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Tag: Dessy

Birth name of Empress Rheyn Destoiya, twin sister of Pietas

“I own the wind.” Ritual of Strength, performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #PietasFans #SciFi #Ritual

I own the wind. Ritual of Strength, performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen photographer @by_cosphoto #PietasFans #SciFi

I own the wind.

Part two of the ritual involves Pietas claiming power over the wind. Part three goes into more detail on how/why.

The reference to power of the elements is not a simple comment. Pietas discovers in this series that one of his latent abilities is actual control of certain weather attributes. In books one and two (Origin of Pietas, Forged in Fire), every time Pietas must deal with his father or confront feelings about the man, a storm blows up. Not a stiff breeze, but a howling gale with lightning and tornadoes. Considering how "well" he and his father get along, the storms speak volumes.

Excerpt from Origin of Pietas

If one must be marooned on an alien world, at least it was with a cheerful companion and not a naysaying obstructionist like his father. Why thoughts of the man evoked such longing Pietas could not imagine. His father was like a hole in the shoe, ever present, ever making one aware of what was lacking, but doing nothing about it. Whereas Six...

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt for Pietas to let down a bit of his guard. A bit. He helped Six clean up. Though it was still morning, the day darkened while they were finishing. By the time they reached camp, the sun was gone.

At first, Pietas thought it might be another flock of birds, but then he spied what had sent the birds fleeing.

Black clouds roiled. Thunder boomed. The sky went white with lightning.

In the north, the mother of all thunderstorms rolled over the horizon.

The Ritual of Strength series

https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-00-video Video: Ritual of Strength performed by Nik Nitsvetov
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-01-powerful I am powerful, as fire is powerful.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-02-wind I own the wind.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-03-prevail-breath I prevail over the breath of my enemies.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-04-water-submits Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-05-trickle My enemies trickle into the pool of time.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-06-body-submits My body submits to my will.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-07-no-fear No fear touches me.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-08-my-will My will is absolute.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-09-prevail-every I prevail over every circumstance.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-10-every-foe I face every foe. (+Origin of the Ritual)
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-11-vanquish-enemy I vanquish every enemy.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-12-indomitable I overcome. I am indomitable.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-13-invincible  I am invincible.

Credits

My thanks to the performer, Nik Nitsvetov, and photographer Belyaeva Yuliya

Bringer of Chaos

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Bringer of Chaos
Bundle 1

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 #SpaceOpera #SciFi

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


#PietasFans “I am powerful, as fire is powerful.” Ritual of Strength performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #Ritual

#PietasFans "I am powerful, as fire is powerful." Ritual of Strength performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos @by_cosphoto photographer #SciFi #Ritual

I am powerful, as fire is powerful.

When I conceived the idea of Pietas performing a ritual to remind himself of his own prowess, I knew it would have to include the elements of fire, air, water, and wind. That he used to do it in public but now only in private made me wonder... Why? Why did he stop performing this in public? Why only with his twin sister? He and Dessy cannot be in the same room without sniping at one another. He doesn't trust her, not after she betrayed him many years ago. So why her?

I realized it had to be because he showed her his most vulnerable side to prove he had no fear. Not of injury, not of ridicule, and most certainly not of her.

But it was not until I wrote book two, Forged in Fire, that I realized why he started doing the ritual in the first place. More on that later in the ritual series.

The Ritual of Strength series

https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-00-video Video: Ritual of Strength performed by Nik Nitsvetov
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-01-powerful I am powerful, as fire is powerful.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-02-wind I own the wind.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-03-prevail-breath I prevail over the breath of my enemies.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-04-water-submits Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-05-trickle My enemies trickle into the pool of time.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-06-body-submits My body submits to my will.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-07-no-fear No fear touches me.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-08-my-will My will is absolute.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-09-prevail-every I prevail over every circumstance.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-10-every-foe I face every foe. (+Origin of the Ritual)
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-11-vanquish-enemy I vanquish every enemy.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-12-indomitable I overcome. I am indomitable.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-13-invincible  I am invincible.

