April 2nd is The Crystal Prison’s release date!

Here is a taste of the book!

                                        Prologue…

Familiar scents permeate my surroundings and seep into my nose, sparking memories…

Comforting me as I slept. I had found the perfect spot underneath the bedding I lay in. Squirming and twisting until I had made a groove that shaped my body. Lying on my back. I lay perfectly still so I wouldn’t lose perfection in comfort and warmth. Shifting slightly, I slip soothingly into my sleep…

… Sleep…

                                … Drifting off into the depths…

          … Mmmmmm so good…

                                      … Finally, … At peace…

… Sleep…

Consciously part of my mind knew where I was, at the far end of my sleeping cave, away from the entryway. The same spot I always slept in. If I wanted to, I could open my eyes and have a clear view of the second part of my cave… I didn’t. My eyes were shut, and I was oblivious to the world around me…

                            … Comfortable…

‎

                                                     … ‎Warm…

‎

                  … Content…

‎

… And yet, I wasn’t alone in my cave. There was a presence in the room next to the sleeping cave. They kept wandering about, but it didn’t matter. I had found the perfect spot for sleeping and was feeling self-satisfied and content in lying where I was… Under the blanket and in my comfortable place…

Shifting slightly, I slip soothingly farther into my slumber…

               … Sleep…

                                         … Drifting …

                              … Mmmmmm so wonderful…

… Finally, … At peace…

                                                   … Sleep…

… Gliding through my unconsciousness…

‎

‎                                   … Feeling weightlessness…

**Embrance… Embrance… My dearest Embrance, it’s time to get up.**

… A voice broke my slumbering comfort. No, I am not going to. I’m so tired. I need to sleep…

                                    … Mmmmmm… So warm…

                    … Drifting off…

**Embrance get up. You’re going to miss it if you don’t.**

That voice…

So familiar…

Her voice was so familiar. Like a distant memory. Just on the horizon of my mind and out of reach. Why did I need to get up? There is no reason. Curiosity clawed at my mind, I pulled the covers down off my face and groggily opened one eye. Candles flickering. I could see someone wandering about between their soft glow and me, but I couldn’t see who it was. There was only a silhouette. Again, her melodious voice called out to me mentally, **Silly, you’ve enough sleep for now. Get up. You’re going to miss it.**

Closing my eye, I groggily grumbled back, **Mmm too comfortable to get up. Let them go without me… Too tired…**

Them? Them who? Who were they? Again, they were distant memories that stood just beyond my reach. She whispered to someone else who had come into the room next to the sleeping cave. I didn’t care… All I wanted was to sleep. Pleasurable rest and relief…

                                … Drifting away…

‎

                                                              ‎ …so warm…

                  … perfection in comfort…

Shifting slightly, I slip soothingly into rest. One final yawn…

Someone was at the entryway. They leisurely crawled over to me. Placing an arm on each side of me, as they hovered inches over my body. Ullgrent. His scent wafted into my nose. I kept my eyes closed and ignored him. Go away. Let me sleep.

Ullgrent lowered his head and nudged my jaw with his nose affectionately. Annoyed, I shifted and grumbled. He found this amusing, laughing under his breath and bent his face down, pressing it into my neck. Just at the shoulder line. Nestling and breathing in my scent.

I squirmed with agitation and groggily grumbled, **Ullgrent get off! I’m trying to sleep.**

Enjoying my discomfort, he answered amusingly, **I can’t. You smell so delicious!**

I managed to push him off and over, rolling myself over and deeper into my blanket. Grumbling and yawning. Why couldn’t they just let me sleep? I’m so tired…

That didn’t stop his attempts. He pulled up the blankets and crawled in. I grumbled a warning growl, but I was too tired to back it up. He ignored me and curled up around me, placing his arms around mine and squeezing me against him. Laying his head against mine, comfortingly. Pleasantly, Ullgrent asked, **Is this better?**

I smiled happily and replied as I relaxed against him, **Mmmmmm, yesss. Much better.**

I slipped, drifting off to sleep…

                                   … Mmmmmm so warm…

… Exemplary relief and solace…

                                                      … Mmmmmm…                            … Soothing and tranquil….

…our energies mollify … mitigate and mix…

**Oh dear, not you too? Ullgrent, you were supposed to be waking him, not sleeping too.**

Her voice spoke sweetly.

I felt amusement from my brother as he answered her, **He isn’t here yet. Let’s let him rest a bit longer. I’ll get him up when he gets here.**

He? Who’s he? I remember something about it but this? What were they talking about?

