The Irony Of Fate

By ARI SOBHAN

Roman Delgard, King of the Tarin People, has ruled long and hard for thousands of years. Though he was firm in his command, he was also fair, and this blend of law has kept his people safe from their enemies. So when the arrival of an unwanted bride threatened to disrupt this balance, Roman sought quickly to subjugate and dismiss this nuisance. His only purpose was to defeat his enemies and terror would reign upon anyone who would deflect his end goal.

Harper Pierce had suffered unspeakable tragedy and had to depend on herself to make it in the world. She lived by her own set of rules and answered to no one. Yet, as her life was dealt an implausible hand, she discovered that her old rules no longer applied. Accustomed to being obscure among her people, her new position has now thrust her into the spotlight, the last place she wants to be. Harper soon yearns for the darkness, that safeguards her secrets and protects her purpose.

As Roman and Harper struggle to move forward separately, their worlds continuously collide. Viewing each other as barriers to their ultimate goal, they will soon discover more about themselves and each other than they could have ever prepared for. Suddenly, it is unclear which victory they are for fighting for, and to them, what would determine the ultimate prize.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: After Hours Publications
• Release date: May 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224573042

Book preview

Prologue   

The Eternal Council sat as stone, prompting Roman's thunderous departure. Though they were in charge of the Tarin Race, they needed Roman, the King, to comply. In truth, it had been around Roman's birth that the Council split the Tarin Race in two. The magical power needed to continue this facade, this War between the two halves, would not stand forever.  And so, the Council must remain vigilant, and continue to weave the story that was believed by all.

The Eternal  Council was created over many millenniums ago, as direct descendants of their Celestial Gods. These dieties gifted the Tarin Race with innumerable powers.  The Council's job was to enforce the functional myths that sustained their people. The Council evolved over the millennia. They permitted certain abilities to emerge in the entire Tarin Race, at different times, thus ensuring the progression but stability of their society.

Magical powers, including shapeshifting, were the abilities during the current age. Still, even these abilities had defined limits. This helped keep the narrative going regarding the two enemies, the Tarin People and the Daltarians, competing for the same rich land and coveted kingdom. The belief also kept the Council's deed in the dark. Yet, in spite of the Council's maneuvering the collective Tarin Race through mental links, there were those individuals, whose memories of times before, that would break through the conjured haze.

As a result, the Council recruited those individuals as Regulators of their people. Further, the Council enclosed the Daltarian Kingdom in magic. This separation garnered enough freedom to germinate the Lie forged to initially divide them and prevented the Tarin Race from completely destroying themselves from within. Yet, as Roman made his dramatic exit, the members of the Council realized that Roman's resistance may the crack that destroyed their carefully constructed regime. A crack that will allow Fate to finally play its hand.

Chapter 1

Roman was livid. His anger seemed to echo on the stone walls as his heavy boots pounded the floor. The long hall of the Eternal Council's Lair abruptly ended as he burst through the underground doors. Immediately, he took flight before one foot touched the ground of the Forbidden Lands surrounding the Lair. 

He had to concentrate on pinpointing his destination, his beloved home- Tarin Castle. He fumed, still not believing what he had just heard. He has been King and Ruler for thousands of years to the Tarin People. His race was the most formidable predatory force on the planet Ranearus. Any ability that a species could possess, his race had it. Only a few could possess any ability, and they were royalty. Roman was born as such and became the most powerful ruler of all time.

So, if this was the case, how could the Council dictate this command?

Roman had to slow his flight to take in the views of his grounds. Thousands of acres of lush green forest and grasslands came into his sight as though it was high noon and not actually just past midnight. Roman's amazing visual ability, courtesy of his Leonine eyesight,  superseded any environment. He maintained crystal clear vision, which was an asset when facing the enemies, Oculen and The Daltarians. 

Tarin Castle loomed in the distance as part of the landscape. The castle itself stretched across half a mile in all four directions. Though Roman has lived there for thousands of years, he has yet to see all of it. His job as Ruler and King did not leave much time for leisure.

So why does the Council think he has time for a wife?

Irritated, Roman focused his telepathy on the doors of the third-floor chambers. They opened automatically at his arrival, and he swept into his rooms silently. He directed his gaze to the massive stone fireplace, which came alive when the doors closed quietly behind him. The fire was not needed. Roman could tolerate any environment, his Lion Yeagar made sure of this, but it did contribute to his oasis. As Roman disrobed, his mood did not temper. Once he was nude, he stepped to his bed, the masterpiece of his space. Again, the bed was a statement piece, but Roman did his best thinking there. As he stretched his six-foot, eight-inch frame upon the bed, he pondered how there would be plenty of room for his future wife there.