Credits

My thanks to the performer, Nik Nitsvetov, and photographer Belyaeva Yuliya

Bringer of Chaos

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Bringer of Chaos
Bundle 1

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 #SpaceOpera #SciFi

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Video: Ritual of Strength performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov #PietasFans Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Ritual

Ritual of Strength performed by Nik Nitsvetov
Voiceover Artist Zack Black
From the Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen
Photographer Belyaeva Yuliya

In this scene from book 1 of the Bringer of Chaos series, Pietas is preparing for a ritual with his twin sister.

 

While Pietas readied himself, his sister twirled the dagger, showing off her expertise.

"You know, Pietas, you should let our people know you still do this ceremony. They'd be impressed by your devotion."

"I don't do it to impress anyone. I do it to ready myself for-- Stop!" Dessy had been sliding one fingertip along the edge of the dagger. He removed it from her grasp, and examined the blade.

"Honestly, Pietas! I was just testing the sharpness."

"I didn't want you to cut yourself."

"I'm as adept with blades as you. More so, if you ask me."

"Not the point. If you'd cut yourself, I'd have to consecrate it again. It can only have my blood or my enemy's."

"You think I'm witless? As if I haven't performed this ceremony with you a hundred times. And here I thought you were concerned for my well-being."

"Stop playing. I told you, I'm busy."

She let out a harsh sigh. "Fine. Let's complete the ritual."

Dagger in hand, Pietas unfastened the clip in his hair, and let it fall. The wet tail slapped the middle of his back. He tossed the clip aside, placed the dagger on his palms, and offered it.

She poised her hand above it. "Who offers this weapon?"

"First Conqueror, War Leader of the Ultras."

She took it from him. "For whom are you willing to suffer?"

"I suffer for my people." Pietas turned his cheek.

Dessy slid the knife tip gently along his face, from cheekbone to chin, drawing a thin trail of blood. "For whom do you bleed?"

"I bleed for my people." By the time the first drop of blood had risen, the cut had healed, leaving no scar.

"What sacrifice do you offer as proof of devotion?"

He went to his knees, and lowered his head. Here was the true reason he no longer performed this ritual before his people. Pietas abased himself before no one.

Except the one woman who held the tattered remnants of his trust, and what little remained of his heart.

"I surrender my pride."

His sister went behind him, and gathered his hair in her fist. Using the razor-sharp blade, she sawed through the wet tail. She crossed to the table, and moved the hide back in place.

Pietas picked up the pants as he stood, and slipped them on. He ruffled his fingers through his hair. It hung around his jaw line.

Dessy brushed it back from his face, and thumbed away a smear of blood.

He clasped her wrist. "Take it out of your pocket."

"What?"

"Whatever it is you took."

"I don't--"

He tightened his grip, and she grimaced. "Take it out of your pocket."

"Let me go." She glared in defiance, the ice in her emotions fierce as a blizzard.

He released her, and the room warmed. He held out his hand.

Dessy reached into a pocket and withdrew his tail of hair. "I'm not giving it back."

"It's mine. I intend to burn it."

"I know. That's why I took it."

He tried to snatch it from her.

She slipped out of reach. "It's mine now, and I want it."

He regarded her a long moment. "I see. You want my DNA because you think I'll be defeated."

"Can you imagine Father's face if told him I wanted to recreate you? He'd sooner burn his lab to the ground."

Those words bit his pride, but the truth of her emotions, her love for him, assuaged it. He motioned for her to give it to him. "Now, Dess."

She stuffed it back in her pocket. "I have nothing of yours, and I've always loved your hair. Let me keep it." She added, "Please."

The last time she'd said that word to him, they were sixteen. His decision to comply had cost him his relationship with his father, and ruined what he'd had with her. She had never said please again. Not to him. That ought to be warning enough. But back then, he'd still had a heart that could break.

It wasn't breakable any more.

"It's hair. Not important." He set a fist over his heart, and bowed.

Smiling, she pressed her palms together and put her hands before her mouth. "Thank you. Now, are you ready for the peace talks?"

"No." He squared his shoulders. "I'm ready for war."

The Ritual of Strength series

https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-00-video Video: Ritual of Strength performed by Nik Nitsvetov
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-01-powerful I am powerful, as fire is powerful.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-02-wind I own the wind.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-03-prevail-breath I prevail over the breath of my enemies.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-04-water-submits Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-05-trickle My enemies trickle into the pool of time.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-06-body-submits My body submits to my will.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-07-no-fear No fear touches me.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-08-my-will My will is absolute.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-09-prevail-every I prevail over every circumstance.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-10-every-foe I face every foe. (+Origin of the Ritual)
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-11-vanquish-enemy I vanquish every enemy.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-12-indomitable I overcome. I am indomitable.
https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-13-invincible  I am invincible.

