🏆 WINNER (3RD PLACE) - OPEN NOVELLA CONTEST 2022 🏆 The Mayaware's reign has to end. When demonic beings who hide scales and insatiable hunger for humans under their skins arose, Hesi watches her family become their victim. To avenge them, Hesi has to get close to the demons and enters the palace as a bride to the Mayaware prince. With nothing but her wits and the guidance of a servant-turned-spy inside the palace, Hesi has to wade through the sea of flesh and blood and of mysteries and truths until she is put in a position where she has to choose between her people and her heart. She has to make her move before time runs out, even if she has to cast all she is into the fire. From Exequinne, the author of the high fantasy series, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢, comes a heartbreaking tale of freedom, betrayal, and the choice between revenge and formed bonds. Not all demons have wounds to heal, but every human has a blade to kill. THIS IS THE NOVELLA VERSION. FOR THE EXPANDED VERSION, VISIT MY PROFILE, @Exequinne. ˜"°•.˜"°•˜"°•.˜"°•˜"°•.˜"°• © 2022 (First Edition) C/TW: Some scenes in this story contain depictions that might upset or trigger the reader. Please read at your own risk. Appropriate warnings at the parts containing the said scenes will also be provided. [30,000 - 40,000 words] [All graphics are made by @Exequinne]

BOOK ONE She had her whole life planned. What she didn't plan for was the zombie apocalypse. Eighteen-year-old Arryn Lycaster just graduated high school. With aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, she's ready to take the next step forward in life. Danger, however, lurks around the corner when a mutated form of the rabies virus swiftly spreads across the nation. Everything the virus infects turns to mindless, flesh-hungry creatures known as Rabids. Finding herself thrown in the middle of the apocalypse, Arryn must band together with other survivors. But not everyone can be trusted when rumors of a traitor hang in the midst. She quickly finds that some people don't need to be bitten to have their humanity stripped from them. All they need is a push. Highest ranking - #2 in Horror