Eight of Hearts: The Rift Blade - Book 1

Chapter 1

Bryce Sheffield was the reason nice guys always finish last. He was born into a wealthy British family in the year 1994, and lived a privileged life. Anything he wanted he was given, and everything else was at his fingertips should he ever need it.

He did know how to put effort in for things, but he had a natural advantage that he flaunted everywhere he went. With golden hair that he was constantly brushing out of his face with a flourish. With sapphire eyes that melted the heart of any girl unlucky enough to look directly into them. With a sharp mind he wasted on obsessing over his own status.

He could have pursued any number of interests, given the endless opportunities presented to him. He was soon to graduate from Oxford University with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Management, and had a dozen job offers already waiting for him.

But Bryce was only interested in one thing: recognition. He didn't want to step in line for his dad's business, he wanted his name plastered on every billboard in London. He dreamed of fame, and had the talent to achieve it.

He stared absently out the window of the jetliner at the endless expanse of water below. The distance made him feel like he was hanging motionless in the air. Like his other lofty dreams, he longed for wings of his own, and relished the sensation of flight.

His goal was to play professionally for Chelsea Football Club, and he felt he was close to achieving it. His name was already recognized by many football organizations as a talented striker, and he'd turned away several offers already.

Bryce's father did not approve of his goals, and tried often to change his mind. Every sound piece of logic fell flat in the face of Bryce's self-obsession.

In a last-ditch effort to change his son's mind, Mr. Sheffield sent Bryce on "holiday" to the States to spend a week with his sister's family.

A flight attendant caught his eye as she made her rounds, bringing lunch trays to the passengers. Bryce flashed her a charming smile as he accepted his meal, and she blushed and turned away. She was far too plain for his taste, but he still savored the effect he had on her.

The air was filled with the pleasant aroma of chicken and garlic potatoes as people began quietly eating their food. Bryce wrinkled his nose.

While the meal was extravagant by many standards for airline food, it was regrettably below Bryce's normal standards. But he kept his complaints to himself. This would likely be a far superior meal to whatever he would receive at his aunt's place.

Jonas Taylor did not dread his cousin Bryce's visit, but he didn't look forward to it either. They had just never mixed well, despite sharing very similar natural abilities. But while Bryce was a dreamer, Jonas was a pragmatist.

Both of his parents were in the workforce, pulling overtime hours every week to ensure the family was provided for. Jonas had learned to appreciate the value and power of effort at an early age.

He had inherited his father's dark skin and hair, giving him a much steeper climb than Bryce when it came to success. In high school, he had battled a troublemaker's reputation simply because he was more conspicuous.

Through his efforts, he had overcome those obstacles, graduated, and now attended the University of Texas. As a third-year Civil Engineer major, he had made a name for himself with his brilliance, and was relied on by many as a source of wisdom. The administration had come to trust and rely on him and his abilities, which lead to more responsibilities, and more opportunities.

Despite his ambitions, he enjoyed his free time with his close friends, savoring the normalcy when he could. He sat in their favorite local coffee shop, sharing his table with them as he read a novel from an author he had recently come to enjoy.