Rout of the Dem-Shyr (The Ascendant Series)

by Raine Thomas

  Maulers … Why does it have to be Maulers?

  These guys are the workhorses for a Witch Hunter. They’re nimble and super-fast zombie types that do all the heavy lifting in combat so a Hunter can gain the upper hand in a fight. Born of dark magic—one of three spells the Elders “borrowed” from witches—Maulers are only as strong as the person who controls them. This Hunter must be a beast, because the max number of Maulers any single Hunter has been able to command at one time is four. To put it in perspective, I could only command two at a time on a good day, and one of them was practically useless and really only played the part of a glorified punching bag.

  I can hear their snarls echo throughout the room as I try and steady my breathing. They don’t seem to be moving though. They must be waiting for something.

  All right, I may be a bit rusty at this, but here goes nothing.

  I draw in one last calming breath as I mull over the fact that I could change my mind and run away like the rest of the partygoers. Shaking my head, I jump to my feet and spin around to face the three with my hand instinctively grabbing for one of the bolts protruding from the recliner. A gasp parts my lips when I’m met with the very last visual I was expecting. A fourth figure is now standing amongst the three Maulers, holding a Guild-certified automatic crossbow pointed in my direction.

  “Malcolm?” The name escapes my mouth before I have a chance to swallow it.

  A confused look crosses my older brother’s face. “Sorry, but do I know you?” he asks.

  * * *

  If you enjoyed Rout of the Dem-Shyr, check out these books, also by Raine Thomas.

  New Adult Contemporary Romance

  For Everly

  Meant for Her

  Young Adult Fantasy Romance

  Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy

  Becoming

  Central

  Foretold

  Firstborn Trilogy

  Defy

  Shift

  Elder