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Tag: Pietas and Six

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Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


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“Saying ‘I forgot’ was inexcusable in our home.” #Excerpt Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

When I was writing the first Bringer of Chaos book, I looked for songs that evoked the mood on the characters. Remember Everything© by Five Finger Death Punch is a song of pain from the viewpoint of a child who grew up unable to please his father. Early in the book, Pietas faces off against his father, the former Chancellor. As the current Chancellor, Pietas must oversee peace talks between immortals and humans. He and his father are yin and yang--complete opposites on the spectrum. That truth comes out later in a scene between Pietas and his mortal companion, Six.

I forgot...

Pietas dangled a length of fishing line in the water. "How good the weather is on this world. I'm quite pleased with it. If we have to be marooned here, at least we're not facing constant storms or stuck in a desert."

"I hope it lasts."

"You think it won't?" Pietas craned his neck, but in this part of the creek, under the canopy of trees, the sky showed up as blue specks.

"No place has perfect weather. It must rain sometime. Trees don't get as big as these or the creek full without rain."

"Ah, of course. I knew that. My mother is a consummate terraformer. She taught me about the cycles of life and renewal and how planets replenish themselves before I was ten. She made me learn the name of every plant and animal in existence, I think. I got caught up in enjoying the beauty and forgot my lessons."

"You know, Pietas... It's okay to admit you forgot a detail." Six shot him a smile.

"For you, perhaps. Such excuses were unacceptable when I was growing up. Saying I forgot was equivalent to saying please beat me now."

Six chuckled. "Sounds like a tough childhood."

Pietas settled back against the boulder. "My friend, you have no idea."

Remember Everything - Five Finger Death Punch

Song: Remember Everything©
Artist: Five Finger Death Punch
Album: American Capitalist
Copyright: 2011 Five Finger Death Punch

Bringer of Chaos

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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
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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop 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.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


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Tornahdo’s world moved in slo-mo #Excerpt from Lights Out #SciFi #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

In this scene, Tornahdo enters the chamber with seven other ghosts, having been given orders different from the others. Fighting Pietas with only seven others — what advantage can that possibly offer?

The world shifts to slow-mo

As ordered, Tornahdo illuminated the beacon on his chest. Not smart. Pietas would know from the level of brightness how many had entered the unlit room, but there was no sense saying so. Ghosts did what they were told.

Maybe the next team would subdue the Ultra after Tornahdo's crew exhausted him. Assuming there were ghosts left who hadn't been shot by their own leaders.

Inside, as instructed, he stayed near the back. Two of the eight ghosts closed in on the pod.

Pietas lay on the floor behind it. His body showed, not his face.

Tornahdo tingled with a fighter's high. The mix of anxiety and excitement kept his instincts on maximum alert.

Beside Pietas, a ghost stooped. The change in lighting angle showed the Ultra, limp on the floor. When turned, the body flopped. The ghost pressed two fingers against the throat.

With a jerk, Pietas yanked the man down while thrusting a hand up.

A pierce of mindless fear stabbed Tornahdo. He'd faced that snap of terror before. It meant two things. First, the Ultra was controlling their emotions. Second, the chip was worthless.

Pietas tripped the next ghost, jabbed an elbow into his neck.

Another spurt of fear and confusion.

All that training. Days of suffering, learning control. For nothing.

Pietas flashed into speed mode.

Tornahdo's world moved in slow motion.

A blur showed where the Ultra had been. Pietas halted, braced both hands on a pod and kicked a pair of ghosts behind him.

They flew backward. Slow.

Momentum carried the Ultra straight toward Tornahdo.

Stumbling out of the way, Tornahdo went down in a tumble, taking out the ghost beside him, who knocked down the last two.

Tornahdo rolled to his feet, out of range of those long arms and carbon-hard fists. But for how long?
---

Like what you've read so far? Pick up Lights Out, a free novella introducing the Bringer of Chaos series.

Bringer of Chaos

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Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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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 #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop 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.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


Experience Art, Sci-Fi, MM Romance, and Space Opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them by joining my newsletter.

The bandit mask really adds to the “good guy” look #Excerpt from Lights Out #SciFi #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

In this scene, a Ghost Corps official (hiding behind a holographic "mask") is giving Tornahdo and a group of eleven other ghosts the final details of their mission.

