Her Dangerous Visions (The Boy and the Beast Book 1) (26 page)

“Yes, My Lady,” he said, delaying only a moment to hold her gaze before turning down the corridor.

She watched him rush away, her emotions in chaos. When he disappeared out of sight, she turned in the direction he had come.

A Nightmare…here?

As she walked, she sensed something had changed. The familiar corridor no longer felt safe, the spaces between lit torches full of ominous shadows.

One thing was now certain in her mind.

Her trip to the Verdlands was more pressing than ever. Her father’s will, and Valcere’s wrath be damned.

Reconciliation between her people and the Verdlands was possible—she felt certain of it.

She had to try to be Monaiella, to break down borders erected in men and women’s hearts. Even if it meant a dungeon would be her ultimate home.

What did it matter? What did home even mean to her now?

As she made the long trip to the lower plateau where the royal horses were kept, her thoughts returned to what had just transpired between her and Mica. He had wanted her. But he had also hesitated. Why?

She sensed the answer. It was more than just the urgent message he’d needed to deliver. His desire for her had been strong. She had felt it. But something had overcome it. Her name was Praseme. And he loved her.

Inside, the flames of desire were now only smoldering cinders. Soon she would leave the Hold. Soon her former life would be cut-off from her. After she set out to the Verdlands, it might never be safe to come to the Hold again. Her future swirled before her, mysterious and dark.

She had needed Mica, now, more than ever.

If he would have only kissed her. A few moments of blissful surrender, his body against hers, the sensual touch of his lips in motion with her own…it would have been just what her soul craved. His kisses drawing out of her a faith in herself. Infusing strength and confidence.

Her imagination blew on the dying embers, stoking them into a small flame.

Somehow the fire had to be satisfied.

This was her last chance to…

She stopped. Her hands pressed against her chest, her fingertips channeling the pulsing within.

My last chance to do what?

End of Book One, for BOOK TWO

The Portal Beyond Her World

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Dedication

To my amazingly loving wife, Amanda, for all her support! She is not only a wonderful wife, she is an amazing mother, and has been my hugest source of strength and my dearest friend. I love you.

Thanks

I would like to thank the entire Restoration Writer’s Group: especially Delaney Walnofer, Aimee Walnofer, and Sarah Christison. And also a thank you to my beta reading team, as well as Amanda Barr, Mike Lynch, J.W. Wartick and Crista Herr. And last but not least, my excellent editor, Holly Lorincz.

About me

Brandon Barr writes in the genres of science fiction and fantasy and often combines the two, preferring stories where the science is soft, the fantastic is vivid, and the flesh and soul characters are front and center.

The Boy and the Beast Series is his breakout, genre-blending science-fantasy drama set in a vast fantasy universe where elements of science fiction are dominated by gods and monsters, visions and gifts.

Barr has written dozens of short stories, many previously published in SF/F magazines and anthologies. He dabbled in writing modern YA and adventure fiction with a co-author, but has returned to his first love, sci-fi and fantasy.

He lives in Southern California with his wife, Amanda, and their three boys. When not writing, Brandon loves to garden, hike, fish, and play board games. He attends a small church which just so happens to be absolutely infested with wonderfully artistic members, who cheer each other on.

The most influential authors in his life are Michael Crichton, Ray Bradbury, C.S. Lewis, and Orson Scott Card.