The Transformation of Anna
by
Charlene Wilson
Are they?
“My life is a mirage of endless
time. But you engulf me, rivet my mind, encompass my soul.”
What they’re saying:
“The
Transformation of Anna is first-rate fantasy, with a healthy dose of romance
added in. Wilson has created a plausible, multi-dimensional world complete with
gods, mythologies, and engaging characters. The world Wilson has created in The
Transformation of Anna is complex, but infinitely and easily accessible to the
reader. It's quite an amazing and impressive work with lots of action and
adventure, heroic characters, and an elegant and satisfying romance.”—Jack
Mangus, Readers’ Favorite
Anna
weakened beneath Cole’s touch. Her mouth relaxed, face stilled. He rose from
the tender moment startled by his actions. They were entirely uncalled for,
unexpected, yet he couldn’t deny the pleasure it brought.
He stared at
her as she wavered with the effects of empty thought. This girl had indeed
sought refuge from her life’s experiences. By her complete surrender, he had no
doubt she’d wished for the chance to forget many times—a common occurrence
among the homeless. He allowed the spell’s sparkling enchantment to fade. No
further need for it with this one. This harvest was complete.
As
she opened her eyes, he gazed deeply into them to offer hope and set the desire
to take pride in her service. “Your life will find meaning.”
Her gaze wandered
amongst them. James, his strong stature evident beneath his cloak, would
intimidate many without the effects of the charm. Though distinction trimmed
his features, she seemed to be taken by his dimple-kissed cheeks and brushed
her own.
Leaning her
head a little, she studied Vincent. Smaller in build, he still radiated
strength. His deep onyx eyes held his defined brow low. Square jaw set, he
looked as if vengeance ruled his core. His untamed locks fell in loose waves
past his cheeks. A radiant glow encircled his clenched fists as they clutched
his cape.
Cole watched
as her gaze returned to him. His lips tightened together as his jaw tensed. She
scanned his long hair as if to see how far it fell down his back.
When
her gaze met his, he had to touch that angelic face. He raised his hand, but
caught himself and straightened to his full height, squaring his shoulders. What
was that pull to touch? It was unsettling. He clasped the edge of his cloak
and turned.
Leading the way back down
the alley, James and Vincent fell into step behind Cole. Anna gasped, then
followed.
The litter on
the street scurried from their path. Night birds sang from high on their
perches, a melody odd in the darkness of the empty streets.
A vagabond
sat beside the center fountain. Cole pulled Anna to him and wrapped an arm
around her waist. He lifted his cloak with a furl and took on the Smoke of
Night before the man could catch their approach.
Giggles and thrills flew through his senses as
the young woman’s emotions reacted to the disembodiment. He smiled to himself.
Most accompanied him with calm acceptance. This girl seemed to embrace the
experience.
As they reached the wide steps to the Grand
Marshal’s estate, Cole pulled at their elements to solidify. Anna held to him,
her arms wrapped around his neck. Her warm breath puffed against his ear as he
grabbed her waist so she wouldn’t fall. Was she holding me the whole time?
He eased her down his chest until her toes
touched the ground and arms left his shoulders. Running his palm down his shirt
to regain his dignity, he strode past the border hedge onto the grounds. He
glanced over his shoulder and she drew her hands to her bosom, innocence
echoing from her heart.
Luminescent bobbles peaked from beneath bulbous shrubs,
lighting the footpath with a radiant glow. Cole looked at the frontage of the
imposing mansion. Three stories of white brick stretched out on both sides of a
montage of stained glass that arched around the receiving hall doors. He’d
never appreciated the over-indulgence of this Grand Marshal, known for his
eccentric views and tastes. He seemed more eager to flaunt his position than
most.
As they neared the gaudy threshold, he reached
ahead and knocked twice with a heavy drive. The left panel opened and a lanky
man peered out. His basset hound visage immediately woke at their presence.
“Good evening, sirs.” The servant quickly stepped
back and opened the door wide. “I’ll fetch the sire.”
“Yes.”
