Menu Close

Tag: Ultras

Ultras are immortals in books by Kayelle Allen. There are at least four factions, each called something different.

“I face every foe.” Ritual of Strength, Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen – Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov #Cosplay #PietasFans #SciFi

#Quotes I face every foe. Ritual of Strength, Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen. Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov #PietasFans #SciFi https://kayelleallen.com/ritual-10-every-foe

I face every foe.

Pietas performs the Ritual of Strength before battle, whether it be a physical or emotional one. In it, as a sign of humility, he cuts his hair with a dagger. If he has a partner, they cut it. But where did the ritual originate?

Pietas and a group of his followers served as mercenaries in the Gedarin Republic, a cluster of inhabited planets on the outskirts of the Terran Crescent. On the planet Kaffir, an influential warlord hired them to assist in taking over a neighboring country. Once they had, the warlord hosted a party and invited them to enjoy themselves. The warlord's youngest son flirted with Pietas, but Pietas rebuffed him. The young man kept coming back, always polite no matter how irritated Pietas got with him. One day, Pietas asked why he didn't give up, and the young man said that his father was always cruel also, even though he professed to love him. It broke Pietas's heart, having a father similar. He began spending time with the younger man, and discovered his name was Til.

For several months, he and Til enjoyed a casual relationship, which developed into a sexual one. Til taught him how to perform the ritual, insisting Pietas was worthy of the honor. Head over heels in love, Pietas involved himself less and less in the pursuit of war.

The warlord of Northern Kaffir asked Pietas to again attack a neighboring country, but the country was poor and had little of value to offer. When Pietas refused, the warlord killed Til to spite Pietas. In a rage, Pietas gathered every member of the warlord's bloodline and forced him to watch as every last one was killed. Finally, Pietas drove a dagger through the man's heart. From that time on, Pietas carried the name Slayer of Innocents.

He performs the ritual to remind himself that war has a price, and to honor Til. However, he never speaks Til's name aloud, keeping it only to himself. Because of Til, Pietas refused to have a friendship or love relationship with any mortal, because the pain of loss was so great. He only broke that rule for himself after coming to know Six.

Tiklaus, Pietas's panther, carries a name in the language of Kaffir. Tiklaus means loyal warrior.

The ritual concludes in three more steps.

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

“I prevail over every circumstance.” #SciFi #Immortal Ritual of Strength, Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #Ritual

#Quotes I prevail over every circumstance #SciFi #Immortal Ritual of Strength, Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen

I prevail over every circumstance.

In this scene from Origin of Pietas, Six and Pietas are deep into a journey across the planet, hoping to locate the other immortals. Pietas has said he has few lovers, and even fewer friends, and Six asks why.

 

"My troops all but worship me. Leading the council made me hated. I long for someone with whom I can be myself."

Six leaned forward. "They fed us nothing but lies about you. Well, except to say that you were a supreme fighter. That was true. Watching you in that room..." He uttered an expletive. "You had no defensive moves. Everything was offense. No wonder no one gets close to you. Like trying to hit a tornado."

Such praise from so valued a warrior! Pietas let himself smile.

"Anyway..." Six picked at a broken thumbnail. "I'm sorry we didn't meet under different circumstances."

"Are you?" A long strand of hair had fallen over the ghost's face and Pietas moved it aside. "Why?"

Six tossed his head and that strand fell back into his face. He tucked it behind an ear. "I would have liked sparring with you. Learning from you."

"I will teach you anything you want to know. But I hope here, you'll never have to use it."

"Yeah? Well, we find your people I might."

"Indeed. But not if I can prevent it. You are my friend. I will stand between you and anyone who thinks to harm you."

Six set a fist over his heart in an Ultra salute of tribute. "Thank you, Pietas."

He nodded. No doubt his family would think the ghost stayed with him only for protection, but if there was anything Pietas was good at, it was recognizing honor.

Six blazed with it.

How long had he spent in Six's presence before he'd considered him a friend? Now, he could not imagine life without him. He refused to accept that so mundane a thing as death might take Six away from him.

