Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 66196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
I was sent to kill her… but I submitted to her instead.
The GodKing ordered me to slay the sorceress Sylvanna and retrieve the Heart of the Eclipse—a legendary artifact said to shape fate itself.
Failure was not an option.
But when I found her, her Shadow Magic overwhelmed my Celestial Light. I alone bear the Holy Fire, yet I was powerless against her.
She offered me a take her Oath of Submission and serve her for a time, and she would grant me a chance at the Heart.
I had no choice but to obey.
I never expected to crave it.
Sylvanna, Sorceress of Nocturna
He came to destroy me. Now he is mine. Shadowbound.
I knew the Paladin was coming to kill me. I didn’t expect him to kneel.
Alaric is strong enough to snap me in half… but instead, he begs to serve, to please, to taste. He burns with Light, but his soul hungers for Shadow—and for me.
Training him is a pleasure. Keeping him is a temptation.
But our bond will be tested. To reclaim the Heart of the Eclipse, we must travel to the City of Night and face Kraven—my treacherous former Blood-Partner.
If we fail, our kingdoms will fall.
If we succeed… the magic awakening inside my Paladin may change everything.
Shadowbound is a steamy enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance
* A dominant vampire sorceress
* A proud, submissive paladin hero/ Dragon Shifter
* Sex-Magic training, and power exchange
* A high-stakes quest through a sensual, magical world
* Fated mates tension with dark spice and deep feels
If you love romantasy, magical kink, Dark Romance, enemies to lovers, and powerful heroines who take what they want, this book is for you
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Prologue
Alaric Brightsword
Paladin of Solaris
Oathsworn Servant of the GodKing
“Come, Paladin—the GodKing will see you now.”
I nod at the Royal Guard and stride into the audience chamber, my ceremonial armor clanking. The sunlight falling from the high windows above lights the golden Celestial runes etched on the silver metal like lines of fire. It is a fitting look—I alone among my generation wield The Celestial Fire. I alone am indwelled by the Holy Flames.
Not that I’m proud of my status—I didn’t choose the Fire—it chose me. From a very early age, I knew what my vocation must be.
My metal boots clang against the flagstones and I come to a stop about a meter from the dais where the GodKing’s throne is located. He, too, is bathed in sunlight, thanks to a skylight cut into the arching stone above him.
Here in Solaris, we are lovers of the light. The beams of the sun fall upon the GodKing, making his snowy hair seem even whiter and lighting his craggy face. I lower myself to one knee before him.
I remember the first time I bowed before this throne—it was ten years ago and the GodKing still had streaks of brown in his hair. I was just a young knight then but still, he honored me. I am oathsworn to the man upon the throne—I would do anything for him.
“Paladin…Alaric.” He nods at me, his faded blue eyes sweeping over my armor. “It is very good to see you again, my boy,” he says. “I have a quest for you.”
My heart leaps. Things have been quiet lately with our enemies—the NightBorn of Nocturna. It’s been too long since I went to battle.
“Yes, my GodKing,” I say. “What can I do for you? What quest would you have me complete?”
“A very important one—perhaps more important than any before it,” he says. He leans forward, his bunched knuckles tightening as his arthritic fingers grip the golden arms of his throne. “My boy, I would have you search out and bring to me The Heart of the Eclipse.”
My eyebrows shoot up.
“But my Lord—I thought that was just a legend?”
He shakes his head, his long white hair moving over his once-broad shoulders.
“Nay, lad! My head Seer had a vision just today. The Heart exists—it is in the keeping of one of the most wicked of the NightBorn. The Sorceress Sylvanna holds it in her tower.”
I frown—I’ve heard the name before. Who hasn’t? But I don’t like fighting women.
“There is little honor in killing a woman—even a witch,” I point out to the GodKing.
He glares at me.
“You think I’m sending you for honor’s sake, boy? The Heart of the Eclipse is said to have unspoken powers! There is a prophecy attached to it. It speaks of the final destruction of Nocturna! The supremacy of Solaris! And best of all, rebirth and renewal—possibly even youth eternal.”
For a moment I see an almost greedy light enter his faded blue eyes. The GodKing is ancient—he has ruled our lands—the kingdom of Solaris—for countless years. But he has no heir. Everyone expects him to name someone to take the throne when he passes but he never has. Maybe this is why. He thinks that the Heart of the Eclipse will bring him eternal life.
I have my doubts about the efficacy of such an artifact, but I can’t share them with my liege lord. It is not my place to question his judgment.
“Yes, my Lord,” I say instead. “And you wish me to find it for you?”
“Find it and lay it at my feet!” he demands. “You know the location of Sylvanna’s tower?”
“I can find it,” I tell him. “The Holy Fire inside me will guide me to her evil that I may purge it from the world.”
“Good lad.” He nods, apparently satisfied. But then he leans forward again. “Listen to me, Alaric—you’re my best knight—the only one gifted with the Celestial Fire. I value you highly.”
“Thank you, my Lord.” I bow my head in gratitude. “You honor me.”
“And I will honor you even more if you return with the Heart of the Eclipse,” he tells me. “But look at me…”
I look up, meeting his steely gaze.
“Yes, my Lord?” I ask.
“If you don’t get the Heart, don’t come back,” he says to me. “My halls will be closed to you. Do you understand?”
My heart feels like it’s freezing in my chest. My whole world is here in the GodKing’s holy Citadel. My entire life has been dedicated to defending it—to protecting and furthering the GodKing’s interests. But never has he given me such an ultimatum.
“I…understand, my Lord,” I said, my throat tight. Would he really refuse me entrance to the Citadel if I cannot complete this quest? It seems so. I have never seen him look so serious—so harsh.
“Good. Then go—and bring me The Heart,” he commands, sitting back in his golden throne. “Do not fail me, Sir Alaric.”