Anna’s gaze bore into Cole at the word. Heat
flushed his cheeks and he stepped inside before his brothers noticed.
A screen of sparkling crystals adorned the left
wall, neighbored by onyx pillars. To the right, a rash of brass hair lines
cascaded the pane between two doors like a million squirming worms looking to
invade the upper rooms. Sculptures of oversized silver swans stood at each side
of the wide staircases, reflecting the multitude of embedded lights in the
domed ceiling. Black veins in the white marble floor continued up the divided
staircases leading to the enormous stained-glass window at the center of the
back wall.
The sire’s deep voice rang from the
left wing hallway. Cole straightened as he neared.
“Sir Cole. It’s good to see the three
of you here.” His gaze gravitated to Anna and a wash of satisfaction covered
his face. “The addition, I see.”
“As per your bid, she will comply
completely. The harvest was a solid take.” He looked back at the lawmaker. “I
see she pleases you.”
Dressen smiled and withdrew an
envelope from his vest. “Oh, yes.”
Holding up his hand, Cole shook his
head. “I believe the fee is double for this one. Your requirements were very
specific. Far beyond that of a Grand Marshal’s standard order. So much so, a
special spell was created to ensure satisfaction.”
The sire chuckled and his smile
tilted as he pocketed the payment. “Very well. I’ll have the funds delivered in
the morn. The Wizards of Shilo Manor continue to exceed their reputation. You
are true Reapers.”
The nickname wedged in Cole’s gut. It
screamed mockery to their position as Sentinels in this realm. Noblemen had
always known they could manipulate the elements purely by their nature and
advanced heritage. Yet this generation insisted on labeling them as a demon
child at play. Reapers. Wizards. It knotted his stomach.
Intent on making the visit as short
as possible, Cole turned his attention to Anna. “Lord Dressen is now your
keeper.”
Her regard shifted from him to the
Grand Marshal and with it the adoration that had poured from her.
To Cole’s surprise, he regretted the
release to Dressen’s care. Countless subjects had been harvested for service to
the lords. The assignment of a keeper was an essential step. Why, then, would
one more be any different? He reminded himself they had just completed another
task, fully satisfying the order.
Dressen waved away the hound-faced
servant and dismissed them himself. “Thank you, Sir Cole. It’s rare to find
such dedication to quality. You have never failed to produce astounding
results.” He grasped the handle and his gray eyes sparkled. “I must admit, I
find your natures very compelling. Meridian must be an amazing dimension.”
Underlying meaning seeped through
Cole and he straightened to temper a scowl. “Thank you, Lord Dressen. We’re
pleased you find our work satisfactory.”
Dressen shook his head. “Silent on
the matter as ever.” He chuckled. “Well, do watch for an invitation to my
forthcoming celebration. I would be honored to have you present.”
“Of course.” Cole turned and crossed
the threshold to avoid further remark. As the door closed behind them,
Vincent’s chiseled features contorted into rage.
Cole furled his cloak and took on the
Smoke of Night before a confrontation could erupt. The last thing he needed was
the runt’s temperamental tantrums.
Vincent
billowed like the crest of a storm as they flew over the dark city. His
brothers’ emotions melded to his; James’ concern and confusion, and Vincent’s
pure fury. Small jets of lightning darted through their mass and Cole knew it
was directed solely on him
AUTHOR INFORMATION
She began writing in her early teens when her vivid dreams stayed
with her long after she had them. The characters and worlds were so amazing,
she brought them to life through her books.
Charlene resides in a small community in Arkansas, USA, with her two
beautiful daughters, husband, and a very chatty cockatiel named Todder.
Author Links
Blog: http://bit.ly/CharBlogs
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/CharleneAWilsonGR
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/CharleneAWilsonLI
For media interviews, visit CharleneAWilson.com
Buy links:
Amazon
– http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIX9SUW
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/362646
Author site (signed paperback) - http://charleneawilson.com/books/order/
Thank you for having me on your lovely blog, Iris. It's such a treat! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Charlene! Loved having you here :-)
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