The intrusive thought sprung him to his feet, and Roman began to pace in front of the fireplace. The warm glow of the fire bathed and highlighted every single muscle of his chiseled frame. His body resembled the stance of the lion that rested just beneath his skin. Roman's displeasure caused his enormous back tattoo to morph, mimicking Yeagar's movements within, as Roman prowled and dominated his beloved space.

How can the Council invade his sanctuary so completely? he thought. Roman growled, his eyes shifting from deep to bright gold, as he opened the decanter sitting on the sideboard and poured a large volume of rum. He raised the chalice and emptied it with one gulp. The lion inside roared, temperamental as ever, and Roman took a breath to calm the beast. 

Conjuring some trousers, he moved forward and sat heavily on one of the two massive chairs in front of the fireplace. His dog, the massive Russian Bear, noticed his temper. He silently took his position by Roman's chair. Roman gently stroked Madjai's monstrous head as the dog sat equally in head height with him. 

Roman rumbled, It seems that we must welcome someone into our fold, Madjai. The dog pinned back his ears and bared his teeth. Roman continued, Easy, boy. I feel your frustration, but it appears that it must be done to prolong the line. Madjai settled on his forelegs as Roman relived the ultimatum.

Roman, great King, it is customary for our ruler to take a bride. It not only ensures our race but also shows kinship to our people. Roman, we are indebted to your service and humbly ask you to accept our gift of your bride. She will be presented to you within a fortnight. She is your soul mate and equal in every way. She has been screened and will make a perfect wife. We appreciate your acceptance and sacrifice. Our decision is final. We expect Harper will fulfill your ideal for a Tarin Queen, stated Ennis, Head of the Tarin Council.

Our decision is final, hissed Roman, remembering this exchange with distaste. We will see about that.

Chapter 2

Harper Pierce stretched her long shapely legs after her brief run. Her beast, her Lioness, was temporarily sated with the exercise and purred contently inside. The evidence of Karus's satisfaction permitted Harper's leg tattoo to finally fade back to its original stoic design. Harper, on the other hand, brooded over how she did not even break a sweat, nor did the run relax and calm her mind. She was still trying to accept the fact that her best friend was getting married and moving away. 

Harper has played her part. She has been a supportive friend, and she performed the maid of honor's duties. She also feigned the appropriate excitement. Yet, she just cannot believe this is happening. A year ago, Harper's fierce and independent friend, Nina, announced that she had found love. At the time, Harper had laughed and responded flippantly for Nina to have fun. Never did she believe that Nina would consider marriage.

Growing up, did they not make a vow to never get caught up, to never let a man rule their lives? She had to admit that Nina seemed happy. But how can Harper go on without Nina by her side? Repentantly, Harper vowed she would not be selfish. She will stand by Nina's decision, no matter what.  She, however, will not give up on her beliefs. She will now forge ahead, alone in her choices.  She will use her gifts for her people, not for some man's pleasure. 

Harper stood and swung her waist-length raven hair from her shoulder to her back. She must braid and wrap it around her head before dressing. Tarin culture dictates that women must be completely covered to show total submission. Harper groaned as she started the arduous task of replacing her clothes. Though her natural magical abilities extended to dressing and undressing with just a thought, Harper hid most of her powers. She never knew who could be watching. 

I mean, really... she mused. What would her people think of her evening runs with little or no clothing? Harper can admit that she is not the typical Tarin woman. With caramel skin, a six-foot frame, black hair, and reflective green eyes, Harper was hard to ignore. Her physique was finished in perfect proportions, with full heavy breasts, a tiny waist, and shapely hips. She also possessed her lioness's stamina and strength. Fortunately for Harper, the nondescript black clothing of the Tarin women thwarted much attention.

Soon, she was fully dressed and had her facial veil in place. Impulsively, Harper levitated, and attempted a short flight to the edge of the wood. The wind threatened to dislodge her veil, and all too soon, the trip was over before it started. She paused and listened to the woods but noted only a single but huge raven perched in a nearby tree.

Harper felt a burst of excitement that her flying was improving. Maybe next time, she will fly instead of run. Her Lioness suddenly pushed at her insides, and caused Harper's tattoo to ripple, as she apparently protested the idea. Harper grinned as she walked quickly along the wood line. Okay, Karus, I will give you your run. 

Karus quieted as Harper reached the edge of her village. Harper assumed the customary demeanor of the Tarin woman; head down and an invisible presence. Every fiber of Harper's being protested this stance, this direct opposition to Karus's dominance and independence, but she stayed the course. She made her way stealthy through the empty streets to her lonely, dark cottage. The lights no longer greeted her brightly. Nina was staying with her family for her upcoming wedding. Harper entered her home, and with a wave of her hand, the fire started in the fireplace. The main doors to the outside were locked. 

