Birth of Innocence: The Innocence Cycle, Book 4
Page 39
“What became of Yuna?” Silvandir asked.
“I do not recall.”
“Ada, what happened to your sister?” The skin on Elena’s neck and shoulders prickled as she spoke the words.
“She and her friend were climbing when a summer storm came up unexpectedly. Lightning struck the cliff, and they both fell to their deaths.”
“What about your father?”
Elbrion winced. “He hung himself after Markhum told him what had been done to my mother. He blamed himself for her capture. They were supposed to have been traveling together but had fought over having another child. He had left her in a huff. He never forgave himself that their last words were in anger.” Shimmering tears slid down her ada’s cheeks.
Silvandir cleared his throat. “Doesn’t it seem odd that all the women from the council died or disappeared, and your sister and father both met untimely deaths? Has no one ever wondered why Markhum was the only one to survive, to continue on the council?”
“I was so lost in my own grief, I never considered, never thought to ask,” Elbrion replied.
Elena gasped. The men turned to look at her as she paled. “Markhum was the first one to ask me if I had absorbed Anakh’s energy in my battle with her? Why would he ask that? Why make that assumption?”
“Perhaps we need to have a discussion with Markhum,” Celdorn said, a scowl of anger on his face.
“No.” Elbrion’s gaze was distant as he gazed out the window. “I think it best that we keep this information, and our suspicions, to ourselves for now.” When he turned back to them, Elbrion’s eyes blazed with life and determination.
“First, we rescue my mother.”
Coming
Summer 2018
The Power of Innocents
by
J D Abbas
The final book in The Innocence Cycle
Acknowledgements
I am so grateful for the people who have stuck with me through this long journey. Four large novels’ worth of words is a lot to read and edit. I have wonderful partners who offer great suggestions and believe in my stories. I not only want to thank them, but I want to encourage you to check out their work.
My editor and kindred spirit, Portia Hopkins, has encouraged and believed in me when I’ve been weary and doubt myself. She is excellent at what she does and finds time even in her crazy busy schedule to give me invaluable input. Check out her blog at slant-life-story.blogspot.com.
Jessica Kapp, my first critique partner, has stuck with me and continued to be a source of inspiration and laughter. She makes the best line edits notes. I love that she loves my characters almost as much as I do. She is a newly published author. Her book Body Parts was released in August through Diversion Books. Here is her website for more information jessicakapp.com.
Elisabeth Hamill, my second critique partner, joined me during the second of this series. She is a busy author in her own right with three novels published, a piece in an anthology, and another book coming soon. She has been nominated for numerous awards. Her newest novel Dalí was released in August through NineStar Press. Here’s the link to her website elisabethhamill.com.
Cindy Mork, thank you for supporting me through the whole series in spite of how difficult the material can sometimes be for you. Your love and friendship have been precious to me for the past thirty-seven years. Here’s to thirty-seven more!
To my family: Thank you for allowing me the time to disappear into my creative worlds and for being excited about the process for me. My life and heart are full because of your love.
About the Author
J D considers herself a modern day abolitionist in the fight against slavery and human trafficking. She has a particular concern for survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. One dollar from each book sale goes to help survivors in the greater Seattle area.
In addition to writing and abolitionist work, J D loves to travel and has been to four continents and fifteen countries. But Kenya holds her heart.
She and her husband live in a rural part of the Pacific Northwest. They have four children and six grandchildren living nearby, who fill their lives with love, joy, and laughter.
Feel free to connect with J D via:
WordPress blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon’s Author Central
Pinterest
Because of her advocacy work with human trafficking, J D writes under a pseudonym, gives out minimal identifying information, and does not post pictures of herself. Thank you for respecting her privacy in that regard.