Silent Screams (Book 1), page 1
Silent Screams (Book 1)
The Dragon Queen Series
Yvonne Nicolas
Ice Dragon Press
Copyright © 2023 by Yvonne Nicolas
All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, scanned, or distributed in any printed or digital form (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission from Yvonne Nicolas.
Cover Artist: Karri Klawiter
Editor: Ice Dragon Press
Published by: Ice Dragon Press
This book is a work of fiction. Any reference made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidently.
Website:
www.yvonnenicolas.net
www.yvonnenicolas.com
Email: yvonne@yvonnenicolas.net
Thank you for purchasing Silent Screams (Book 1) by Yvonne Nicolas!
Acknowledgements
The journey of creating and revamping the Dragon Queen Series has been a labor of love, and I am immensely grateful to everyone who has played a part in bringing this world to life.
Before acknowledging the incredible individuals who helped fine-tune the Dragon Queen Series, I must extend my deepest appreciation to those who laid the groundwork many years ago. Romancia Walcott and Renee Michaels, your unwavering support and motivation kept me going, even when doubts clouded my mind about my talents.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my real-life battle angel guardians, Sgt. David Hamman and Byron Evans.
The Dragon Queen Series wouldn't be complete without the remarkable contributions of the talented artists who brought the characters to life. Kyle Chaney, Sean V. Harley, Takeia Dunlop, Julius Abrera, the MoonMan Sam Hill Jr., and all the extraordinary artists at Plan B Comics, thank you for capturing the essence and beauty of the world I envisioned.
I want to express my gratitude to my new friends and beta crew, Kian N. Ardalan, Peter Jolt, Collings MacCrae, and Laura Akers, for their invaluable input and support. Their help has been instrumental in bringing out the best in me and my characters.
Last but certainly, not least, I extend my sincerest appreciation to the readers. Your unwavering encouragement and ongoing support have been a constant source of inspiration. I'm committed to giving my best and creating the worlds you enjoy exploring.
Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey.
**Warning**
Please be aware that this paranormal romance, interwoven with elements of dark fantasy, delves into intense and mature themes. It is important to note that this book contains sexually explicit scenes, graphic descriptions, acts of extreme violence, and strong language.
Reader discretion is strongly advised. If you are sensitive to or uncomfortable with explicit content, violence, or strong language, this book may not be suitable for you. However, if you are prepared to explore the depths of these themes within this captivating and thrilling story, I invite you to embark on this journey.
Please approach this book with an open mind and be aware of its content. Your comfort and enjoyment are of utmost importance, and I want to ensure that you clearly understand the nature of the story before diving in.
Thank you for joining me on this dark and alluring adventure.
Contents
1. Prologue The Winged Beauty
2. Chapter One Fire & Darkness
3. Chapter Two Tragic Numbers
4. Chapter Three Private Dancer
5. Chapter Four The Demon Slayer
6. Chapter Five Mysterious Siren
7. Chapter Six The Prophecy
8. Chapter Seven Dangerous Fantasy
9. Chapter Eight Dark Times
10. Chapter Nine My Shadow Man
11. Chapter Ten Dark Pleasure
12. Chapter Eleven Devil’s Playground
13. Chapter Twelve Drift Cloud
14. Chapter Thirteen Unbridled Power
15. Chapter Fourteen Strike Force
16. Chapter Fifteen Fusing Spirits
17. Chapter Sixteen Battle Angels
18. Chapter Seventeen Battle Droid
19. Chapter Eighteen The Coven
20. Chapter Nineteen Blood Memories
21. Chapter Twenty Wicked Distraction
22. Chapter Twenty-One Eyes of a Wolf
23. Chapter Twenty-Two Dangerous Passion
24. Chapter Twenty-Three Even In Death
25. Chapter Twenty-Four Spirit Dragon
26. Chapter Twenty-Five Shrine Keepers
27. Chapter Twenty-Six Troubled Mind
28. Chapter Twenty-Seven Blood Buffet
29. Chapter Twenty-Eight Blood Lust
30. Chapter Twenty-Nine Damage Control
31. Chapter Thirty Shades of Red
32. Chapter Thirty-One Crimson River
33. Chapter Thirty-Two Blood Moon
34. Chapter Thirty-Three Graceful Geisha
35. Epilogue Awakening
36. The Saga Continues...
37. Did You Enjoy Silent Screams?
Prologue
The Winged Beauty
Calroada Island
Demon Realm
They were coming.
Nikena stood ashore, refusing to look back.
The radiant moon cast a brilliant shimmer over the calm open waters. Behind it, another moon dared to steal its dazzling glow. Unlike its counterpart, it held a striking scarlet color. Together, they shined a rosy hue across the sky. Such an exquisite scene displayed a false sense of peace.
The repeated bray of a blade rang out from the forest behind her. Growls and demonic howls followed. The breeze brought the stench of demon blood to her senses. It poisoned the surrounding air.
The miasma was pungent, but it wasn’t strong enough to conceal the scent of her lover’s blood. His spiritual energy waned.
Tears blurred her vision. No longer able to resist, she glanced back at the dark path. “Please, be patient, Kaishan,” she whispered, praying her words reached him.
“I can spend an eternity waiting for you,” came his flirty reply. Even as he fought a battle that was sure to cost him his life, he found the strength to tease her.
A smile dared to touch her lips as grief gripped her heart. “I shall retrieve your soul from purgatory, then we will be as one again.”
“I love you, my darling angel.”
Cradling the bundle close to her breasts, she stepped out onto the water and hurried across. A spellbinding song rose from the depth, warming her bare feet.
Nikena approached a glimmering reef that seemed to preen under the moon’s brilliant gaze. “Princess Narri,” she uttered softly.
