The Spark in the Dark

Chapter 1

The whole of Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius's court was gathered in the great hall for her daughter, Samantha's 19th birthday party. The night was going great, everyone was dancing and laughing. Samantha looked out at her friends and family, there in the centre of the room was her parents, arms wrapped around each other, dancing and whispering into each other's ears.

Suddenly the room went dark, seconds later the light came back on and everyone in the room had their weapons drawn. Someone gasped and everyone's eyes were now on Samantha, more specific, what was growing behind Samantha. She could hear her mother shout something at her and her father starting towards her. Samantha whirled around and saw a dark force grow in front of her at lightning speed.

Suddenly Samantha felt herself being sucked from the great hall and encased in darkness. She felt like she was nothing but a shadow. Suddenly she felt herself fall onto a soft cold surface. She opened her eyes and looked back at the portal. The last thing she saw was her parents, worry coating their faces, before the portal closed, leaving Samantha all alone in a place she didn't recognise.

She looked at her surroundings. She was in forest, the trees were bare and everything was covered in snow. Winter. She jumped up at the sound of a twig snap. She had already unsheathed the dagger she always keeps with her. Suddenly something jumped out at her and pushed her onto the ground. She was up almost as quick as she was pushed down and there standing in front of her was a creature she had never encountered before.

It had a large body, as big as a bear's, and a head that resembled a lion's. It had three rows of teeth, sharper than a shark's and she could feel the violence oozing from it. She turned to run but two more of the creatures had already surrounded her. Alright then, she thought. You want a fight, I'll give you a fight.

She threw her dagger at one of the creature necks. It dropped to the ground and didn't get back up again. The other two ran for her and she dodged their attacks. She reached for the sword that is usually sheathed across her back to remember that she it was back at her home. She, once again, dodged their blows and sidestepped around them so she was facing both of them. As they turned she reached for that power she had, she was just about to show them what she could do when the two creatures' heads left their bodies. The bodies crumbled to the ground and standing in their place was the most beautiful male she had ever seen.

The male in front of her was obviously fae. He had pointed ears and short blue-black hair. His eyes were a dark violet colour but spread out behind him were what gave his heritage away. Behind him was a stunning pair of black wings. Samantha had never seen anything like them, on anyone. She could also feel the power rippling off him. She decided that this male in front of her may be a bigger threat then those creatures and as he grinned, Samantha dove into that power of hers, ready to pounce.