While his father was the better geneticist, his mother had a deft understanding of human needs. Surely the two of them could find a way to lengthen the ghost's life. Six had often said he'd lived past his "expiration date" and was on borrowed time. They would have to borrow more. How often had Pietas wished for humans to die?

Now he wanted one to live forever.

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

“My will is absolute.” #PietasFans Ritual of Strength, Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #Ritual #Cosplay #SciFi

For #PietasFans My will is absolute. Ritual of Strength, Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen photos @by_cosphoto #Quotes #SciFi

My will is absolute.

In this scene from Origin of Pietas, Six and Pietas are crossing the planet, searching for the other immortals. After cleaning gear and laying out what little clothing they own to dry, they sit on a grassy area side by side. Pietas asks if Six wants to return to his homeworld.

 

"Not really. I don't want to go back, except to see family. I have nothing there. All my life, all I've ever known is war. I enlisted at seventeen. Thirty-eight now. Too old to fight. Tired of it."

"Too old? I'm almost two thousand. Try another excuse."

"Best I got. Thirty-eight's old, in my book."

"I've been thirty-eight a few times. Most lives I'm dead by then."

Six's attention snapped back to Pietas. "What?"

"I'm a warrior. I don't live to see forty. Hazards of the profession." He picked a yellow wildflower and twirled it between his fingers.

"How many times have you died?"

Pietas tossed the flower aside. "I've lost count. Felt like a thousand times in that pod." He shuddered.

"If it would get you off this planet, would you get in the pod?"

"Six, I will never do that again, but if we get stuck here, ask me in a few thousand years. Might be a different story then. I think I'd go crazy if all I had to do every day was hunt and fish, eat and sleep." He tossed himself back on the grass and tucked his hands behind his head. The bright blue sky held wisps of clouds, moving on the wind. "I miss entertainment more sophisticated than deciding what shapes the clouds are taking."

Chuckling, Six stretched out beside him. "I hear you. I miss women."

"So do I. And men, too."

"You weren't kidding about having sex with whoever cut your hair in that ritual?"

Pietas gave a short laugh. "That was a joke, ghost. I was-- How do you say it? Messing with you."

"Get out!" He shoved Pietas's shoulder. "Okay, so you're not bisexual."

"I'm pansexual. Most Ultras are. When you live forever you get bored with the same thing every day. At least I do."

"Pansexual. What? Someone with a pulse?"

"I'm a bit more discriminating than that, thank you. But I'm open-minded. I appreciate sexual activities of various kinds. Ultras can never become pregnant or sire children--except for my parents--impart or contract sexually transmitted diseases. For us, sex is pure pleasure. One we never grow immune to, the way we do drugs and alcohol."

"So you didn't grow up being slapped down for experimenting?"

Pietas coughed. "I wouldn't say that, but my people are born adults and we're far less restrictive than humans. According to my friends, I'm less picky about lovers than I am about food. Sex is one of the few times I don't feel the need to be in charge. I like equality in a lover. Someone who can be as strong as I am." He let out a long, sighing breath. "The longer I live, the less of those there are."

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

“No fear touches me.” #SciFi #PietasFans #Ritual Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen

#SciFi #PietasFans No fear touches me #Ritual Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen

No fear touches me.

There's a difference between feeling fear and being controlled by fear. In this scene, Six offers a bit of advice. At the beginning of the previous book, nothing the Ghost Corps soldier said made it past Pietas's iron will. How could a mortal know more than he did? But over the journey across the planet, step by step, Pietas has opened his heart. Now that they are finally entering the camp where the other immortals live, Pietas must face the one person who's hurt him more than any other. His father.

Excerpt from Forged in Fire

Fists clenched, Pietas halted. His heart raced. His breath came too fast. Too shallow. I am bigger than any fear. I am unbeatable. I am unstoppable.

"Yes, you are." Six touched the middle of his back.

Pietas jerked away from him. "You aren't supposed to hear me, ghost."

"Then stop thinking so loud."

His iron discipline kept swear words from spewing out his mouth, but if ever one fit, it was now.

Six grinned. "Same to you, Ultra."

