Authors: Paulette Miller
Raven’s words cut into Tianna. She pondered whether Nathaniel did really feel that way about her mixed blood. Given his actions since he met up with Raven, she was guessing that Raven’s words were painfully true. Anger and frustration started to well up inside Tianna and her inner dragons started to roar in her mind. Tianna wanted to do more than just punch Raven in the nose. If a tree had been nearby she would’ve knocked her right over the walls of Haven. It took everything she had to hold back her true emotions and say, “I hope you and Nathaniel will be very happy together.” Her voice broke.
Raven’s smile faded when she felt power pulsating off Tianna’s body. She had mistakenly thought that an explanation would make Tianna feel better about her split from Nathaniel. She decided to get away while she could. “Sorry, I have to run. Hope to see you at the mating ceremony!” She walked away very fast.
Tianna’s chest felt like it was being crushed and she was having a hard time catching her breath. Her mind was spinning out of control as her dragons continued their mental assault. Not only was she not meant for Nathaniel, she was not meant for any Draak. It would be better for everyone if she disappeared. She said to herself, “
I’ve got to get out of this place. There’s nothing in Haven for me now. This place will NEVER be my home.
”
Another inner voice said, “
Tianna run! Get out of Haven where you can be free from all of this. You deserve a real home, not this stone cage. For once, take charge of your own future
.”
Anger continued to grow within her. The voice was correct. It was time she picked her own path. She started to walk fast. Instead of continuing to Gabriel’s, she took a turn and headed straight for the tunnel that led out of Haven. She would miss Gabriel and her other friends, but they deserved to return to their own lives.
News of her Black Dragon mark must have traveled lightning fast because people gasped when she came by. When she made eye contact this time, they quickly turned and scurried away with terror in their eyes.
Tianna picked up her pace and, by the time she reached the tunnel, she was running. Seeing the way out of Haven in front of her, she didn’t slow her pace. She took a deep breath and ran into the tunnel without looking back. The tunnel opening behind her closed with a loud bang and she was left in the dark, alone. She stopped running abruptly as all light and sound disappeared.
While trying to catch her breath, she spun and panic filled her chest. She listened to her heart pound as she recalled Seth’s warning about non-Draaks entering the tunnel and the mountain forcing them to wander in its depths forever. She jumped as a small torch lit on the wall. She squinted as the sudden light pierced the darkness, causing frightening shadows to reflect on the walls. She peered down the tunnel in both directions and saw nothing but darkness. She was so disoriented that she wasn’t sure which way was out.
There was no turning back so she picked a direction, crept forward slowly, and was swallowed by the darkness.
# # #
Paulette Miller lives in central Illinois with her husband, two children, several large dogs, and a barn cat. This is the first story she has written and e-published. Her inner writing nature emerged as a way to survive early menopause compounded by insomnia. Now she can’t be found without a sketch book in hand, a stack of scribbled notes in her pocket, or at her computer frantically clinking on the keyboard. All of these actions are focused solely on one goal—creating the world of Lagrangia.
To learn more about the author as well as the series, connect online:
Facebook:
http://facebook.com/bluefirenovels
“Unquiet Slumber” is the first book in a five book Blue Fire series. For a glimpse at what happens next in Tianna’s journey, read on.
Sleeper Wakes: The Blue Fire series, Book 2
Tianna wakes from her lifelong unquiet slumber and continues her journey of self-discovery. The magical world now knows of her existence and of her connection to the evil Black Dragon, Kai. Her prophesized role in saving all of Lagrangia does not shelter her from everyone’s fear of her growing powers, making it extremely difficult for her to find a place she can call home.
If trying to find her sanctuary wasn’t enough, her inner natures are slowly emerging and beginning their fight for control. No nature fights more fiercely than her Black Dragon. Her desires for Kai grow stronger every day leaving Tianna vulnerable to his evil influence and manipulation. This inner battle leaves Tianna weary and desperate for the touch of someone’s loving embrace. Although her split from Nathaniel has left her heart broken, she frantically searches for the one that can give her the strength she needs to survive.
As she attempts to face the world head on, she remains at the mercy of fate who continues to drag her down an uncharted path. But will her dark passions lead her into the arms of evil or will someone step out from the shadows and stand by her side to help her fulfill her destiny?
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