Echoes of the Wild

By Evelyn M. Harrow

"Echoes of the Wild" is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Aria Blackwood, a brave young woman with a deep connection to the natural world. As a champion of the wild, Aria faces the formidable challenge of thwarting the tyrannical Blackthorne and his plans to dominate both human and animal kingdoms. With the aid of her loyal companion Zephyr and the mighty dragon Orion, she unites a diverse alliance of creatures from across the realms. Together, they engage in epic battles, confront their deepest fears, and strive to preserve the balance of nature against the destructive forces of greed and power. The narrative weaves themes of unity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of nature, culminating in a dramatic struggle to shape the future of their world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcane Atlas Books
• Release date: Apr 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224121458

Book preview

Echoes of the Wild

A Zoologist's Journey to Save the Animal Kingdom

Emily Harper

Copyright © 2024 by Emily Harper

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.

Contents

1.The Awakening

2.The Gathering Storm

3.Forbidden Love

4.The Prophecy Unveiled

5.Betrayal and Doubt

6.The Rogue Faction

7.The Price of Progress

8.The Ancient Ally

9.The Power of Unity

10.Echoes of Hope

Chapter one

The Awakening

Aria Blackwood had always found solace in the embrace of the Emerald Forest. As a child, she had spent countless hours exploring its lush, verdant depths, marveling at the intricate tapestry of life that thrived beneath the ancient canopy. It was here, among the whispering leaves and the gentle rustling of unseen creatures, that she had first discovered her deep connection to the animal kingdom.

Now, as a brilliant young zoologist, Aria’s love for the forest had only grown stronger. Each morning, before the sun had fully risen, she would set out on a quiet hike, breathing in the earthy scents of moss and damp soil, listening to the delicate symphony of birdsong that heralded the dawn.

On this particular morning, however, something felt different. As Aria made her way along the familiar trail, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. The air seemed to hum with a strange energy, a prickling sense of anticipation that set her nerves on edge.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Aria turned, her breath catching in her throat as she spotted a magnificent stag standing at the edge of a small clearing. The animal regarded her with a steady gaze, its dark eyes seeming to hold a depth of wisdom and understanding that took her breath away.

Aria had always had a way with animals, a natural empathy that allowed her to connect with them on a deep, instinctual level. But as she met the stag’s gaze, she felt something more - a sudden, electric jolt of connection that seemed to blur the lines between human and beast.

Welcome, Aria Blackwood. The voice that echoed through her mind was deep and resonant, filled with a quiet power that sent shivers down her spine. You have been chosen.

Aria blinked, her heart racing as she tried to make sense of what was happening. She had always known that there was something special about her bond with animals, but this - this was beyond anything she had ever experienced.

Chosen for what? she asked, her voice trembling slightly. What do you mean?

The stag inclined its head, its antlers catching the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy. You possess a rare gift, Aria. The ability to communicate with animals, to understand their thoughts and feelings as if they were your own. It is a power that has lain dormant within you all your life, waiting for the right moment to awaken.

Aria’s mind reeled with the implications of the stag’s words. She had always felt a deep connection to the animal kingdom, but to actually be able to communicate with them - it was a prospect that filled her with both exhilaration and trepidation.

As if sensing her thoughts, the stag spoke again. Your gift is not a coincidence, Aria. It is a calling, a destiny that has been woven into the very fabric of your being. And it is a destiny that will require great courage and sacrifice.

Aria swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. What do you mean? What is this destiny?

The stag’s eyes seemed to darken, a shadow passing over its noble features. There are forces at work in this world, Aria. Dark, twisted forces that seek to exploit and destroy the delicate balance of nature. And at the center of it all is a man named Dante Blackthorne.

Aria’s blood ran cold at the mention of the name. She had heard whispers of Dante Blackthorne, the enigmatic CEO of Blackthorne Industries, a man whose ambition and ruthlessness were the stuff of legend. But to hear him spoken of in such ominous tones, by a creature of the forest no less, sent a chill down her spine.

Blackthorne is a man consumed by greed and a lust for power, the stag continued, its voice heavy with sorrow. He sees the natural world as nothing more than a resource to be exploited, a means to an end in his quest for dominance. Even now, his agents are at work, conducting cruel experiments on innocent creatures, seeking to unlock the secrets of their abilities and bend them to his will.

Aria’s heart clenched with a sudden, fierce anger. The thought of animals suffering, of their beauty and majesty being twisted and perverted for the sake of profit and power - it was almost more than she could bear.

I have to stop him, she said, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and determination. I can’t let him get away with this.

The stag regarded her with a solemn gaze, its eyes filled with a deep, ancient wisdom. Your path will not be an easy one, Aria. You will face great challenges and dangers, and there will be times when you will feel lost and alone. But know that you are not alone. The animals of this world will stand with you, and together, you may yet find a way to bring balance and harmony to the land once more.

Aria nodded, a fierce determination settling over her like a cloak. She knew that she could not turn away from this calling, no matter how daunting it might seem. She had been given a gift, a purpose, and she would not rest until she had fulfilled it.

I understand, she said, her voice steady with resolve. I will do whatever it takes to protect the animals and stop Dante Blackthorne.

The stag inclined its head, a glimmer of pride shining in its dark eyes. "Then go forth,