become fertile in recent times. Deyan took the baby into his arms, and his rich, blue eyes shone with love for his granddaughter. A hush descended on the place as he turned to those who had gathered. “Guardians, we gather to name this child and to make our solemn promise to protect her.” His voice rang our through the glade. He bent his head and whispered the sacred vow into her ear, then lifted her for all to see. “Here is Royanne, the newest of us, the youngest of us. She is a vision of our future, a symbol of our dreams. But in her runs the blood of warriors and protectors. She is unique among us and will be hunted by many.” Romy flinched. The thought of what lay ahead for Royanne was not something Romy wanted to be reminded of. Not only was she hunted by the Asuriya, but her daughter would be at the top of their list. Having Guardian and Asuriya blood, she would be considered to be a prize to be hunted for, and the reward would be great. All this had been explained to Romy when she was frustrated by not being allowed to go anywhere on her own. But now she understood. Each of the Guardians came forward and whispered a promise over Royanne. They came and kissed Romy as the symbol of fertile mother earth. Essen took Royanne from his father and brought her over to Romy to hold. She watched her daughter sleep contently. “I wish she would be as safe as she is now, Essen.” Romy gazed up into the face of the man she loved. “She will be, Romy, look around you, and see all those here who have promised her protection.” Essen’s deep voice usually calmed Romy, but right now unease settled in her heart as she stroked her daughter’s cheek. A sudden chill crept up her spine, and a feeling of dread that she had not been able to shake off since her birth secured itself around her heart. No, the future was not as safe as all seemed to think.
Biography
Michaela Rhua always dreamed of writing, but this never happened until she met the lovely group of ladies known as UCW. Their passion for writing and encouragement inspired her to see if she could do it too. Now she loves writing! She has teenage children and a husband who also keep her busy. However, it is while travelling into work that she has time to create her characters and imagine other places in which they exist as her world skims by the window. Conversations overheard often lead to the birth of new ideas that she scribbles down in her trusty notebook. Michaela is a multi-published author with Breathless Press, Evernight Publishing, and a self-published anthology with authors from The Nuthouse Scribblers.