The "Good Guy" look

The leader facing them activated a device on his wrist, and a holograph of a room full of lifepods popped into being.

There wasn't a human alive who wouldn't recognize Pietas. Seven feet tall. Slim. White hair. White uniform.

Seriously. Like he was the good guy.

Painted on bandit's mask.

Because yeah, the mask went so well with the good guy look. The sarcastic thought sang pain through Tornahdo's head. He pressed fingertips against one temple.

Pietas clutched his chest, bracing himself on a pod. Slid to the floor. Out of sight.

"You see?" The man shut off the view. "He's out."

Sure he was. Tornahdo ignored the sharp reminder to avoid disagreement.

"Pick up his body and put him in a pod. Each of you will carry a pair of wristlocks. Bind his hands behind him." The man gestured. "Questions?"

The guy in front raised his hand again. "Sir, there's only twelve of us. If he wakes up, that's not enough."

"No? Who agrees?"

Three ghosts beside him also put up their hands.

Without a word, the man pulled out a gun and shot them, one after the other, so fast, they all went down together. Headshots were final. No rebirths.

The air went from thick to non-existent. Tornahdo did not so much as flinch. He needed none of that maniac's attention.

He might not know the other ghosts, but if an enemy put one down like an animal, that person deserved his hate. Like him, his fellow soldiers had trained hard to hate. One slip and they'd be on him like the animals he seemed to think they were.

Chip or not.

The guy holstered the weapon. Had to be standard issue. Guns for Ultras set you on fire. "Anyone else doubt the plan?"

Nope. No more fools present.

Bringer of Chaos

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

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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 #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop 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.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


Experience Art, Sci-Fi, MM Romance, and Space Opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them by joining my newsletter.

“The best day in human recollection.” #Excerpt from Lights Out #SciFi #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

In this scene, Tornahdo and eleven others have been waiting to be briefed on their mission. The air is close, the heat is rising, but like the good, obedient soldiers the Ghost Corps has trained them to be, no one asks a question. The insertion of an "anti-emo" chip that deals out stinging reprimands ensures obedience is less than voluntary.

Excerpt: If it's such a good day...

After half an hour of waiting, no one had spoken.

Probably another test.

Tornahdo, for one, wasn't failing it.

The door opened, bringing a shock of icy air.

They all knew they were being sent to die. They were ghosts. That's what ghosts did. They hammered at Ultras until they perma-killed them or they kept Ultras busy until others escaped. But at least they were getting to breathe first.

In walked a person close to seven Terran feet. Silhouette looked male. Tall enough to be an Ultra. He strode into the center of the room and beckoned everyone closer.

No clue who hid behind the full-body fake-face. It cycled through various images, too fast to keep up. Like trying to count air bubbles rising in a pool.

Remaining at the back, Tornahdo stood at ease.

"This is the best day in human recollection." Speaking through a voice changer, the voice took on genderless robotic tones. "Today, we make history."

If it was such a good day, why hide behind a fake-face and voice changer?

The chip in Tornahdo's head pinged a stinging reminder to avoid such thoughts. He reined in his doubt and focused.

"This mission is called Lights Out. Your duty is simple. Chancellor Pietas is unconscious. You'll put him in a lifepod. That's it." The guy paused. "Questions?"

A tall ghost removed his helmet. "How can Ultras be unconscious?"

"The peace talks were a trap. When he and the Council arrived, we told them we'd jettison their module unless they entered their lifepods, which they did. Except Pietas, of course, so we siphoned the air out of the room. Before you go in, you'll hyperventilate, store up oxygen. This room is being pumped full at a high rate. Your chip will aid you."

Ultras held their breath ten times longer than humans. Tornahdo had trained to hold his five times longer. Pietas probably managed fifteen or twenty times.

Twelve of them. In a vacuum. Against the Ultra called Bringer of Chaos. Whose motto was, "Pain is a warrior's ally." No number of chips made that doable.

"You'll go in unarmed. Otherwise, there's a miniscule chance he'd awake and disarm you."

Miniscule. Like an ocean was a miniscule puddle. Tornahdo pushed past the pain caused by his traitorous thoughts and ignored the migraine-level headache.

Bringer of Chaos

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

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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 #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop 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.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


Experience Art, Sci-Fi, MM Romance, and Space Opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them by joining my newsletter.