Credits

My thanks to the performer, Nik Nitsvetov, and photographer Belyaeva Yuliya

Bringer of Chaos

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 - Science Fiction and Space Opera #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Bringer of Chaos
Bundle 1

Bringer of Chaos Bundle 1 #SpaceOpera #SciFi

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


5 times the romance: the Antonello Brothers Complete Set #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

5 times the romance: the Antonello Brothers Complete Set #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Snuggle up with the Antonello Brothers. This boxed set contains one novella and four exciting books in the science fiction romance series, plus links to three bonus stories.

♥ A Stolen Heart - This child can steal anything. Including a warrior-pirate's heart...

♥ Bro - He can be invisible, but he can't hide from the truth...

♥ At the Mercy of Her Pleasure - She's addictive. He can't touch her. But what if he kissed her just once...

♥ For Women Only - His secret truth is her people's darkest lie...

♥ Crystal Clear Truth - How can you trust when your own truth is a lie...

Three brothers. One missing mother. Not raised together, none of the brothers know about the others. That is, until fate brings the youngest into the life of a former warrior-pirate. From the moment Luc decides to intervene and save a frightened child, nothing in Luc's life will ever be the same.

If you like science fiction romance on the sweeter side, have an ache for wounded heroes, and admire heroines who don't wait around to be rescued... The Antonello Brothers series is for you.

Antonello Brothers

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers-immortal

#SciFi #Romance

Complete Set Antonello Brothers Series


Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Snuggle up with the Antonello Brothers SciFi Romance on the sweeter side #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Snuggle up with the Antonello Brothers SciFi Romance on the sweeter side #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Three brothers. One missing mother. Not raised together, none of the brothers knows about the other. That is, until fate brings the youngest into the life of a former warrior-pirate. From the moment Luc decides to intervene and save a frightened child, nothing in Luc's life will ever be the same.

When a glorified space pirate turned entrepreneur rescues a vulnerable orphan, a chain of events sets chaos in motion. At war with his compassion for the toddler, loyalty to the king, duty to the Guild, and the bright lure of freedom he's coveted for centuries, Luc seeks the right path.

A hard choice for any man. For an immortal whose inner monster can destroy on sight? Impossible.

A pirate with a monstrous past can never be trusted with an innocent child.

Luc must ensure the child is protected, safe, nowhere near danger. Nowhere near him.

Even if this little boy has already stolen his heart...

Reviews for A Stolen Heart

"It's about personal growth, and self-sacrifice, and finding your own way in the world…most of all, it's about figuring out how to love yourself, warts and all, even when you've done something so horrible you have nightmares about it many years after the fact." - Barb Caffrey

"If you're into science fiction with hefty servings of cuteness; then I think this is going to be your next read." ElleAmore

"The story as it develops brings out a depth of its characters, and the magic of falling head over heels for them begins with the entry of the little HalfKin Senthys. The characters bloom into something more fun and relatable from there on and are determined to steal hearts..." - Blog of a Forbidden Dreamer

"A Stolen Heart...shows the softness in this hard, monster of a man and I absolutely loved it. Everything about this story is great. The characters are amazing, and you can’t help but fall in love with all of them. The storyline is compelling and keeps you pulled in, (because little baby Senthys is so adorable)..." - Cathy  Brockman

Antonello Brothers

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers-immortal

#SciFi #Romance

Complete Set Antonello Brothers Series

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


The thought made her claws itch #Excerpt A Stolen Heart #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

In this scene from A Stolen Heart, Luc Saint-Cyr is in his hoversine (a cross between a limo and a hover) on his way into the city. He'd made a list of things to deal with and plans to hand it over to his new liaison, Shohn Lexius.*

During the ride into Miraj City, Luc pulled out his mobile and scrolled through the list he'd uploaded from the paper in his pocket. He forwarded one item to his assistant, and added a few notes to his own to-do list. The mobile buzzed in his hand.

Shohn Lexius.

He answered, voice mode. "What's up?"

"A bit of intel. I know we're meeting later, but this will only take a minute. I think you'll want to hear it."