**Embrance, ** Ullgrent whispering pleasantly, **Why don’t you turn over and lay your head upon my chest instead.**

Sleepily, I twisted and turned over, hooking my arm under his back, and laid my head against Ullgrent’s chest. Curiously asking, **I thought you didn’t like it when I did this?**

**Once in a while is okay. Besides, you need it. Let’s rest now.** He kindly spoke as he twisted slightly towards me and soothingly wrapped his arms around me squeezing me closer. Nestling his chest, I breathed in his scent. It mingled with mine. I listened to his heartbeat. It was almost as unique as mine. Savoring my brother’s warmth, I relished our moment and fell unconscious…

Drifting away…

                                     … Mmmmmm so good…

… Finally, … Assuage…

                                  … Incredible satisfying relief…

**Embrance…

Embrance, it’s time to get up. He’s here and they’re waiting for you to come out. Embrance?**

I snapped back to consciousness from the sound of Ullgrent’s voice in my head. Groggily, I responded, **Mmm too comfortable. Still tired Ullgrent. Rest now.**

Shifting to get a new comfortable spot, I squeezed Ullgrent tighter, so he couldn’t squirm away. He seemed to find this amusing, replying warmly, **my precious twin, we can’t stay here forever. I am hungry, and we need to eat. The group is waiting for us.**

**Mmmnot hungry. Need more sleep. Can’t it wait? ** I asked, trying to fall back to sleep.

He chuckled softly, hugging me affectionately, ** Embrance, you need to get up. If only for a little while. Some of our group have come a long way to see you. It would be rude to let them wait. **

Embracing him back, sleepily smiling, I replied, **You know I don’t hunt as you do, it only annoys you. Go without me. I’ll visit when you come back. ** I explained, yawning, **besides, someone will take my comfortable spot if I leave.**

Ullgrent pushed me over, squirming out of the blankets, and sat beside me, waiting, said kindly ** you can hunt what you want. He brought an image with him that has a variety of species you can choose from. You don’t have to worry about it. **

**Embrance, ** the sweet familiar voice spoke from the other room, ** I promise I won’t take your spot. If it worries you so much, I will be here until they get back, so go hunting with the group. You’ll be surprised! **

I didn’t want to go, but I sensed familiar minds nearby and sat up with curiosity, asking, ** And what if I don’t have anything I am interested in hunting? **

Ullgrent smirked as I got dressed, responding, **I’m sure they’ll be Craiith there if that’s what you want little brother, but come on and hurry up. They’re waiting for us. **

I groggily scowled as I watched Ullgrent crawl into the entrance out. Finishing the last strap on my boots I crawled lazily out of the sleeping cave. Standing up, I stretched out. Nothing like a good stretch to start out with. Curiosity seeped into my mind hearing others mentally speaking to one another just outside of my cave. I turned to wander out to see who was here when I heard her sweet voice speak to me, **Embrance. Embrance wait. Wait before you go. **

I turned around to see who was speaking to me and was embraced by a very tall female. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and head, squeezing me affectionately. I froze. Shocked by her scent…

It couldn’t be! She couldn’t be… Manatra?! Mother?! This was impossible! Impossible!

But it was her… As I regained my composure, she let go and I backed up to look at her shocked. I had to see her face. I had to, but she placed her hands on my face along with her face and nuzzled mine affectionately, **My dear Embrance, I am glad you are feeling better. I was so worried, but you managed to pull through. Enjoy the hunt and mind your elders my sweet son. **

I grasped her hands and pulled my face from her, looking directly into her eyes. Gasping in horror, I stumbled back towards the entryway. No eyes! She has no eyes! What once were my beautiful manatra’s eyes, were two black voids staring hungrily at me. Disconcerting me. An unrelenting shock scattered across my body like lightning, transpiercing my heart.

She followed me as though concerned. I managed to back out of my cave, staring at the cave entrance as she walked out. I was horrified by her eyes!

I backed away from the cave several feet, when someone placed a hand on my shoulder, **What’s the matter brother? **

I turned to look at Ullgrent, only to push him away from me. His too! Black voids for eyes! Scowling, Ullgrent looked at me as though I was crazy, **What was that for? **

Behind me, came another, **That is no way to treat your elder brother Embrance. Apologize. **

I turned and swiftly stammered away from ‘s outreached hand. Again, no eyes! Two voids staring at me confused.

Then I noticed that there were more. More behind him, others with hollowed eyes, staring as though I had lost my mind. I snapped, growling fiercely, **STAY AWAY FROM ME! **

I was surrounded by them. Too many! I screamed in shock and confusion, **BACK OFF! YOU’RE NOT THEM!! YOU CAN’T… WHERE…where am… I?!** Defensively I looked around, trying to make sense of what was happening.

**What are you talking about brother. Take it easy. If you don’t want to go, then go back to sleep, ** the hollowed Ullgrent spoke to me annoyed but concerned, **Are you okay brother? **

My eyes darted everywhere, I sneered savagely, **You’re not my brother! ** 

To be continued…

I hope you liked this little taste of what’s to come. Thank you for reading!

My publisher and I are working on a book launch soon which will be my first one!

On to some sad news. I won’t have my costume ready by Border town Comic con. I should have it done for Gem State though. Just not enough time sadly.

I’ve been working really hard on my merchandise and getting ready for the year. I’m adding mugs! And now I’m on Reko!

https://rekohub.app.link/ZdPCEdowYHb

It’s heavy based on food stuff but non food vendors have been welcomed to the site. I haven’t added my mugs yet but soon. My first trial will be at Border town and I’ll see if All About Games wants to sell them as well. They have some of my art and books there besides many local artists as well.

Anyway, just been gearing up for the vending stuff and trying to survive. Health is okay but I’m tired all the time. Work is harder than expected but I’m grateful to have it.

Onto Adventure!☺️❤️