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Bringer of Chaos

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Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

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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 #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


Experience Art, Sci-Fi, MM Romance, and Space Opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them by joining my newsletter.

From Lights Out: “Saving humans is not your job, soldier.” #SciFi #MFRWhooks #FreeBook

Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

In this scene, Tornahdo is reeling from the death of two of his compadres in the Ghost Corps. Although they were no friends of his, he had tried to protect them. The following takes place early in the morning, not more than 24 hours after Tornahdo had been disciplined for sacrificing his life to protect humans. If the military can bring you back to life, how is that not a good thing? Saving humans is not his job, as he is constantly reminded. He's to kill immortals, and that's all he's to do.

But what are they fighting for if not to protect humanity?

Excerpt from Lights Out

Standing at attention in the general's office at oh-three-hundred, Tornahdo maintained his silence. The smell of burning flesh clung to his clothing. Wails of the dying rang in his ears. He kept his gaze fixed on the star map opposite while the general paced.

"Master Sergeant." A civilian coat covered her. Her pink pajama bottoms and fuzzy slippers didn't paint as intimidating an image as her medal-covered uniform, but her voice still held command. "Can you not stay out of trouble for one full day?"

He knew better than to answer.

"You intervened for a human." She stopped pacing and turned to him. "Again."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And it wasn't your single death you caused this time. It was the death of two ghosts."

Not technically. Morally, maybe, but he'd tried to spare them. "Yes, ma'am."

"Irreversible death. Ultras don't come back from fire. Ghosts with Ultra blood don't either. They died because of you."

"Ma'am, they died because Ravenstongue is a certifiable crackpot who never deserved the uniform, let alone a weapon." The words hadn't left his mouth before he knew he'd overstepped. Why couldn't he keep his mouth shut like he'd been told his entire life?

The look of disdain on the general's face said far more than words. She resumed pacing, but then stopped again, not facing him. "That may be true, Master Sergeant." Her voice had gone quiet, all but gentle. "But that's not your call. Ravenstongue is being dealt with."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Don't thank me." Her gaze snapped to his. "You are not innocent. The bartender told us his side. According to him, you were trying to save him."

Same stuff. Different day. He took a deep breath. "Yes, ma'am."

"Do I hear annoyance in your tone, Master Sergeant?"

"Not my intention, ma'am."

"Didn't we have this discussion about humans?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Are you not tired of having it?"

Oh, for so many reasons. "Yes, ma'am."

She paced again. "The fire damage to the bar will be compensated out of Ravenstongue's salary." The general paused, slapped her hands behind her back and smiled. "And yours." She stared at him as if daring him to argue.

What would he spend it on? Why did they pay him? He could go nowhere and do nothing.

"Master Sergeant, if there were more than fifty ghosts, you'd be history."

Fifty? That was all they had?

How could fifty humans hope to defeat an army of nearly one million warriors who could never die?

Bringer of Chaos

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Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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 #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop 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.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


Experience Art, Sci-Fi, MM Romance, and Space Opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them by joining my newsletter.

Rituals are rituals. Not games, human #PietasFans #SciFi

Forged in Fire: Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera

In this scene, Pietas performs a ritual with the help of his friend, Six. A member of Ghost Corps, Six is a fearsome fighter with the strength to kill immortals like Pietas. Ironically, the two have become intimate friends. But that doesn't mean Six puts up with arguments, especially when he knows he's right.

Excerpt

Pietas's long hair, full of static electricity from the wind and storm, settled over his shoulders and adhered to his neck. He could not lift his arms to gather it himself but he did not want the others to see he needed help nor did he want Six fretting over it.

The man blamed himself for the injury. Yes, Six had bound Pietas. It had been Six's duty to do so. In truth, those who had placed Pietas inside the life pod and refused to release him were to blame, but no matter how often he reminded Six of that, the ghost refused to relinquish his guilt.

Six dug into his pockets. "I think I have another strip." They had torn several from a ragged shirt. Six wore the biggest piece around his neck. He set down his pack and opened it.

"Six," Pietas hissed. He did not turn his head, but looked toward the others. "Leave it!"

The ghost glanced up at him, then the immortals, waiting ahead. "You want the women messing with your hair? Is that it?"

He closed his eyes, counting to ten. To a hundred would not erase this embarrassment. "No." When he beheld Six, the man had the discourtesy to smirk. "Don't look at me in that tone of voice."

