Splendor and Darkness Read online

  “Guardian Angels can be hampered by their own purity,” Michael said. “Because the members of the Protectorate are a blending of natures, they have unique abilities.”

  “Anna sensed the demonic horde before the Guardians sounded the alarm.” Judith shuddered. “She is so young. Is there no way to restrict her abilities until she is more mature?”

  “The Council believes it unwise to tamper with her development,” Sariel explained. “But they want to ensure her protection as she matures. This is the role they have chosen for Daniel. Are you willing to be Anna’s official Guardian?”

  He looked at Judith, his dark eyes shining. “I will do whatever I can, without reservation.” Pausing for a deep breath, he turned back to Sariel. “But how will I protect someone as exceptional as Anna now that my abilities are gone?”

  “A very good question.” A smile bowed Sariel’s lips. “The Council has sanctioned me to empower you with specific abilities. The skill set of a Guardian will be restored to you so long as you use your abilities to protect Anna.”

  “And when she no longer requires my protection?”

  “You will be assigned to another.”

  Judith scooted to the edge of her chair. “Will this make him immortal?”

  “Immortality is more complicated than you might think. Angels are blessed with long lives, but they can be destroyed. The Council has been waiting for the proper time to form the Protectorate. They believe that time is now. An organization of this importance will not be established overnight or over the course of an average human life. For this reason all four of you will remain in your prime until the responsibilities can be passed to a new generation. If that takes fifty years or fifteen hundred…” He shrugged. “We shall have to wait and see.”

  “And who will provide this new generation?” Lailah forced the words beyond dry lips. She longed to feel a new life growing inside her, knowing Nate had put it there.

  “Your fundamental nature is human, so you should be able to conceive.”

  She looked at Nate and found him grinning from ear to ear.

  They lapsed into silence. Lailah’s head was spinning with questions and possibilities.

  “Is this ending acceptable to you, o mighty Empowered One?” Sariel offered the question with a playful smile.

  “It could not have been more perfect had I planned it myself.”

  TEARS OF THE DRAGON

  By Cyndi Friberg

  Neither wars, nor famine, nor Fairy curses have intimidated Lady Rowena of Pendragon, but now she finds herself locked in a battle of wills with Dominic of Capstow. Dominic is William Marshal’s trusted knight, and the regent has sent him to escort her to court so she can face claims brought forth by her scheming stepfather.

  She’s infuriated, and insulted—and intrigued. Dominic is by far the most attractive man she has ever encountered. He’s dangerous and appealing and she needs him in her bed for reasons she dare not reveal. Knowing little about seduction, but more than willing to learn, Lady Rowena sets out on a conquest of her own.

  The stakes are high, higher even than Lady Rowena realizes. For the Fairy curse is real and dark forces are at work, ready to tear the young lovers apart and rob them of their happily ever after.

  Note to Reader: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.

  From Cyndi: I’ve been a fan of Historical romance for years and set out to capture the struggles and challenges of a feisty medieval woman determined to live life on her own terms. But, as usual, my muse had other ideas. The Fairy curse which was originally meant to thread through the story became an important subplot and Fair Fiona (a mischievous fairy trapped in our mortal realm) tried hard to take over the book. I hope you’ll find the outcome as entertaining as I did. I learned long ago not to argue with my muse. Enjoy!

  About the Author

  Anything-but-Ordinary is Cyndi's creed and her writing reflects her dedication to the concept. She writes in a variety of genres, but seems happiest in outer space. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, and Taken by Storm was named Best Fantasy/Science Fiction Romance of the year by Romance Reviews Today.

  She lives in Colorado with her high school sweetheart turned husband of many years. With a pampered cat curled on the corner of her desk, she dreams of fascinating words and larger than life adventures -- and wouldn't have it any other way!

  Website / Blog

  Cyndi’s other books

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