Revenant Flames

This book is dedicated to the women who had to fight to learn they are enough and to those still in the fight. May you always know your worth. Copyright © 2023 by J.A. Good All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [email protected]. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred. Book Cover by Maria Spada Edited by Belle Manuel First paperback edition February 2023 Contents 1. Chapter 1 2. Chapter 2 3. Chapter 3 4. Chapter 4 5. Chapter 5 6. Chapter 6 7. Chapter 7 8. Chapter 8 9. Chapter 9 10. Chapter 10 11. Chapter 11 12. Chapter 12 13. Chapter 13 14. Chapter 14 15. Chapter 15 16. Chapter 16 17. Chapter 17 18. Chapter 18 19. Chapter 19 20. Chapter 20 21. Chapter 21 22. Chapter 22 23. Chapter 23 24. Chapter 24 25. Chapter 25 26. Chapter 26 27. Chapter 27 28. Chapter 28 29. Chapter 29 30. Chapter 30 31. Chapter 31 32. Chapter 32 33. Chapter 33 34. Chapter 34 35. Chapter 35 36. Chapter 36 37. Chapter 37 38. Chapter 38 39. Chapter 39 40. Chapter 40 41. Chapter 41 42. Chapter 42 43. Chapter 43 About Author Acknowledgments Chapter one The stars were bright as the Ginsburg neared the Haradon port. Wren Hayden looked out at the small port town with apprehension, dread pooling throughout her body. It had been over a week since she last saw Haradon when she had left with the crown prince of North Helm. She had thought she would not see it again, that the life she had carved out for herself had been irreparable. Wesley had convinced her that the crown prince of Haradon was planning to betray her and take her divine powers for himself, and she had believed him. Wren absently placed a hand over the scar that hid beneath her silk dress. She had paid with her life for believing his lie and had the scar to remind her that betrayal came in all forms. Wren attempted to drag her mind from the darkness that always overcame her at the memories, but the brightness of the stars only served to remind her of another night. A night, now long ago, when she was pulled from a lake and first laid eyes on the land of Valmere. A night that had ended in the death of her best friend, the ache of her loss never far. She missed the family she had left behind so much that it made her stomach roll with unease when she lingered too long on the thoughts. Mostly, she missed her cousin, or what she thought had been her cousin. Wren had the unfortunate revelation that the family she had always known had taken her in as a bargain. That her true parents had given her up. Wren was ripped from her unwanted thoughts by a strong female voice shouting orders. Captain Amelia Smollett called a furious stream of directions from the top deck to her already busy crew. None of them questioned the crimson-haired captain. Wren was certain that Amelia was unaccustomed to being challenged, given her commanding presence. Her first mate, Alexander, was on the lower deck ensuring that her orders were followed. Wren enjoyed watching the pair work, their unity a sight to be seen. She doubted anyone had ever questioned Alexander's loyalty to the woman. Despite the fact that Alexander was a towering specimen of a man, it was clear that Amelia was in charge. An arm was looping itself through hers and she turned to see Sophie holding her arm in both hers and leaning into her. Sophie's hair was pulled back slightly, and her blonde waves fell over her shoulder. She wore an elegant green dress and Wren would have been surprised if she hadn't also been dressed in an elegant deep blue dress while her hair fell in loose waves around her. They had discussed that they needed to appear the part of royalty and court members upon their return to the palace. There was no doubt that the king was already aware of their presence and even this first greeting would be an important posturing. Wren nearly lost her balance as the ship docked, and Amelia threw out curses at the poor soul who steered. She was up at the helm in an instant taking over and making the young man look as if he wished he could jump into the sea. Surprise lit into her as Sophie chuckled and smiled brightly. "Sophie?" she questioned. Sophie shrugged, tearing her eyes from the scene reluctantly. "One must take their entertainment where they can get it, Wren." Wren shook her head at her friend who seemed to be an expert in finding her own amusement. The crown prince of Haradon, Malaki Blackwood, took his place at her other side dressed in an elegant black coat and pants. His hair carefully tended to and loose around his face, falling to his shoulders. He looked painfully handsome under the stars and moonlight, and Wren had to pull her gaze away from him and back to what lay before them. The castle in the distance caused a ripple of unease to flow through her. So much of this reminded her of the first night she had spent there when she was forced to marry the prince beside her against her will. She knew she was different than she had been that night. She was stronger and she was determined to fight in a way she hadn't been when the Bishop pulled her from the water. The crew began readying