Exasperated, he turned to go.

"Hey." Six touched his arm. "Can I give you some advice?"

He tightened his jaw, faced the man, and waited.

Six stuck his thumbs under the straps of his pack. "After I signed the paperwork to become a ghost, I went home. Visited family. My abuela had died, but I hung out with my cousins. I said I was going on a long-term mission, so they put together a going away party. My birth mother showed up."

The ghost related few stories of his personal life, so Pietas paid close attention. "What happened?"

"I hadn't seen her in years. Maybe ten or more. Didn't want to see her. She'd abandoned me. Why should I talk to her? But I kept hearing my abuela's advice. 'Value family. They're your treasure.' I didn't want to believe that for a minute, but I couldn't get it out of my mind."

"You talked to her."

"I did. But before I went, I reminded myself of a few things my abuela taught me. Be aware of your emotions." He counted on his fingers as he listed them. "Don't respond to emotional chaos. Set boundaries. Don't let anyone steal your joy. Forgive those who do you wrong."

"How can one forgive when one can't forget?"

"Forgiveness doesn't mean you forget. You should never forget. To forget would mean they could hurt you again."

"Then how can one forgive?"

"You forgive because no matter what they did, or whether they deserve to be forgiven, you recognize that you deserve peace."

Pietas clasped his hands and brought them to his mouth, voiceless.

Once, when he'd trained with Armand and Philippe, he'd missed a blocking opportunity and Armand hit him in the chest. Philippe followed through not two seconds later. The twins hadn't intended to hurt him, but the double punch laid him out on the floor, unable to breathe, unsure his heart was still beating. Helpless.

Six's words hit him the same way.

How he ached to believe them.

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

“My body submits to my will.” #PietasFans #Ritual Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi photographs @by_cosphoto

#PietasFans #Ritual My body submits to my will #SciFi Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen

My body submits to my will.

When it comes to matters of decisions, Pietas is an alpha. The only time in Origin of Pietas that he uses the word submit is when he's refusing to do so. Submits is only used in the ritual.

"Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will."

"My body submits to my will. No pain defeats me. No fear touches me."

It surprised me that in Ring of the Dragon, where Pietas has a romantic partner, that he is more of a switch. He has no issue not being in charge with the right person. In fact, he rather prefers not to be the lead. Who knew?

Excerpt from Ring of the Dragon

In this scene, Pietas is talking to Dark Hair, who has just finished having a bath. He'd hired the Kin female to help him find a missing hynder (horse) for Cyken. When Pietas had dried her afterward, she asked whom he'd served prior to her, and he told her it was a king. It opens with her speaking.

 

"The one you serve. You love him. Humans call this gay, yes?"

She'd deduced that about him, had she? Except he was not gay, straight, bisexual, or any of those other labels. He was a healthy person with a healthy sexual appetite who loved the finest of everything. If you wanted the utter truth, he was sapiosexual, attracted to intelligent people.

Like Cyken.

Biting his lips, Pietas shook his head. "Not lovers anymore."

She stroked his wet cheeks, drying his face. "Good."

He drew back. "Good? Why?"

"He not deserve you."

Pietas broke into a smile. After taking her hands, he pressed his mouth against each palm in turn. "Thank you. I needed that."

"You welcome. Is truth." She took the towel. "Your turn."

The hot water looked perfect, but he shook his head. "I can't."

"You want clean water?"

"No. I..." He shook his head.

She shifted position and sat on the floor beside him. "What you need?"

"I injured my shoulders." Thousands of years before. "They didn't heal right. Leaning on my arms is--" He turned his head. "I live with pain. Getting in and out of a tub is...."

"How often this pain?"

Constant. Unending. A river of pain he endured every moment. Pietas shared that detail with no one except Uurah, and Tiklaus, whom he could never fool. He couldn't hide it from Joss, whose unblockable telepathy laid bare every secret. Not even Cyken knew it was constant. Why should he trust Dark Hair?

"It never stops."

She brushed back his hair and kissed him on the forehead. "You wait." She stood and left the room.

