The Shadows Rise

Some shadows feed on fear. This one hungers for suffering.

When a sentient darkness descends on Ause City, magic falters, light fails, and even the bravest warriors are left grasping at hope. This is no simple shadow-it is a creature born of old agony and starless night, cloaked in illusions and fueled by pain. And it has begun to hunt.

Rhyslin Darkblade, mage and war-worn Maighstir of the Weave, leads a circle of bonded companions-a cearcall bound by love, loyalty, and hard-won trust. But even he is shaken by the power of the darkness stalking them. Together, his bondmates must uncover the origin of the creature, challenge the silence of the gods, and find light in a world descending into despair.

At his side is Rana, a young spell-blade struggling to find her place in a household forged by fire and fate. She has not yet offered her bond-but her heart is no less entangled. As her strength grows, so do her doubts-and the shadow sees them all.

As ancient prophecies awaken and divine forces stir, Rhyslin's circle must hold the line. Because the shadow doesn't fear death.

It fears connection.

The Shadows Rise is a lyrical, emotionally rich fantasy novel full of:

• Found family and magical bonding
• Powerful women and protective men
• Slow-burn romance and intense character dynamics
• Intelligent monsters and divine mysteries
• A deeply immersive world built on lore, loyalty, and love

This is not a tale of kings and crowns, but of bondmates and burdens, of spells cast in desperation and promises kept in the dark. A battle between the aching heart and the ancient void.

And sometimes, the only way to survive the night... is to stand together.