Trapped

Chapter 1

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Dear readers,

I have uploaded a small fraction of my book, Trapped - Cursed Sequel Book 1 by Alyce Sky Reyes, herein for your enjoyment. The full book is available for purchase on Amazon, both kindle (USD 2.99) and paperback versions. Or you can read it for free if you have Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Read on, if you love the story and would like to follow the protagonist on her adventure, please do support me on Amazon.

https://a.co/d/8ZM9ijU

Do note that while there are bits and pieces of romance embedded within the magical adventures, do note that this is a young adult novel with no explicit sex scenes or make out sessions.

My favorite part of this book? Honestly, it's the crazed madness of the unethical but amazingly brilliant extraterrestrial scientist. It called to my soul. Unfortunately, as a real-life former scientist, I'm bound by rules that prevent me from unleashing my true madness upon the world, hence this book. *Laughs manically*

Fret not, I am a law-abiding citizen. Some dreams can only remain as a fantasy. This story is pretty much a crazy attempt at merging magic, sci-fi, adventure/thriller, sword fight and romance in the same ancient cauldron.

Every novel written is a piece of my soul. Take it, feast on it. With all sincerity, I hope you'll like it.

Do follow me on @author.alyce.sky.reyes on Instagram and Threads!

With love,
Alyce

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I was writhing. Writhing in pain that went deeper than torn skin and broken bones. My heart splintered with a profound sense of loss. My whole self hurt - as though I was being ripped in every way possible. Memories that were once sweet now bore sharp edges that shredded me from within. The soul wound that transcended lifetimes was tearing me apart. I couldn't breathe.

The shimmer beyond beckoned to me. A whisper of peace, an absence of loss, the call of the promised paradise. A place of emptiness. Not yet. Just once more, and I will be done with it. Or will I ever? Is it worth it? Had it been worth it?

Ivory ribbons seemingly pulled by a reversed gravity fluttered serenely in the vast expanse ahead.

"It is time." A voice that came from nowhere and everywhere boomed. In this place where the beginning and the end converge, where a delicate balance was maintained, the price of every deed was meted out.

"Decide now or never."

I took a deep breath, made to grab one of the white strips, and plummeted.

The fall jerked me into consciousness. A distant owl hoot followed by the rapid, soundless flapping of wings.

I gulped down a lungful of crisp night air, willing myself to calm down.

Breathe, breathe.

Slow, deep breaths.

The heart-wrenching sorrow - where did that come from? My blanket was soaked in a mess of snot and tears. Disgusted, I flipped the blanket aside and pushed the lingering thoughts away. Descending into another bout of restless sleep would be a pointless endeavor. Dawn's nascent glow had begun peeking through the haphazardly drawn curtains, the sounds of early chirps a prelude to yet another day. I wriggled out of the suffocating blanket and tip-toed out of the room that we girls shared, away from my still-sleeping younger sister, Trixy.

~*~*~

The morning walk down the forested area to the outskirts of the marketplace was peaceful. I drank in the refreshing smell of fresh morning dew on leaves as I hopped from rock to rock across the rapids, carefully avoiding the water to keep my boots and pants dry. Water from the rapids was much clearer and sweeter than the slightly murky, brownish water lower down the river.