Pietas struggled to his feet, but as he took a step toward the door, it opened.

Dark Hair dragged a small chair into the room and placed the two back legs into the tub. "Take off clothes. Sit."

"What are you going to do?"

"Help you bath." Still nude herself, she assisted him in undressing and then directed him to sit. Standing behind him in the tub, she wound his hair up and looped it around, making it stay in place. How, he could not fathom, but he'd give anything to have her teach his valet that trick. He'd never manage it himself. He could barely brush it.

Using the sponge, Dark Hair drizzled water over him and then scrubbed his back. "No scars, nahee. How you injure?"

He could not explain without revealing what he was. Mortals who discovered the power of healing in an immortal's blood never let them live in freedom. So the immortals looked out for mankind, protected and cared for them, but never told.

"Torture."

She hissed. "Why you not say?"

Because he'd rather suffer a thousand deaths than let his people think him weak. "I--" No half-truths. Not about this. Not with her. "Ashamed. I should have found a way out. I should have..." No, he could still not, even all these thousands of years later make himself admit he should have called out. As alien to his nature to admit weakness as it was to kindle fire using dirt.

Dark Hair climbed out of the tub, came around and cupped both wet hands around his face. She looked him straight in the eyes. "You not take shame. The ahnahori who did this. They take shame."

Ahnahori. Monster. "Thank you."

She stood straight. "Tomorrow, we not find hynder, we get different room. With shower. You do shower?"

"I love a hot shower. Feels great on my shoulders."

"Good." Dark Hair kissed him. With a knowing smile, she went back to scrubbing. "Now I see why you like female on top."

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

“Trickle into the pool of time…” #SciFi Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov #Ritual Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #PietasFans

#Ritual My enemies trickle into the pool of time #SciFi Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen photographs @by_cosphoto #PietasFans

The blood of my enemies trickles into the pool of time.

There's a story about "the blood of my enemies" when it comes to Pietas. This excerpts explains it well.

After exiting the pool, Pietas brushed off the water and wrung out his hair. He pulled out a tray holding half a dozen clasps. He chose a silver dragon studded with six turquoise stones, twisted his wet hair and fastened it up, out of the way.

He dried his face, gathered a brush and black face paint. Leaning in close to a freestanding mirror, he outlined a bandit's mask from beneath his eyes to over his dark eyebrows and filled it with black.

He'd worn the mask in battle ever since defeating the First Division, a human special-ops group formed to fight Ultras. It came about because Pietas had slain an enemy and blood had splashed across his eyes. Thinking the blood belonged to Pietas, the Ultra troops had rallied to him and slaughtered the humans. The blood dried almost black.

Stories of how their "bandit king" had conquered the First Division filled the night.

The name stuck. To his troops, he was First Conqueror, War Leader of the Ultras.

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Ritual of Strength: “Water submits to my presence.” #Cosplay Performer Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #Ritual #SciFi

#PietasFans Ritual: Water submits to my presence as enemies submit to my will #SciFi

Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will.

I wanted readers to see Pietas as he was before he met Six and had gone through a transformation. In this snippet, he's aboard ship, in the chamber used for the ritual. Each word and thought is concise, straightforward. There is no misunderstanding his words. Pietas means exactly what he says.

In the bathing area, Pietas took six steps down into a waist-deep pool. "Water submits to my presence the way enemies submit to my will." He cupped water in his hands, lifted it and let it pour down his arms. "The blood of my enemies trickles into the pool of time, is absorbed and forgotten." He pushed wet fingers through his hair and released it.

For Pietas, every thought, every action, every plan wraps around victory. He does not see defeat in any area of his life. His life defines purpose and resolve. He's invincible. Unshakeable.

But all that is about to change.

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

“Even their breath is mine…” Ritual of Strength, performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov #Ritual Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen #PietasFans #Cosplay #SciFi

#Ritual "I prevail over the breath of my enemies." Ritual of Strength, performed by Nik Nitsvetov @nitsvetov Bringer of Chaos series by Kayelle Allen photographer @by_cosphoto #PietasFans #SciFi

Β I prevail over the breath of my enemies.

