by Ben Hale
He stumbled forward before righting himself, his eyes lifting to the moon. A slow smile spread on his face as he considered what he’d just done. He half expected Ero to attempt pursuit but realized it did not matter. No one could catch him now. His smile faded as he thought of his beloved.
“No more secrets,” he said, and Gated home.
The wind brushed the empty Irilian shield, its cool touch spreading sand across the smooth material. Abruptly the portal opened anew, and Ero stepped into view with Myra at his side. Ero sighed as he saw that Jack was already gone.
“You should never have permitted him to join the Eternals,” Myra demanded. “He’s unpredictable, arrogant, and impulsive.”
“It was only a matter of time before he realized the truth,” Ero said. “And better to watch him as an Eternal than have him act on his own interests.”
“That man will not be leashed,” Myra said.
“Not by us,” Ero agreed. “But his beloved will control him.”
Myra scowled. “His newfound power is dangerous.”
“As are you,” Ero said. “But I count you as an ally.”
“Your will be served,” Myra said, and reluctantly turned away, passing through the portal.
Ero stared at the empty expanse, wondering if he’d made the right choice. Jack Myst could not be trusted, but he had aided in the defeat of Skorn and Draeken. Now that he could Gate at will, where would he go?
And what would he steal?
The Chronicles of Lumineia
By Ben Hale
—The Master Thief—
Jack of Thieves
Thief in the Myst
The God Thief
—The Second Draeken War—
Elseerian
The Gathering
Seven Days
The List Unseen
—The Warsworn—
The Flesh of War
The Age of War
The Heart of War
—The White Mage Saga—
Assassin’s Blade (Short story prequel)
The Last Oracle
The Sword of Elseerian
Descent Unto Dark
Impact of the Fallen
The Forge of Light
Author Bio
Originally from Utah, Ben has grown up with a passion for learning almost everything. Driven particularly to reading caused him to be caught reading by flashlight under the covers at an early age. While still young, he practiced various sports, became an Eagle Scout, and taught himself to play the piano. This thirst for knowledge gained him excellent grades and helped him graduate college with honors, as well as become fluent in three languages after doing volunteer work in Brazil. After school, he started and ran several successful businesses that gave him time to work on his numerous writing projects. His greatest support and inspiration comes from his wonderful wife and five beautiful children. Currently he resides in Missouri while working on his Masters in Professional Writing.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about the upcoming sequels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow the author on twitter @ BenHale8 or Facebook.
