𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙚...𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧. - Oasis Awards 3rd place - Upon nearing adulthood, citizens of Aegia face the choice to risk it all. For some, it's all about the glory, and living up to their family name. For others, it's an offer of security, of knowing where their next meal is coming from. And so they make the choice to enroll in one of several Academies, where they are taught the ancient texts, the history of the realm, and the sacred runes handed down by the gods themselves. At the end of their time there, they face a series of tests to be sorted into two castes: 𝗔𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀, the elite rulers, advance to the top positions in their field, deciding what is built, what is destroyed, where taxes go...and who lives and dies. And 𝘀𝘆𝗹𝗿𝗮, the servants bound by magic to their Aelaris. Seen as little more than an appendage and status symbol, they spend their days following their Aelaris and living for their demands, completely devoted and content in their role. The bond is considered sacred. It prevents the Aelaris from ever harming their sylra while ensuring the sylra is happy to serve. It is the Rite of Ascension that determines who belongs where, a process that measures worth and potential, through the power of the gods. Rian Argon-son has always believed he was destined to join the ranks of the Aelaris, working tirelessly to prove himself worthy. Meanwhile his nemesis Ileana, born into wealth and privilege, has always seen herself as a true heir to power. Their rivalry has simmered in all their time at the Academy, and now the final testing is upon them. They may be both top of their class, but ultimately the Rite of Ascension will decide everything. Both have prepared. Neither are ready. Cover by @Merlyn_Fereira

(Book 1: Bloodbound Series) On the night of the Harvest Fest, a young wizard is struck down with a death curse. With no perpetrator to catch, everyone casts blame toward the Vale family, recalling their past of abusing black magic and murderous chaos. Lucien Cromwell, a wizard involved in the investigation, is the only one who believes they are innocent. Or at the very least, he knows Castor Vale, his childhood best friend, wouldn't hurt a soul. However, proving their innocence is a harder task than he thought. With clues pointing to Castor and his family, Lucien is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He doesn't want to accuse his best friend, but his trust wavers the further the investigation goes. Can he see through the mist of lies and mysteries and find the murderer, or will his heart succumb and blind him from the truth? Amazing cover created by @TheTigerWriter Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Thriller (Gay Romance) Word count: 85,000

(Nocturnal Law Series) Vampire lawyer Lucius Bloodworth knows the law isn't black and white. Its hazy shades of gray and blood red. When Lucius' new client comes to him as a ghost, begging for him to save her granddaughter from a wrongful murder charge, he realizes he has no choice but help unless he wishes to be haunted for the remainder of his eternal life. Merritt Lark is an advocate for the dead. Working as an intern under Bloodworth's wing, he finds himself in a haunting predicament when he lets a spirit get attached to his new boss. The dead have followed Merritt all his life, and even in a new workplace full of vampires, that hasn't changed. All Merritt wanted was a simple internship to help boost his career as lawyer, but what's a witch to do when the dead come begging them for help? The case brings them very close together, perhaps even too close, as newfound feelings blossom into something much more. But neither are ready for romance or relationships. Not with all the skeletons in Bloodworth's closet and the past Merritt just simply cannot bury. Beautiful cover featuring Merritt created by Neige❤️ Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Thriller (Gay Romance) Current word count: 77,460