She loses her mind for a time.

Astaroth loses all sense of himself knowing he turned an angel into a whore and now fears Heaven’s retribution. Yeshu’a shows up to help the angel and she returns to heaven.

Now knowing love, Astaroth is offered redemption and a return to heaven. Instead, he leaves and travels the universe seeking solace by whatever means are available, women, sex and drugs. All to no avail; yet he cannot forget the angel.

As time passes, Astaroth accepts the Lord’s forgiveness, and returns to heaven but agonizes over his lost love. So, he leaves on sabbatical, enters the Aether and there remains for the rest of our story, which you imagine wish to get on with.

Chapter 1

Isadora

ISADORA, YOU’VE HUNTED for my daughter, how long, for what,  over twenty years?

Since Karabasan's death. Oh, Kaida. He and I drew swords and fought a good fight. I had laid down my sword because I knew he would kill me if I didn't. He was a far better swordsman. Then I saw Blaze come up behind Karabasan, his sword drawn. He must have seen my face as Blaze approached. Not knowing who was about to take his life, he turned and lunged. Seeing him pierce Blaze with his sword, I took up my sword and... Well, you saw my sword pierce his side. Kaida is silent during her narration.

RECALLING THE DAY, she saw Isadora, a tall, dark-haired woman with a sword in hand, wearing leathers as she fought Karabasan. Fearing for her friend's life because her lover was a seasoned warrior, she nearly called out for them to stop. Instead, she hesitated, afraid that she would distract him and give Isadora an advantage. Kaida returned to hear what else Isadora was saying.

I saw that you were pregnant, and by Karabasan. Later, Lucifer showed me those poems Karabasan wrote to you, the ones you wrote to him, and I knew his feelings for you were real. If I had known then, maybe his death could have been avoided.

Stop! Isadora's face grew grim, nostrils flaring. You knew even then. I told you, but you refused to believe that there could be anything between us. You were so convinced that he was using me. Now you say 'I'm sorry'; it's a little late for sorry, don't you think? With her hands on her hips, she glared at Isadora, fire in her eyes. Back then, torn by indecision, Kaida hadn't known what to do, so she watched her mate be slain and blamed herself all these years. Still, she finds it easier to blame Isadora, and she does.

Now you say you've searched twenty years for my daughter. She's not your child. You need to find a mate of your own, have children, and leave me and mine alone!

Isadora felt the air leave her in a rush at those words. Seriously. You imagine I haven't wanted to meet someone and fall in love? Sidach, perhaps? Oh, he would make a fine partner for me. What about your brother, Blaze? We could set the stars on fire with our passion. What would my parents think to see me after all they taught me to avoid - men interested in one thing. That's all Blaze would have done, fornicate and then move on to the next conquest.

I know. Blaze enjoyed the ladies. Karab told me Drake was humiliated by your rejection. He tried to use magic, but he couldn't touch you. A frown marred Isadora's pretty face, and she shook her head. How was it possible? I invited him into my bed and fornicated. Her lip curled in disgust, and she turned away to compose herself, but Isadora had seen the tears. I was the whore. Karabasan did not hold it against me. He knew I was a romantic young girl caught under a Fae spell.

This is true, but even after that night, or however long we were on the Isle of Glory Gone, we knew something had happened. Remember, after we returned to our beach, our hair had grown, and up on Naiad 2, you suddenly knew magic that no one had taught you.

Karabasan confirmed what you say. Yet, before he would sleep with me, he demanded, 'Tell me how you want me. Speak of your desire. I need to know I have you willingly, not against your will.' Those were his exact words. A mating bond cannot be coerced. Even for an incubus to ask such a thing was astonishing. You know they easily manipulate. Of course. That's why you thought I had been used. So how was neither Blaze nor Drake able to open your celestial gate?

Isadora paused, looking around as she considered what and how much to tell Kaida about her life before.

My mom and dad knew I would leave one day. Dad, especially, was very protective of his daughter. She smiled, remembering. Both of them warned me about boys, those who excite and make your panties wet with desire. I didn't understand, not until I met Blaze.

You said he had an effect on you. I remember smelling your lust when you spoke of him. So, how did you not fall under his spell?

