He slumped slowly down the doorframe, eyes rolling into the back of his head.
I thought I might have gasped. Everyone else did.
A good speech, Kazmerev commented. A bit short, but that’s how it goes when you’re losing consciousness.
He said I was his.
Oh yes, did I not mention that? He sounded far too innocent with that bland mental voice. Any rider of mine is part of Judicus’ magical coterie. When he wakes up, he’ll have a lot to say about that. But for now, your village is safe. I don’t see a single living raider in the streets or shores. And I see very well indeed.
All I could see was a phoenix who had saved us all. I wished I could hug him.
They’ll think you’re crazy hugging an invisible friend.
I wished I could tell him how grateful I was.
I will be sure to ask you to tell me that when everything is settled. I’ll want to hear it in detail. But we have the rest of our lives to be grateful, so why don’t you get some rest? I’m going to stretch these wings.
I wasn’t alone anymore.
I cleared my throat awkwardly and hurried to help the others. When Judicus woke, I’d have a lot of questions for him, but right now, I had a feeling that everyone else had a lot of questions for me. I would answer the ones that I could. But the rest would have to wait for later.
I had a lot of later left to come.
***
Read more of Sersha’s story in Phoenix Heart Season 1, Episode 2: Secret Keeper
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Interested in what’s happening next and what other books might be available?
Visit the author’s website for the latest news.
www.sarahklwilson.com
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Can’t get enough Phoenix Heart?
Read Phoenix Hope for more about Kazmerev and Judicus.
She's an armswoman looking for work. He's an enthusiastic young noble with something to prove. But an enemy lurks, determined to destroy them both.
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And please do leave a review! Reviews help other readers find these books and enjoy the story, too!
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If you loved Phoenix Heart and you’ve read all the available episodes, you might also like Sarah’s dragon books. Her bestselling series “Dragon School” is available in Kindle Unlimited, or you can save when you buy it in the box sets.
DRAGON SCHOOL
A disabled teen. An empathetic dragon. Their bond will save the world.
TRY IT HERE
(And if you’ve already read “Dragon School,” don’t forget the other series set in that world, “Dragon Chameleon” and “Dragon Tide.”)
Behind the Scenes:
USA Today bestselling author, Sarah K. L. Wilson loves happy endings, stories that push things just a little further than you expect, heroes who actually act heroic, selfless acts of bravery, and second chances. She writes young adult fantasy because fantasy is her home and apparently her internal monologue is stuck in the late teens
Sarah would like to thank Melissa Wright & Eugenia Kollia for their incredible work in beta reading and proofreading this book. Without their big hearts and passion for stories, this book would not be the same.
Sarah has the deepest regard for the talent of her phenomenal artist Luciano Fleitas who created the gorgeous cover art that accompanies this book. Without his work, it would be so much harder to show off this story the way it deserves!
Thanks also to the Noble Order of Female Fantasy Authors who keep me sane – sort of. And for my beloved husband, Cale and sons Neville and Leif who are endlessly patient as I talk to them about bookish passions.
And a HUGE THANK YOU to my patrons, Mike Burgess and Carly Salsbury for their support. I couldn’t do this without readers like you!
Visit Sarah’s website for more information:
www.sarahklwilson.com
OTHER BOOK SERIES BY SARAH K. L. WILSON
Stolen Mayfly Bride (2021)
When a fae trickster meets a caged human seer, his thoughts are how to turn this to his advantage, until she starts to slip into his dreams and changes everything. Romantic, dreamy & sweet – this stand-alone short novel is for romantic fantasy lovers.
Bluebeard’s Secret Series (2021)
When Izolda is stolen away as the wife of a mysterious Wittenbrand she thinks only of saving her family – certainly not about his fifteen previous wives or their mysterious deaths, certainly not about the insanity of this upside-down fae world, and certainly not about whether she might be falling in love despite herself. If you loved Alice in Wonderland but wished it was a fairytale romance, this book might be for you.
Empire of War & Wings Series (2020)
When an evil prince arrives on her doorstep, Aella discovers a rage-powered magic inside herself. It’s the perfect weapon to beat back the injustices of her empire – but can she control this magic when it manifests as an angry swarm of bees?
Tangled Fae Series (2020)
Twisted Fae have invaded her world and stolen her sister. Can she save her village and her family by learning to fight and bargain like the fae?
Bridge of Legends Series (2019)
He is possessed by ancient magic. She can smell spiritual residues.
Together they seem unstoppable, but is their love doomed?
And if you liked this episodic story, you’ll certainly like my other episodic fiction:
Dragon Tide Series (2019)
Can Seleska and her baby dragon bring magic back to the world?
Dragon Chameleon Series (2018)
He’s a trickster with the most unique dragon out there. Together, they’ll have to be heroes.
Dragon School Series (2018)
A disabled teen, a telepathic dragon, a bond that will save the world.
Phoenix Heart: Episode 1: Ashes Page 8
