Bitter Ashes Short Stories/Novellas

"We laughed together, covered in blood and surrounded by corpses, and I knew my life would never be the same again." In the middle of the night, Madeline is snatched from her life of chosen solitude into a world where she might actually belong. Due to her empathy and other "gifts", Madeline is a danger to humans, and finds solace with others like her, despite the fact that they're also her kidnappers. Still, she knows she should escape, but something about dark, but oddly comforting Alaric has her debating her choices, and questioning her moral fiber. An occult romance with a dark fantasy twist, the first installment in this serialized, paranormal urban fantasy saga leads the reader into a bloody mystery filled with intrigue, war, love, and betrayal. This introduction to the Bitter Ashes Series is written in novella form (23,000 words). Following installments are 30,000+ words in length.

In this installment, Madeline learns more about the Vaettir than she bargained for, and while a romance with Alaric might seem like a terrible idea, she's not sure she can resist. He and his sister, Sophie, are the only two among the Vaettir who care to interact with her. They make her feel like she might actually belong, despite the side-long glances and hushed conversations of the other Vaettir. Yet, belonging comes at a price, and it may be one too large for Madeline to pay.