My mom often spoke a phrase and encouraged me to learn it as protection against evil. She had me repeat it often. 'No weapon made can win against you; it is Adonai's reward for believing and obeying.' It was her mantra, after being evil for so long, causing so much harm, she desired the love of Yeshu'a when he came for her firstborn. So, she taught me. If I sense evil, even in my spirit, I fight against it. If I sense deception, even in my sleep, I rebel. Isadora chuckled and said, I'm not all innocent, for in my dreams, the desire was there but not in reality, not with evil intent.

Kaida chuckled. It seems that only true love will unlock your celestial gate or garden of delight, as Blaze called it. Kaida paused. My mom always spoke of Adonai and taught us from the holy words, but none of it stuck. How did your faith become so strong?

"In that prism, I had nothing to do but contemplate the existence of Adonai, of which my mother spoke. I questioned whether it was real, for I had nothing to compare it to, this faith in a spirit being. Even those in hell did not seem real, not until the wall opened.

When I saw those demons, I knew hell was very real. To answer your question though, one night I dreamed a dream. Since then Adonai uses the dreams to open my understanding.

Okay. What was the dream? How did it open your understanding? Kai sits forward, eager to hear of Isadora’s dream.

Again, Isadora paused before answering. Will she believe me, she leans back to enjoy the sunlight streaming down then decides to share.

In the desert, I sat looking at the stars one night, and an old man came and told me a story. He said: ‘As have I, many nights I sat out under the stars and wondered how it all came to be - the moon and sun, the desert, and the great sea on the other side of the mountains. One night, I dreamed a dream, as did you.

Mouth opens, eyes crunch as she laughs. Surely you jest. He came in a dream and spoke of his dream in your dream? Amazing. Kaida says, yet Isadora wonders if she truly believes.

"It is, isn’t it. He knew I dreamed and wondered as had he, and the old man said, every night for seven days, he saw creation take place. In his first dream, he said, everywhere was darkness, almost frightening yet he wasn’t afraid. Then he sensed a Spirit hovering over the water. The earth was a formless void covered in water, he explained. Afterward, he heard a voice: ‘Let there be light’ it said and there was light all about. No sun, moon or stars, just the light.

Night after night, he dreamed and the waters over the planet dispersed, a mist rose up and from within, he saw the waters divide as the land arose, then the plants grew, grass and trees, the sun, moon and stars appeared out of the mist. Soon the mist disappeared and there was land, seas, mountains and deserts. He could see the heavens above as did I. On the sixth night, he saw the great Spirit who formed man from the earth, and later, a woman from the man.

Are you serious? We came out of men? How is it then, we women are the ones who birth men and not the other way around?

Chuckling, Isadora says, Well, he didn’t have an answer to every question you might ask and I didn’t know then to ask that one. All I know is, my questioning resulted in his answer about the universe.

What did he dream about the last of the seven days?

When nothing occurred the seventh night, he sensed the great spirit had taken a time out to rest. I suppose, after all that work creating, it drained his energy, or it was an example for people to follow. Isadora shrugs, not understanding what it was about either. I’ve not given it much thought. I do know, if I don’t rest during the week, I get very tired and cranky.

Do you think the old man you dreamed was Adonai? How exciting to imagine the Lord of heaven would come to you in a dream, if he did.

I know; it is spectacular. But I don’t know if it was Adonai or simply an old man, one of the ancients he sent to answer my musings. Anyway, I hope that answers your question about faith. When the Lord speaks, who am I to question? I’ve never forgotten the dream and that helps me to keep strong in my faith.

Your faith and your stories help me to grow stronger in my faith. Having Yeshu’a visit me in a dream was no small thing either.

No indeed it was not. He did walk with your mother on her journey to a new place where she raised her twins, you and Blaze.

I miss him. He was aggravating, and always in trouble with the girls, doing his incubus thing. Smiling, Kaida looks at Isadora. It’s amazing he did not take advantage of you. You must be the only female he did not seduce. I wonder why? Well, he’s dead so we may never know.

I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I cared for him, as a brother. She smiles. Though I suspect he harbored other feelings for me, he never acted on them, never tried to seduce me. Do you think he felt the barrier and had sense enough not to try and cross it, especially after that business with Drake?

It could be. He never said. I do know he respected you. Karab said he knew you were one of the celibates and laughed about it. Said Blaze would never break into your garden of delight, or he’d be surprised if he did. Karabasan knew the task he gave Blaze, to seduce you, was an impossible one. He needed to test his loyalty and Blaze hated him for it. I find it hard to believe he was going to murder his own father even on the battlefield.

Kaida recalls the pond gleaming through a fringe of trees.