{MATURE +18} One step ahead of you. Stay in motion, keep an open mind. I've studied. I'm ready. The pieces on the board keep moving. But I've practiced. I know what's required. I can be what you need. The game is constant, but I'll be one step ahead. How far are you willing to go? Because I'll sacrifice everything to win. I see you, but do you see me? <<"Split Enz - One Step Ahead (1980)" I do not own the words. But they are Isla.>>

The war has begun. With the fae realm under attack and the truth behind the King and Queen's murder finally exposed, Daella has been left behind-safe within the palace walls, far from the front lines where Alvaryn and Aeris now fight. But safety feels like a prison. Haunted by nightmares and aching with the loss of the men she loves, Daella struggles to control the changes unfolding inside her-power she doesn't understand and can no longer hide. Her only help comes from the last person she wants it from: Demwyn, the newly crowned King. Cold. Unyielding. Bound by duty. Forced into her life by obligation, not choice. But as war rages beyond the palace gates and secrets tighten like a noose, Daella and Demwyn are pushed together in a game neither of them want to play. Hate begins to blur. Trust begins to form. And in the silence between the chaos... something new begins to grow. Please follow and read along in their journey. Completed 9th March 2025 All rights reserved.

He had hunted me, captured me, and locked me in a tower.

The pursuit for the Golden Crown continues but being the strongest academy representative is no longer enough. The victorious suitor must also convince the Golden Heir that they are everything the royals could desire in a bride before she can claim the title of Heliac's queen and guardian. Yet, Willow's purpose remains indifferent. But trying to balance life as a masked suitor while striving to achieve complete control of her powers is a lot more complicated than she anticipated. The more control she gains over her powers, the more control she loses of her emotions, and her feelings for Caiden are becoming harder to deny with each day she remains part of the competition. New secrets emerge, forcing Willow to choose between her heart and her goal if she wants to survive what destiny has in store for her. But completing what she set out to do is challenging when a mind corrupted by wicked thoughts is doing everything they can to prevent Willow from seeing the Crown Trials through. Copyright © 2021 Tori R Hayes All Rights Reserved

"I ruined her." This realization brings Marcus Holden to his knees, but it might already be too late. Thirteen years ago, Marcus walked away from Celeste, convinced she betrayed him. She didn't. Celeste let him believe the lie, thinking she owed him. It destroyed her. Now, fate has put them in each other's crosshairs-and neither is willing to back off. Marcus is harder, sharper, and still holding on to old grudges. Celeste is determined to rebuild her life, tenaciously guarding her secrets. She could stay away. She should stay away. Still, Celeste is many things, but a coward she is NOT. So when Marcus issues a challenge, she accepts. A job offer: Succeed, and reclaim the life she lost. Fail, and lose everything again. Working together pushes them closer. Buried beneath years of anger, lies and silence... the spark between them ignites again. This time, the stakes are higher. Marcus's family is ready to tear them apart. A dangerous enemy is back-this time, out for blood. And the skeletons in Celeste's closet? They refuse to stay hidden. Every thread of deception unravels until the indebted CEO stands on the precipice of disaster: Save Celeste, repay his debt to her-and lose everything. Protect his empire... and lose Celeste-forever. The past is coming to collect what is owed. And this time, it might just claim...everything. THE MENDED HEARTS SERIES Book 1: The Unseen Bride (Keith & Ella) Book 2: The Indebted CEO (Marcus & Celeste) Each book is a complete standalone with guaranteed HEA.