With another charmed wave of her hand, her clothes disappeared, and she teleported to her bedroom.  Harper gradually took in the stillness of the cottage. As an act of defiance, she loosened her hair and climbed nude into bed, before slowly deflating. She finally accepted that losing Nina to marriage was not the cause of all her melancholy. She was also losing her only family. 

Harper sighed and turned on her side. Tomorrow, she would wake up and continue her work as the village healer. Tomorrow night, she will watch her best friend marry. Sad and defeated, she cleared her mind for a restful night's sleep. The last thing she took in was the sight of a single raven dwarfing the tree branch outside her bedroom window.

Chapter 3

Harper was dreaming again. The nightmare always starts the same. She was with her parents in the village, enjoying the Tarin Festival. She was only a teenager, carefree and taking in the sights. She wandered away from her parents as they were constantly stopped by the villagers. Her parents were important people. They were known as the Healers who helped save the life of the current Tarin King. Though their status could have been instantly elevated, Patrick and Lillian Pierce chose to stay humble. 

Harper strayed a good distance away but within her parent's view. They always kept her close. They knew anyone who had helped the Tarin King could be potential targets for Oculen and his Daltarians. Harper remembered feeling that the day could not get any better. But then, she suddenly felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck. Harper quickly looked back for her parents, but darkness swiftly and completely engulfed her. She heard screaming, before her mother placed her in a deep sleep and teleported her back to her bed. 

Rest, sweet Harper, whispered Lillian, Know that your mom and dad love you dearly. Remember that you are a healer, but you are so much more. Shelter your gifts until the right time, honing them in the darkness. You will know when to bring all your abilities to light. You are destined for greatness. We are sorry that we will not be there to witness it. Know that we protected you to the very end.

In her dream, Lillian Pierce's voice went mute as Harper fought out of the deep sleep. Succeeding, she sat up straight in bed before dashing to the front room of their cottage. Remembering the festival, Harper burst through the front door. She started sprinting down the street to the Village Square. She rushed swiftly and hurriedly, utilizing Karus's speed and stamina, only to come to an abrupt halt upon arrival.

She stood there, visually taking in the remains of the festival, now hot embers close to the ground. Bodies were sprawled all over the village. Harper stared in disbelief. Slowly, she turned to where she last saw her parents standing. They were still there, lying together, her father's arm covering her mom in a warm embrace. Lillian's dark hair was gently waving in the wind. Above her parents, anchored to her father's back, was a staff with a cloth also blowing in the wind. It was the Daltarian Flag. 

Harper awoke to Karus's ferocious roar. Karus was beating at her chest, wanting to break free. Harper hissed as her lioness's tattoo sizzled and burned, turning bright gold in color, and prompting the same color change to Harper's eyes. Harper sat up in the bed and braced against the pain. It was harder and harder to keep Karus inside and not let her take control. Harper's human strength was nothing in comparison to Karus's shifter power. The nightmare always triggered the onslaught of partial transformation. Harper would experience Karus's hyperawareness, and wisdom for days after the recurrent nightmare. Still, Harper often wondered what would it take for Karus to force a complete shift, one that has never occurred.

She stood by her bed and spoke gently to Karus. Easy, girl. Mom, and dad are gone, and their killers are not here. Karus, love, stand down. Harper gently swayed as Karus kept up the fight, lengthening Harper's bones and stretching and roping her muscles. Karus, stand down. You will get your kill, chided Harper.

Karus's roaring slowly gave way to growling. Only then could Harper catch a breath.  Gradually, Karus released her hold on Harper's body, allowing it to return to its normal state. Each time Harper had the dream, it became more difficult to keep Karus at bay. It had been a long time since her parents died, and Karus was losing her patience. So was Harper.  Yet, she should have anticipated that her feelings regarding Nina's upcoming wedding would trigger the nightmare.

But now was not the time to think on this, Harper thought wearingly. Today, Harper would visit only a couple of patients before getting ready for Nina's wedding. Harper sighed.  She hoped that the day would end better than it had started. But in her heart, she feared that this would not be the case. 

Chapter 4

Roman walked off the training field feeling better than when he arrived. It was exhilarating to channel all his energy and frustration into physical exercise. Every muscle in his body was pushed to the limit during his hours of training, and he was invigorated. This is where he allowed his lion free rein, capitalizing on Yeagar's prowess and battle readiness.  Yet, he still could not ignore that maybe he felt especially good today because the fortnight proclaiming his bride's arrival has passed. Roman grinned to himself, feeling Yeagar's approval of their continued single status, as he peeled off his training tunic at the end of the field. 

Should I ask what thought brought about that smile? asked Killian as he dropped to the ground near Roman.

I swear you were trying to kill me today. Killian was