d, "Hey, guys," breaking the quiet. "This is Denise, the new student I was telling you about." With a mix of distrust and interest on their faces, the group nodded together. Alex's

hion across his forehead. Alex remarked, "Lucian," observing Denise's eyes. "He's a bit of a loner, but he's all right once you get to know him

another aspect of Lucian that Denise was unable to fully identify. Maybe a hint of secrets kept buried, or a sense of danger. With his gaze fixed on Denise's face, Lucian stood up as the

muttered, "Don't move," his gaze never leaving the person. Although Denise was terrified, Lucian's hold on her was unwavering. She couldn't move, couldn't get out. The figure then disappeared as abruptly as it had appeared. Denise staggered back, panting, as Lucian's hold loosened. With her heart still pounding, she screamed, "What was that?" Lucian's demeanor was unreadable when his eyes met hers. He

h an inner fire. Her feet appeared to be stuck in place as she attempted to take a step back. Her voice was shaking as she asked, "What's happening to you?" For a minute, Denise saw something in

ream, and Denise felt confused. Lucian abruptly came to a stop in front of a big stone door that was concealed by a waterfall. A faint, unearthly force seemed to pulse through the odd marks and symbols that ornamented the door. "What is this place?" Denise's question was hardly audible above a whisper. Lucian turned to face her, a knowing light shining in his eyes. "This is a place of ancient power," he stated. "A place where the v

while the sky was a deep purple. Every cell in her body seemed to quiver with the lovely, melodic hum that permeated the air. Lucian stood next to her, a knowing light shining in his eyes. He continued, "Welcome to the world of Tenebrous," in a husky, deep voice. "A world of mag

d. That something dark was waiting to leap, just beneath the surface. Lucian guided her to a large crystal palace that appeared to glow from within as the sun began to set. Strange marks and symb

as if invisible eyes were watching her. Lucian wa

re was a malicious glitter in his eyes. "Welcome, Denise," he whispered in a husky, low voice. "I had been anticipating your arrival. I'm more than just a student at your schoo

ay with Lucian, the Shadow King. However, just when it appeared that there was no hope left, a figure with eyes that seemed to glow with a ferocious, otherworldly light suddenly appeared in the palace. "Let her go, Lucian," the stranger snarled in a low, threatening voice. Lucian's smile widened and his eyes furrowed. His words, "Ah, Lyra," "Thank you for stopping by. However, it's too late. I

be fighting for a just cause because of her intense resolve and steadfast belief. However, Lucian appeared to be concealing secrets that may alter everything with his endearing grin and sharp gaze. Denise found herse

rehension that seemed to transcend language. Denise stated, "I'm doing what feels right," in a forceful voice. "I'm standing up for what I believe in." When Lyra discovered Denise was no longer beside her, her face sank. She whispered, "You're making a mistake, Denise," in a voice that was almost audible above a whisper. "A mistake that will

" in a firm yet hushed voice. Lucian then dragged Denise through the palace and into a magical and dark world. When Denise understood she was on a journey that would permanently alte

she was looking at a copy of herself, her eyes widened in disbelief. A replica that appeared to be observing her with a malicious ferocity. The copy started to approach Denise as she stood there, stunned, its eyes blazing

body as the copy reached out and touched her face. When Denise understood that her entire life was g

he duplicate's eyes appeared to flame brighter. A world in which the t