Michael added, "And we need to find George, My King."

As Sam nodded, Soresym spoke out. "The snakes are no longer a concern. Seth has surrendered. Your army can search for the pieces of the Crystal Moon without interference."

Sam turned to Michael. "Create a search party for George as well. I want his head brought to me on a pike."

Meanwhile, Ancients Sovereign.

The Home of Lasidious and Celestria.

Celestria backed away from the green flames within their fireplace, the visions of war fading as she turned to cup her lover's face in the palms of her hands. "I can't wait to see Sam and Shalee's faces when they realize that Seth doesn't have the crystals."

Lasidious sat down and put his feet up on the table. "Yes, their expressions will be entertaining. I must admit, I didn't think the griffins would offer a.s.sistance. I wasn't sure if my ruse worked. I thought I was going to have to save Sam myself."

Lasidious lowered his legs to the floor and motioned for Celestria to sit on his lap. "I think there's enough confusion across Southern Grayham to keep the G.o.ds watching."

Celestria reached down and rubbed her favorite part of her devil-G.o.d as she spoke. "I agree, my love. You are conniving, my pet."

The Mischievous One smiled as he brushed her hair clear of her neck. "Our baby is safe in Susanne's care. The moments have come to turn our attention to Luvelles. Everything is going better than we could've hoped for. The next stage of our plan is ready to be implemented. But first, let's offer George a well-deserved rest. When the moment is right, I'm sure he'll make us proud once again."

Lasidious lifted his G.o.ddess and carried her into their bedroom. "Allow me to show you how much I've missed you."

Celestria laughed as the door shut.

THE END.

Keep reading for a.

SNEAK PEEK.

inside the pages of.

Book 2.

Crystal Moon.

The Eye of Luvelles.

SNEAK PEEK.

Book 2.

Crystal Moon.

The Eye of Luvelles.

BLACK SKIES THREATENED THE LAND BELOW as the clouds rumbled their rage-filled curses. The morning had been unkind to Western Luvelles, punishing the terrain with pebble-sized hail and earth-scarring strikes of electrical fury. The forest had taken the brunt of the storm. The high winds abused many of the tall evergreens and caused their branches to snap and fall to the ground.

Countless, mud-filled puddles were impossible to avoid as they stained the white dress of an injured woman. Shalee Goodrich, powerful sorceress and queen to the Kingdom of Brandor, grit her teeth in agony. Her moans could be heard as she crawled along the muddy road leading away from the swamp. The open wound across her abdomen marked an easy trail for the dark figure stalking her to follow, and the once sporadic drops of blood were now turning into coin-shaped areas of saturated earth.

The hunter knew his prey was beginning to tire. He smiled as he bent down to rub his hand across the dirt. "You can't run forever," he whispered. "Your blood gives you away. It didn't have to end this way. I'm going to miss you." He rubbed the essence of Shalee's life between his fingertips and tasted it.

Shalee crawled off the road and into the forest. Her forearms were torn, and gravel was embedded in her skin. Her teeth chattered as her body continued to lose heat. She managed to force herself into an upright position against a boulder.

Removing the sweater she had used to pack the wound, she grimaced. The blade had made a clean cut.

Using her power, she tried to cauterize the wound, but the magic failed. Her mind screamed, Why? Why? The queen closed her eyes to teleport. Nothing. There was no escape. Her magic had abandoned her. I've got to get out of here. He's going to end me.

It was not long before the queen's attacker stood above her, looking down with eyes filled with evil intent.

To Be Continued.

end.