He put the device on holophone and his Kin liaison shimmered into view. Catlike ears were up and forward, a sign of curiosity and attention.

"Sir, I anticipated you'd want a background check on"-- She looked at something off-screen --"Senthys Antonello."

"What are you? A mind reader?"

"Oh, no, sir." Shohn picked up a note-reader. "I try to anticipate what'll be needed next. What's the next logical step. Prepare for it best I can."

"Do you have relatives needing work? I could use a dozen more like you."

Inclining her head, she lowered her ears in a Kin thank you. "I'm one of a kind."

"You can say that again."

She gave him a curious look. "Idiom?"

"Means I agree." He gestured toward her. "So you know I took custody of the boy."

"Sir, I know your shoe size, what sort of pickles you like and the thread count on your sheets. You signed papers for him at the Guild. It wasn't hard."

In his other lives, no one had known squat about happenings within Guild walls. "You scare me a little, Ms. Lexius."

One ear flicked back. "Is that good?"

"I'll let you know." He set his mobile on handsfree and dropped it into a pocket. "What do you have?"

"I dug up the name of the place where the boy lived from birth until he was bought by the Guild. He--"

"Bought?"

"He was purchased in a group of thirty children. Twenty-seven humans plus him."

"That's twenty-eight."

"There were thirty total, but two are unaccounted for. Not sure who they were or whether they were human." She tapped a screen. "Looks like they were counted when they left the children's shelter where Senthys was reared, but I have no record of them reaching the Guild. No record of names, either. Just the count."

"Were they sold before the Guild got them?"

"No record."

The more he learned about the doings of his Guild, the less it felt like the one he knew. His Guild had been honorable. Like a family. This felt more and more like a faceless organization. Since when did family sell its most vulnerable members?

"But sir, I'm looking into it. That two children can disappear makes my claws itch. If they're safe, I want to know and if they're not-- Well, I'll let you know either way."

---
*Shohn Lexius is in all the Antonello Brothers books and is the heroine in book five, Crystal Clear Truth.

Antonello Brothers

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers-immortal

#SciFi #Romance

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.



Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

#Excerpt Who is keeping him from discovering the truth? And why? #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

#Excerpt Who is keeping him from discovering the truth? And why? #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Crystal Clear Truth

A slow-burn, forced proximity scifi alien romance

How can you trust when your own truth is a lie?

Shohn has only one goal: live a lie-filled life undercover. The elite head of security permits herself no family ties and few friends. But when firestorm scientist Joe needs help to locate his birth mother, and hires Shohn, she begins to rethink her rule of isolation.

Unknown to them, their intensive search triggers an alert that brings powerful, dark forces into play. Every attempt to uncover the truth results in more cover ups. But why? Who is this young woman, and who is the unknown person or power foiling Shohn and Joe's attempts to find her?

But maybe the better question is--what is she?

*Crystal Clear Truth - A slow-burn, forced proximity scifi alien romance set in the far future, in an empire full of treachery and secrets...

*If you like books with take-charge feline heroines and solid romance plots, this happy-ever-after friends-to-lovers story is for you.

In the previous scene, Luc had gotten a call from Shohn asking for his help. She'd discovered that Joe's mother, whom she's been trying to help him find, had apparently been hidden by an agency with at least as much power as the Imperial Witness Protection Program. The only way she'll get around the blocks to find her is if Luc can pull some strings to get access.

 

Luc sank onto the couch, mulling over what Shohn had said. This news had his king's fingerprints all over it. Missing mothers. Secret experiments.

All stemming from the same period as the Sabbath Experiment.

One isolated incident that refused to die. A pivot point in history. A moment in time every disaster either led up to or was a result of.

When Izzorah entered the room thirty minutes later, Luc was still sitting there. "McDoth says dinner's ready in ten minutes."

"Okay." Luc didn't move.

"What's wrong?" Izzorah sat beside him and took his hand. "You're blanking your emotions, so I know you're hiding something. Do you need to talk about it or need me to wait and let you stew about it?"

Lacing his fingers with his beloved's, Luc took a deep breath. "I have to decide which of two kreynid nesins I'm going to knock down."

Izzorah flicked those perky ears of his and laid them back. "Hornet's nests?" Cocking his head, he sniffed. Kin smelled emotions, but Izzorah smelled intentions as well, which was more than a little scary at times. "This has something to do with Pietas."

