Queen of The Dome (QOTD Book 1)

Copyright © 2023 Amizah R All rights reservedThe characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.To request permissions, contact the copyright owner at [email protected]: 9781234567890ISBN-10: 1477123456 Contents Copyright Content/Trigger warnings Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven Chapter Twenty-Eight Chapter Twenty-Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-One Chapter Thirty-Two Chapter Thirty-Three Chapter Thirty-Four Chapter Thirty-Five Chapter Thirty-Six Chapter Thirty-Seven Chapter Thirty-Eight Chapter Thirty-Nine Chapter Forty Chapter Forty-One Chapter Forty-Two Chapter Forty-Three Chapter Forty-Four Chapter Forty-Five Chapter Forty-Six Chapter Forty-Seven Chapter Forty-Eight Chapter Forty-Nine Chapter Fifty Epilogue The End Content/Trigger warnings This book contains strong language, graphic violence, sexually explicit scenes, and discreet references to sexism. Chapter One “The dumb brute and the deceiving bitch,” the voice cackled from behind him. Cade closed his eyes and took a deep breath, praying for this interaction to be over soon. He was by no means dumb and the three idiots approaching his workbench knew as much. He did speak, just not a lot. He didn't see the need in opening his mouth if not for anything important. That sentiment didn’t apply to Lia though. With Lia, he spoke freely, but one could argue that it was only because she didn't let him get away with his usual one-worded answers and quiet mumblings. The lady in question stood up from where she had been sitting on the ground, skinning rabbits from this morning's round. “Reporting for duty, sir!” she barked with a hand to her head, pulling a serious face. Cade turned around, ready to watch this play out but reluctant to get involved. He knew Lia could handle herself. “Is that so? Want to make yourself useful? Get on your knees.” Theo smirked, taking a step forward, clutching his groin. Tag and Bron laughed beside him. “Ooph,” Lia winced, appearing apologetic. “I swear I would, but I have super strict requirements.” She gestured at her forehead before slowly drawing out her hand clean over Theo’s head. The pout she gave him was beyond patronizing. “Maybe next year. I'm sure you would have sprouted by then.” It was all Cade could do not to smile. Lia was already a woman of tall stature, standing at five feet and ten inches. But head to head with Theo, who just barely passed her chin? The way she dwarfed him was almost comical. His best friend always chose to escalate these run-ins, but Cade remained silent as usual. He would enjoy the show, but he didn't have to indulge her. Theo took another step closer to Lia, face turning red, snarling. “Why don't you go back to the forest, you foundling whore!” Lia only smiled. She’d heard it all before. But Cade could hear something dangerous in Theo’s tone. He never took insults well. Slightly on edge, Cade shuffled forward, ready to haul Lia into the house if things got out of hand. It wouldn’t have been the first time he had to. He was briefly reminded of an altercation that he had to stop a few months ago. It had started the same way and ended with Lia on top of one of the townies in the muddy grass, giving him the beating of his life. He’d promptly pulled her off him and carried her over his shoulder back into the house. Cade loved Lia to bits but her fearlessness often unsettled him, scared him even. She could definitely hold her own against Theo, but all three of them were a different problem. Besides, he knew who would hold the blame if word got to the councilmen about another dispute. Suddenly, Lia stiffened. Her head flew back, face to the sky, and she began shaking, eyes rolling to the back of her head. Theo, Tag, and Bron immediately began backing away, but Cade cocked his head at her in amusement. Here we go again… he thought. Cade knew what a real vision looked like, and this wasn’t it. He was well aware that Lia’s little displays wouldn’t do her any favors with the people in their sector but he wasn’t in a rush to stop her fun. It wasn’t as if they didn’t deserve it, even if it was mean. Moments later, Lia dropped to her knees on the grass with her head down, startling their unwanted guests. All the while, Cade leaned back on his workbench, legs crossed, observing. He wondered how far she would take it this time. Shivering, Lia lifted her head, dark curls falling to either side of her face. “A vision...” she whispered. “Theo... it's your mother,” Her face twisted, feigning sorrow. Had he not known Lia so well, he would have been just as anxious as the rest of them. Theo blanched, fear leaking into his anger and shock. “W-what about her?” She silently beckoned him forward, a solitary tear making its way down her face. Slowly, warily, Theo made his way to her, looking more apprehensive with each step. In a flash, Lia stood up and threw out her hand. Even Cade flinched a fraction. He looked to Theo just in time to catch his yelp and watch him jump back as bloody rabbit skins splattered across his face and slid down his torso. Lia doubled over with laughter and this time, Cade allowed himself to join in, unabashed by their current company. Through their laughter, Cade heard Theo’s outraged barking as Tag and Bron dragged him away. “I'll fucking kill you,