Pietas performs this level of the ritual by thrusting forth his hands, making fists, and yanking back both arms; a symbol of taking life from those who opposed him. He carries out each step in a calm manner. To him, each statement is true. He's simply stating facts.

The first time Pietas performs the ritual in Origin of Pietas, he's in a beautiful chamber aboard his flagship. Everything in the room is geared toward the ritual. The elegance of the chamber reflects his confidence.

The second time, he's in exile. Wearing rags, gravely injured, he hobbles about with a heavy stick, his once-perfect body ruined by a brutal imprisonment. Not only can he no longer perform the ritual correctly, but he must perform it with the help of a lowly human.

Excerpt Origin of Pietas

In this scene, Pietas and Six are on the planet Sempervia, and Pietas has been performing the ritual on his own. Six, being human, is unworthy of taking part.

Taking care in the slippery mud, Pietas left the creek and once more, knelt beside the fire. He unwrapped the leaves holding the small amount of paste he'd created for his mask and applied it with his fingertips. There was no mirror to guide him, but he'd performed the ritual countless times. Once satisfied the mask blackened his eye area, he rested, preparing himself for the injury he must suffer.

He would perform this part alone, having no one worthy to accept his sacrifice. He picked up the knife.

"I, First Conqueror, War Leader of the Ultras, suffer for my people. I bleed for my people." He made a cut along one cheek, not as deep or long as Dessy had made. He bent forward to pull his hair toward the top of his head so he could cut it and was stopped, cold, by the inability to lift his arms far enough to reach. His muscles were still too tight, too drawn and withered to allow the movement.

Pietas remained on his knees, casting about in his mind what to do. How to complete the ritual.

The presence of Six brought both relief and a spike of anger. He sat up and tilted back his head to meet the man's gaze.

"Look, Pietas, before you yell at me, let me speak, okay?" Six knelt beside him. "I'm sorry. I know you said not to watch, but I couldn't look away. I can tell you're having trouble with this part. Let me help you. What do you need?"

The point of this part was to surrender his pride, was it not?

"I'll bow. Pull my hair toward the front and hold it in your fist. Then say, 'What sacrifice do you offer as proof of devotion?' After I answer, cut off the hair in your fist." He held up the knife.

Pietas resumed his position of supplication.

Six lifted Pietas's hair and drew it upward, toward the top of his head.

The sensation of being in his friend's capable hands sent a shockwave of gratitude over Pietas.

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

"I surrender my pride."

Six's knife went through the wet hair in one clean motion.

Pietas righted himself. "I want to see how you sharpen knives."

Though it was full daylight, they were in shade and the firelight cast flickering shadows on Six's face. "Oh?"

"That blade is impressive."

"Thanks." He folded the knife and holstered it. "It does the job."

"However, you disobeyed a direct order."

Six fastened the safety on the holster, securing the knife. "See, I'm not one of your soldiers." Using a thumb, he wiped away a smear of blood from Pietas's cheek. "Which means you can't give me an order. Therefore, I did no such thing."

He met the man's unwavering gaze. "How you frustrate me, ghost."

"To quote you, 'Good.' Now, what's next?"

"When I performed this ritual before my people, whoever cut my hair had sex with me afterward."

Six's eyes went wide. "You're...kidding, right?"

Pietas let his gaze travel slowly down Six's length and back up before breaking into a smile. "Yes, I am."

"Not funny, Ultra. Anything else?"

"The ritual is complete."

Six gestured to his own eyes. "So that mask is part of your ritual."

"I never wear the mask until I've made myself worthy. And I'm ready for war."

"That means the day we met, you'd done the ritual."

"Yes."

Six cursed under his breath. "So, what else do you need?"

"I'll settle for you helping me up."

"The great Pietas, War Leader of the Ultras, wants help from a mortal? How the mighty have fallen."

Pietas narrowed his eyes. "Ghost, don't make me eat you."

"Yeah? I got two words for you, Ultra. Bring. Salt."

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

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

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

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

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

Sign up for my newsletter and claim your immortality

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 might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©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!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.