The man chuckled. "We should have cut your hair before we set out." He rummaged through his kit, which held all Six owned when he'd been abandoned on this world. Little more than survival gear.

"I never cut it except in ritual."

"I know." Six withdrew a boning knife used for it.

Before every battle, Pietas performed the solemn rite to affirm superior strength and prowess. The ghost had been the first human to see it carried out, albeit the first half from a distance while hiding.

Six stood. "Maybe you could perform it now."

"How like you to see the easy solution. But there are a few elements missing. No fire. No water. No mask." He gestured toward the oncoming storm. "No time."

"Haven't you ever heard of pretending?"

"One cannot 'pretend' a ritual."

"What a boring childhood you must've had. Why not?"

Pietas opened his mouth to answer. Shut it again.

Six lifted one eyebrow. "Do you want to go into that dark hole and meet up with your people without performing it?"

"No, but there's no time."

"Rain's coming." Six jerked a thumb toward the forest. "Like I said, you have to go in there or you won't reunite with your people. Are you going to stand out here making excuses, or do this?"

"Ghost, this ritual is important. It deserves respect."

"Blah, blah, blah. That storm is bearing down on us." A few drops of rain splattered them both. "See? Or maybe you'd rather have your sister help you with your hair every morning."

"Fine!" With a resigned sigh, Pietas capitulated. "How do you propose we 'pretend' my ritual?"

Six tucked the knife into his belt and held out his cupped hands. "This is fire."

Pietas hesitated.

"Come on, Pi." Six wagged his cupped hands. "This stuff is hot."

"Of course it is." A smile slipped onto his face and refused to leave. "It's pretend fire. That's the hottest kind."

"Remember, you do this naked. Unzip your robe or whatever it is you'd wear."

Pietas mimed removing his silk robe. He plucked one hair and laid it across Six's hands, feeding it to the fire. "As fire has victory over life, so I have victory over my enemies." He passed a hand through the imaginary flame. As he had in the real ritual, he hissed at the scorching heat. He cupped his hands over Six's, a symbolic end to the flames. "I am powerful, as fire is powerful."

"Next is air, right?"

"Yes." He lifted both hands, made fists, and yanked them back. "I own the wind. I prevail over the breath of my enemies."

Again, Six cupped his hands. "Water."

"Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will." He scooped his hands into the bowl, lifted his arms and pictured the liquid dripping down them. "The blood of my enemies trickles into the pool of time, is absorbed, and forgotten." He bent and pushed both hands through his hair. "My mind is clear. I do not waver."

Six held his hands flat, waist high. "The pond."

Pietas ducked as if to submerse himself, then rose, throwing back his head. "My body submits to my will. No pain defeats me. No fear touches me." He brushed his hands down the length of his body. "My will is absolute. I am bigger than any fear. I prevail in every circumstance. I face every foe. I vanquish every enemy. I overcome. I am indomitable. I am invincible."

"Black face paint for the mask." Six held out his hands.

The ceremonial mask represented a splash of blood across his face received during battle. Dipping two fingers of each hand into the bowl, Pietas outlined a bandit's mask up over his eyebrows to the area beneath his eyes. He brushed his fingertips over his eyelids and met Six's gaze.

Finding a mixture of awe and respect threw him out of the moment. He faltered, unable to recall what came next.

Six offered the knife hilt first.

The man had seen the ritual performed once, from a distance, yet he'd remembered each step. Six wouldn't have known the next part was performed by Pietas's sister if no trusted partner or friend was at hand. The time Six had seen it done, Pietas had not yet considered him either one.

How wrong he had been. The man was more than both.

Bringer of Chaos

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

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


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He can save humanity. All it will cost is his life #SciFi #PietasFans #MFRWhooks

Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos, futuristic military sci-fi #SciFi #MilSF #SpaceOpera

Lights Out

He can save humanity. All he has to do is die. Again.

Join the Ghost Corps. You'll live forever, they said. You'll save humanity, they said. They didn't say that to do it, first you had to die.

When Tornahdo signs on the dotted line, he puts his life into the steady hands of the mighty Ghost Corps. Three grisly deaths and three agonizing resurrections later, he's assigned duty on the space station Enderium Six. He's facing his most dangerous mission yet, subduing and arresting the most lethal enemy of mankind—the immortal king.