"I know you trust him, but, love, believe me, he has things in his past you know nothing about. You haven't known him as long as I have."

"All Pietas and the others say is that I'm only a quarter century old, and how compared to them I'm a baby. I get sooo tired of hearing it. He's done things in the past that he's ashamed of, but he wants to change his ways." Izzorah tapped his nose. "He can't lie to me, as much as I can tell he wants to, so he doesn't."

"Pietas swears that he never lies."

"Yes, t'hahr, but what he means is, he admits part of the truth and lets you figure out what's missing." Izzorah huffed a short laugh. "If this has something to do with him, you should tell him."

"I have a hunch this has more to do with his sister, but it is about him."

"Dessy? Sorry, I mean Rheyn. I'm trying to remember to call her by her preferred name."

Luc squeezed Izzorah's hand. "Talking about people who've had different names in different lives gets confusing."

"I'll say." Izzorah twisted on the couch, facing Luc. "What's holding you back on the decision?"

"I either have to call her, or Alitus."

"Oh, wow. Either your immortal ex, the empress, or the Minister of Imperial Intelligence, the immortal spouse of your human ex."

"That sums it up." Luc scrubbed both hands over his face. "And I'm probably going to have to kick one or both of those nests to get answers."

"If you call Alitus, you'll have to deal with Wulf too. It's going to happen, even if you have the best intentions. Alitus wouldn't keep that from him."

"I don't want to interact with that ex unless I have no choice."

"If you call Rheyn, she'll want something in return."

"Right."

Izzorah gave a small laugh. "Plus if this has to do with Pietas, she'll be angry you even brought it up."

"Yep."

"T'hahr, would Alitus have to get her permission for anything?"

Luc rubbed his jaw. "Probably. Which means I might as well call her and be done with it."

"No time like the present. That's what you always say. I'll tell McDoth to wait dinner." Izzorah squeezed Luc's hand and left the room.

"And I was having such a good day." Luc stood and straightened his jacket. He tapped his bracelet. "Call Rheyn, voice only. Private number." Maybe she'd be busy, and he'd have to leave a message. But no. Two rings and she answered.

"Luc, how are you?" She sounded cheery. Must have gotten good news.

"Fine. You?"

"Great. What's up?"

"Are you alone?"

Silence filled the room, followed by a heartfelt sigh. "What's my brother done this time?"

While he gave her the gist of what he knew, she remained quiet. "That's it? Your liaison investigated a group of twelve women missing during the years leading up to the Sabbath Experiment."

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. "That's right."

"And all you want is for whatever blocks we have on the files removed so you can find them."

"Yes. Exactly."

"Listen to me, Luc. I want you to hear every word I say."

His chest tightened. "All right."

"Walk away. You aren't allowed to know this information. No one is. If anyone tries to access it further, I'll consider it a personal attack and a matter of imperial treason."

"What?" The word burst from his mouth before he could stop it. But did he stop there? No. He added, "Why?" as if he had a death wish.

"Did you not hear me? I said walk away. Forget this. I don't care what your reasons are for knowing. You can't. You won't. And anyone who tries to go around those orders will disappear into the unknown, never to be heard from again. Now, are we clear? Walk. Away."

Antonello Brothers

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers-immortal

#SciFi #Romance

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.



Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Don’t make me freeze you solid #SciFi #Excerpt A Stolen Heart #MFRWhooks

Don't make me freeze you solid #SciFi #Excerpt A Stolen Heart #MFRWhooks #PietasFans

In this scene, Luc had rescued a little girl who'd been kidnapped. Only afterward did he discover that her going missing was part of a grand scheme for Pietas to control her scientist-parents. When Pietas shows up unannounced and acts as if nothing happened, Luc confronts him about the kidnapping. Pietas denies it, and when pressed, loses his temper.

Hot-headed doesn't fit Pietas. When angry, his ability to create cold goes into overdrive.

Read the previous excerpt from this scene.

"Remember life when you and Dessy were that age? Genius children. Intelligence off the charts. Abilities no one had ever seen. Yet your father routinely beat and starved you both and for sixteen years kept you in isolation. Dessy for twenty. Is that harm?"

Pietas crossed his arms over his chest. "My father..." He shuddered.

