Daughter of Ra
Page 24
“Your brain would be overwhelmed if it attempted to absorb eons of memories in a single instant,” he said. “The memories will reveal themselves to you in time, and with decades of meditation and guidance.”
Alyssa nodded slowly.
Dharr’s jaw tightened, as if to steady himself before speaking. “Some of the Rathadi may share Heru-pa’s reluctance to accept what has occurred, but you shall always have my support.”
Alyssa gave him a blank look. “Why would you want to help me?”
“It was Horus’s last command that I protect you with my life.”
Alyssa stared at the floor, teeth gnawing at her lip. Another long silence stretched, with each lost in their own thoughts, before Dharr finally spoke.
“How did Horus die?”
Alyssa’s knees weakened as a cold wash swept through her. She pressed the heels of her hands to her eyes, gathering herself. She raised her head.
“Nephthys killed him,” she said, forcing the tremor from her voice.
Dharr studied her for several heartbeats before Alyssa turned, afraid that her face would betray her. She leaned a hand against the wall, her knees trembling.
The memory of the shots echoed like cracks of thunder. With each crack, pain jolted through her, bolts searing one after another through her head, flashing the image before her.
His eye burning through her, wide with shock and betrayal.
The pressure built up in her chest, robbing her breath. The tears welled up from deep inside, cold trails streaming freely down her cheeks.
Forgive me, Father…
* * *
END OF BOOK TWO
Acknowledgments
This book would not have been possible without the unending support of my amazing family who continue to be my first readers, Vera, Sarah, Misha, and Heather. Thank you for always being there for me, no matter the time of day—or night—and for letting me interrupt whatever you might be doing to hear out my excited, “I just thought of something! What if Alyssa/Horus/Paul were to…?” Your honest opinion, support and patience will forever be appreciated.
A special thank you to my daughter, Sarah, for keeping me grounded in the world and mind of a precocious teenager and for (once again) agreeing to write an author’s bio for her old man.
A debt of gratitude goes out to my intrepid beta readers: Shohinee Deb, Calais Fitzmaurice, Amber Hodges, Carlos Mock, Matt Paauw, and Mike Snodgrass. Your feedback and insightful comments helped make this a better book. On behalf of all the readers, thank you.
Phil Athans, editor extraordinaire, thank you for continuing to lend your sharp eyes, astute criticism, and sage advice. It is a privilege to work with you.
Igor Reshetnikov, once again, for the beautiful cover art. People say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Authors can only hope for that to happen if your work graces their books.
Scott George, Christy Lumm, and Sue Ardelji from Hampton Roads Academy for taking time to discuss the ever-evolving rules of the English language with me.
My wife, Vera, for her infinite and tireless support with every single aspect of this book. You have my love and endless gratitude.
Finally, a thank you to all of you, my readers for allowing me to share my worlds with you. Your enthusiasm and support mean more to me than I can express in words.
As always, any and all errors in this work rest squarely on my own shoulders.
About the Author
A Sixteen-Year-Old’s Opinionated and Updated Biography on the Dark Elf M. Sasinowski
Have my thoughts on my dearest, darling father changed in the past year? I am sixteen now, so do I now realize that it is super-awesome that this is Dad’s second book or that he is radically cooler now? Will this bio be different because I, myself, am more mature and can write a far-superior-yet-equally-as-funny author biography?
Umm… no.
To catch y’all up with the times, Dad is now re-married, and he also has a stepson (which means I have a step brother!) Although divorced, he is also best friends with my mom. It may be a weird family, but it is an awesome one and none of us would trade it for anything. It may not be a nuclear family, but we’re the bomb!
What else can I say about the old man? He has a broadsword on top of his writing desk, he won a couple of international awards for Heir of Ra, he listens to alternative as well as classic rock... and yet he is still somehow an uber-geek. Honestly, how does he do that? It baffles me.
However, he often surprises me with bits of both nerdiness mixed with actual coolness (please don’t tell him I said that…) I recently discovered that he knows all the words to Madonna’s Like A Prayer and my life will be forever changed. He also played Dungeons and Dragons as a kid, which we as a family have picked up again. (I get to be the Dungeon Master; he uses his creative juice on the Blood of Ra.) He also has a collection of original Star Wars action figurines that he keeps in a hand-made spaceship in his office.
Bear-looking puppies and Nazgûl on Fell Beasts, foreign movies on Netflix and point-five past light speed, blasters set to stun and the one precious ring, these are a few of his favorite things! (to the tune of that song)
See y’all when Dad finishes his third book! Don’t forget to check out our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages for updates!
Sarah
www.heirofra.com