Does the Corps expect success? Fat chance. Tornahdo and his team are already dead and this mission is codenamed "Lights Out." No, there's more to this than he can see.

To discover the truth, he must face an unbeatable, unkillable enemy, and this time—against all expectations for a ghost—find a way to keep himself alive...

In this scene, Tornahdo has been assigned to a mission and told he'll be briefed soon. He and eleven other members of Ghost Corps gear up and wait for orders.

Excerpt

The teamwork present in the regular army had no place here. Isolation was the point of being a ghost.

The unlit room where they waited closed in as if the walls pulled together and the ceiling sank. The longer they waited, the thicker the air. Warm, heavy with sweat and the tart bite of fear, every breath choked the senses.

More than one ghost pulled at his collar. Tension arced through the room, lightning skating over a metal fence.

Was the chip even working?

After half an hour of waiting, no one had spoken.

Probably another test.

Tornahdo, for one, wasn't failing it.

The door opened, bringing a shock of icy air.

They all knew they were being sent to die. They were ghosts. That's what ghosts did. They hammered at Ultras until they perma-killed them or they kept Ultras busy until others escaped. But at least they were getting to breathe first.

In walked a person close to seven Terran feet. Silhouette looked male. Tall enough to be an Ultra. He strode into the center of the room and beckoned everyone closer.

No clue who hid behind the full-body fake-face. It cycled through various images, too fast to keep up. Like trying to count air bubbles rising in a pool.

Remaining at the back, Tornahdo stood at ease.

"This is the best day in human recollection." Speaking through a voice changer, the voice took on genderless robotic tones. "Today, we make history."

If it was such a good day, why hide behind a fake-face and a voice changer?

The chip in Tornahdo's head pinged a stinging reminder to avoid such thoughts. He reined in his doubt and focused.

"This mission is called Lights Out. Your duty is simple. Chancellor Pietas is unconscious. You'll put him in a lifepod. That's it." The guy paused. "Questions?"

A tall ghost removed his helmet. "How can Ultras be unconscious?"

"The peace talks were a trap. When he and the Council arrived, we told them we'd jettison their module unless they entered their lifepods, which they did. Except Pietas, of course, so we siphoned the air out of the room. Before you go in, you'll hyperventilate, store up oxygen. This room is being pumped full at a high rate. Your chip will aid you."

Ultras held their breath ten times longer than humans. Tornahdo had trained to hold his five times longer. Pietas probably managed fifteen or twenty times.

Twelve of them. In a vacuum. Against the Ultra called Bringer of Chaos. Whose motto was, "Pain is a warrior's ally." No number of chips made that doable.

Bringer of Chaos

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

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans


Welcome to Book Hooks!

Marketing for Romance Writers Book HooksBook Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop 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.

Links below lead to other sites also taking part. You can "hop" from mine to theirs with one click.

Feel free to say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


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A howl of empathic rage rips the air #SciFi #PietasFans

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos - #SciFi #SpaceOpera

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Pietas discovers a critical truth. He is plunged into an empathic rage that unleashes his emotions on the world. Everything changes. The scene below picks up after the reveal so as not to include spoilers. Pietas ventures into the night alone on Sempervia.

Excerpt

Lost in thought, Pietas walked for hours, finally becoming aware of his surroundings in the center of a clearing. Sempervian moonlight bathed the night in silver. He'd learned the secret behind Ghost Corps' rejuvenation process.

How ironic. He'd begun to have second thoughts about humanity. Since getting to know Six, he'd considered the wholesale slaughter of humans might be wrong. That his father might have a point, and humans might be worth saving.

He'd considered resigning himself to life on Sempervia. Leaving humanity to its own devices.

How pathetic.

He would go back if it cost him every vestige of strength, and make humanity pay for what they'd done.

He would kill every last one.

Every ghost.

Every human.

All of them. Every. Single. One.

Fury activated pheromones he'd long suppressed.

He loosed them.

The moon darkened behind a cloud of insects.

A torrent of nesting birds roused and with terrified wings, beat the sky.

Pietas threw back his head, flung out his arms, and poured forth a silent howl of empathic rage.

Bringer of Chaos

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

Series page: https://kayelleallen.com/chaos-series/

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Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

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 #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOpera #PietasFans

Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 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!


Experience Art, Sci-Fi, MM Romance, and Space Opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them by joining my newsletter.