"Mahikos is a brutal, bloodthirsty monster."

Pietas looked at him, naked pain in his eyes.

"You can admit what your father did to you, especially to me. More than anyone, you know what it's like to be isolated and abused. Yet that's the environment you subjected this girl to."

"Have a care, Cyken." Pietas straightened and turned aside. "Do not say that. I didn't know."

"If you'd known, would you have cared that you put a child in harm's way to get what you wanted? No, I think not. Not if you got your way."

"That's not true. I'm warning you." The air chilled. Unlike Luc's gift of Pyro, Pietas created ice, not fire. "You're pushing me."

"Pushing you? If I don't, who will? Yes, I'm pushing you, and why shouldn't I? You put that girl into an abusive situation to get what you wanted." The room's temperature dropped so fast Luc saw his own breath.

"Stop!"

"Why? Because it's cold?" When would Pietas ever see the truth? "If you don't like what you're feeling, then stop. Only you can control yourself. I'm not responsible for how you react."

"That's not true. My father made me this way."

"That's childish and you know it. You're thousands of years old, Pietas. When are you going to grow up?"

"You will not speak to me like that."

"No, I'll talk to you this way because no one else will tell you the truth. You can't face what you are. That's why you don't control yourself. Go ahead. Lose control. I'm not afraid of you. I will not back down. I refuse to allow you to misuse a child. If you aren't man enough to accept the truth, go ahead and freeze me." Luc leaned closer. "I dare you."

Face contorted, Pietas trembled. Frost coated everything within reach. "Cyken, please!"

"Go ahead! Blame your father." He threw up his hands. "That's what you do, isn't it? Condemn Mahikos for creating you with this ability, but you're the one who's ruthless. You demonize your father when it's you who's bloodthirsty."

"Stop." The wineglasses shattered. "Please."

"No! Do it!" Fists balled, Luc took two steps and planted himself in front of Pietas. "Freeze me solid. I don't care. Nothing I say or do will ever reach you, will it? No. Because you"-- He punctuated his words with a finger jab into Pietas's chest --"are just like your father."

Ice crackled over Luc's skin and frigid air leeched every vestige of heat from his lungs.

Antonello Brothers

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #Romance

Crystal Clear Truth is out April 25, 2022


Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Spare me the theatrics #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #PietasFans #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Spare me the theatrics #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #PietasFans #SciFi #MFRWhooks

In this scene, Luc had rescued a little girl who'd been kidnapped. Only afterward did he discover that her going missing was part of a grand scheme for Pietas to control her scientist-parents. When Pietas shows up unannounced and acts as if nothing happened, Luc confronts him about the kidnapping. Pietas denies it.

With Pietas, the truth was often in what wasn't said as much as what was. "Then you hired some lackey to do it."

"A king has no need for lackeys." Pietas drew back a lock of silver hair and flipped it behind his shoulder. "I command soldiers. Or if needed, I ask a favor. Like I did you."

"You asked someone to kidnap this child for you, then you put her into the Guild and asked me to find her."

"I told you. I did not kidnap her."

"If you asked someone to do it, it's kidnapping!" He snapped the wineglass stem, stabbing his hand. He dropped the pieces and pressed a thumb against the cut. The blood staunched. The cut healed within seconds. "Don't skirt the truth. You thrust that child into danger to get what you wanted."

"Spare me the theatrics." Pietas flipped a hand. "The girl wasn't harmed."

"The Guild told her that her parents were dead. They isolated her! She's a Better. Are you aware what the Guild does to non-humans?"

"Betters are human."

"Not to the Guild."

"They are human." Pietas turned his back. "I should know. I designed them. Genetic manipulation is my role in this lifetime."

"As I said, not to the Guild. I rescued a HalfKin child today. They'd been locking him in a windowless room in the dark as punishment. They fed him from a bowl on the floor. He's three. Was that harmless?"

"That's barbaric." Pietas grimaced. "Why would the Guild do that?"

"Because he isn't human. Imagine what they'd do if they discovered what I am."

Antonello Brothers

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #Romance

Crystal Clear Truth is out April 25, 2022


Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Reading in bed? Yes. Liking free books? Also yes. #Romance #Paranormal #SciFi #BookFair

Reading in bed? Yes. Liking free books? Also yes. #Romance #Paranormal #SciFi

Book Fair has ended

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Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.