QSFer R. Phoenix has a new MM paranormal book out, the last book in the Fate of the Fallen series: Sanguine.
In the epic conclusion of the Fate of the Fallen series, the stage has been set for a revolution. After the Council’s lack of reaction to the assassination of one of their own, the rebels grow bolder — and if they truly allow supes to join their ranks, they might be able to achieve the impossible. Hope has been rekindled, and nowhere has it been stronger than with the son of the former rebellion leader, Noah Franklin. Will he and Khaz throw in for more than a night, or will they choose to isolate themselves from what might still be a futile cause?
Reese’s allegiance to Elias Ivers has compromised his own desires to aid the rebellion, along with his disapproval of their “take no prisoners” approach. He and his claimed humans, Ashton and Leo, have different agendas, but can they come together in a time of need?
Newly-ascended Elder Elias Ivers has a target on his back — and it’s not only from sympathizers and rebels. Even those amongst his own ranks are loath to accept him, and he finds that taking control is not as easy as he’d thought. With his werewolf pet, Jace, at his side, can he show the Council what it truly is to rule?
Humans have fought for a decade to regain their freedom, and now, the time has come to reclaim it. The restlessness and strife among the vampires, witches, and werewolves who rule over humanity leaves them a unique opening… if they can only figure out how to take advantage of it.
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Excerpt
“Leave the fledgling alone,” Nyla stated, her voice going cold as she stared at Elias.
“I haven’t the faintest—”
“I would suggest,” Nyla interrupted, her voice softening considerably, “not lying to me, Elias.”
“Because you aren’t lying to me?” Elias demanded, his fingers digging into the handle of the leash he held.
“I haven’t the faintest idea what you mean,” Nyla mocked.
Julian looked between the two of them like he was watching a tennis match, and Desideria thought he’d benefit from some popcorn. He had every reason to support either side, but he was staying neutral.
Good boy. He knew some things needed to be sorted by others, and this fight didn’t involve either of them — even if Julian’s brother tried to draw him into it.
“I know you’re supporting the rebellion,” Elias stated, dropping the words into the air like they were bombs. A threat. Something Nyla would care about.
“Is there a question?” she asked.
Elias stared at her then glanced aside at Julian — who only held up both hands, palms out, as he continued to stay out of their discussion — before looking back. “Are you admitting to treason?” There was a touch of glee in his voice — oh, poor, dear misguided soul that he was.
Desideria wished she could digest popcorn, because this really would’ve been the perfect time for it. Wasn’t there always popcorn with the extra dramatic scenes?
“I admitted nothing,” Nyla pointed out, as though she was speaking to a child.
For all his strengths in manipulation and politics, Elias couldn’t see that he was being set up as the other witch set the game board to outmaneuver him. “You said—”
“I said nothing incriminating,” Nyla replied. “I merely asked a question.”
“Elias, is this something we need to discuss?” Julian finally dared ask, finally starting to look irritated.
“When my own sister-in-law stands accused of treason?” Elias asked, incredulous as he stared at his brother. “When my brother may be accused of aiding and abetting her? That’s the very reason you’re here.”
“So you’re wasting everyone’s time then,” Julian said, drolly.
“Are you saying she’s innocent?” Elias asked, disappointment dripping from the words.
Oh, the poor, dear misguided soul…!
“I left my brand-new fledgling at home alone for this,” Desideria reminded them, spinning the chair around once for all that it lacked the effect it might’ve had on a human. It was still fun, even if she didn’t have the ensuing dizziness. She paused, then canted her head. “He’s capable of entertaining himself, but times are dangerous, my sweet.”
Elias shot her an irritated look.
“Ohh,” Desideria said, putting one hand over where her heart had once beaten within her chest. “Big bad Elder is putting me in my place.” She feigned a gasp.
Across the room, Julian was trying not to smirk.
“You and I will have words, too,” Elias warned. “I have business with you as well.”
Desideria blinked at him.
This time, it was Nyla who didn’t even bother to hide her smile. Oh, she knew better than to insist Desideria do anything.
“Business?” Desideria asked curiously. “Are you going to accuse me of treason as well, dear Elias?”
“You’re making people nervous with your…” Elias seemed at a loss for the right words, trailing off and not picking up from where he left off.
She helpfully chimed in, “Do you know the story of Cassandra, the Seer?”
Elias sighed. “This is no time for a mythology lesson, Desideria.”
“Lady Desideria,” she corrected him. “We aren’t friends.”
“Then it’s Elder Elias,” Elias snapped back at her.
He was like a cornered animal, feral and snapping. All he was doing was making it easier for everyone in the room to gain an advantage over him. She wondered if he was always so easy to provoke. He didn’t have a reputation for a temper…
“You’re trying to say my prophecies lack merit,” Desideria said, spinning again in the chair and gazing up at the ceiling, where the stars lay scattered above them past the ceiling.
“You’re scaring people,” Elias said bluntly. “Stop it.”
“I only tell them the truth, Elder Elias,” Desideria purred. “But you don’t like the truth, do you, precious? You’ll let everything fall instead of listening.”
“Of course he will,” Nyla said disdainfully, glancing between them. “He’s even willing to endanger everything for an old feud with a dead human.”
Elias stared at her, and the anger in his expression bled into something more resembling hatred. “I would suggest holding your tongue, Nyla.”
“That’s Mrs. Ivers,” Nyla said, her voice dripping honey then, so sweet it was almost painful to hear.
“Elias, Nyla, and Desideria,” Julian said, abruptly authoritative as he straightened up. “Can we please have a civil meeting?”
“No,” Desideria said without missing a beat.
Author Bio
R. Phoenix (code name: Raissa) has an unhealthy fascination with contrasts: light and dark, humor and pain, heroes and villains, order and chaos. She believes love can corrupt, power can redeem and that the best of intentions can cast shadows while the worst can create light.
She agrees with those who say that the truth is best told through fiction — even though fiction has to make sense while reality can be utterly baffling. She loves chatting with readers, though she often awkwardly rambles. No matter how much she tries to keep her bad and often perverted sense of humor in check, it seems to escape at the most inconvenient moments. (Thanks, universe.)
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