The song ceased as a single ripple dashed across the surface. A burst of wind washed over her, lifting her hair from her shoulders. A playful giggle danced on the breeze. In the distance, a head emerged from the water.
“There you are,” Narri whispered.
The head disappeared beneath the water and was replaced with the flash of a stunning turquoise fin.
The flutter of Nikena’s gown and the flow of her hair froze in mid-motion as time stood still.
A pair of scaly hands launched out of the water and clamped onto the reef. The princess of Arna emerged and rested her lamina-coated frame on the limestone. “Shame on you for making me wait so long to be blessed with your heavenly presence.” Extending a fin, Narri splashed her jestingly. “You should’ve told me you were coming. I would’ve prepared a meal.”
Lavender and cerulean scales stretched along her torso, hips, and elongated tail. Water droplets seeped into her flesh. Under the moonlight, her bouncy hair dried instantly, its hue changing from aqua blue to a deep brown. Tiny iridescent creatures clung to her thick tresses, sparkling like gems.
“Unfortunately, this visit is not for pleasure.”
“Aww,” Narri pouted, raking the creature-trinkets from her hair. “I was looking forward to splashing around with you again. I notice you’re not wearing your armor.”
Nikena gazed upon the reflection of herself in Narri’s bright hazel eyes. She was indeed armor-less, draped in a sheer silver gown. It flowed gracefully against her mahogany skin.
“Surely you can take one quick swim…” Narri’s words trailed off at the sound of a soft coo. Her eyes zoned in on the bundle held against Nikena’s bosom. Excitement claimed her face. “A child? You’ve brought a child with you?” She clapped her hands and flapped her tail, sending ripples across the ocean. “Ooh, may I see?”
Nikena brushed the veil from over the infant’s face and lowered her.
“Oh my.” Narri scooted closer, nearly toppling off the reef. “My goodness, what a beauty.” Leaning in even closer, she inhaled the infant’s scent. Her eyes grew wide as her expression went rigid. “My lady, is—is this child the—”
“Yes.”
“But—but you have—noo.” Narri’s eyes darted about. “This isn’t right. It’s too soon.”
“She chose to arrive early.”
“If the child is here…” She tilted her head toward the dark forest. A storm of black clouded her irises. Her scales and fins turned a shade of onyx. “They are coming. Where is Lord Kaishan? Where are the dragons?”
Swallowing back a whimper, Nikena pressed a hand to her chest. The mere mention of her demon lover shredded her emotions. “My time is limited, my friend. I must pass a great responsibility onto you for the sake of God’s children.”
“What is your command?”
The request lingered on the edge of her tongue. She looked down into her daughter’s beautiful face, so peaceful in slumber. There was so much at stake. To request the Lady of Arna to shed her scales and abandon her home for the sacred love child nestled in her arms was too much to ask. But there was no one else she could trust.
“My lady, they are drawing near. Please, tell me, what will you have me do?”
“Take my daughter away from this realm and protect her. These cursed demons cannot have her.”
An iridescent gleam flickered in Narri’s eyes. “Where should I take her, heavenly one?”
“Mayiki will summon a portal for your escape. He awaits your arrival in Bahdea.” Nikena glanced down at her daughter once more, said a silent prayer, and handed her over to Narri. Sadness weighed heavily on her heart as tears threatened to trickle down her face. She took in a shaky breath and turned away.
A malevolent cloud drifted across the radiant moon, harboring malicious howls.
Mentally reaching for the Heavens, Nikena sought out her spiritual energy. As the sounds of the approaching demons escalated, a steady calm washed over her. Heat melted over her eyes. She raised her hand and called out, “Geantye!”
A roaring crack of lightning speared down from the sky. It left a trail of white flames in its wake as it filled her hand with her war companion—Geantye, a double-edged battle axe. His raw energy exploded and seeped into her core, fusing with hers.
As her wings unfurled, Nikena squeezed his leather-wrapped handle and gazed upon the silver-eyed angel in the reflection of the razor-sharp blade. “Narri, I will distract them. Go now.”
“Wait! Before you give into the call of battle, please give me a name for your beautiful daughter.”
Nikena cast her gaze upward.
Blackness swiftly devoured the night sky and washed over the pink glow.
“Sharayna. My daughter’s name is Sharayna.” With a mighty flap of her wings, Nikena ascended to the sky. The wind engulfed her in a furious rush, teasing her feathers and fueling her energy. She glanced down against her better judgment.
Narri and her child no longer occupied the reef.
Relief spiraled in Nikena’s heart. “Swim hard, my friend.”
“Where is she, Nikena?” The venomous hiss echoed around her, boiling her blood.
He manifested from the murky cloud wavering before her, his wings large and tattered, his beady eyes glowing green. Hundreds of bloodthirsty Chingi separated from the mass and surrounded her. The flap and swish from their leathered extensions reverberated through the air, made stagnant by their foul stench.
“You can’t keep her from—”
She severed the ghastly creature’s head with the unseen sweep of her axe. “Don’t you dare speak of my daughter, demon.”
“You will pay for that with your head, you arrogant wench!” shrieked another.
Nikena cut a glare in the snarling beast’s direction. “Is that so?”
He lifted his spiked weapon and bolted toward her.
She flashed out of his path, reappeared behind him, and sent Geantye’s edge sliding through his neck. “How about you give me your head instead?” The sharp chime of her blade severing flesh rang out in continuous waves as she claimed another demon’s head. And then another!
Angry howls whipped around her, charging her intent.
She raised her battle axe to the sky. “Who else wants a taste of my blade?”
Water creatures, large and small, scurried out of Narri’s way as she charged through the ocean at an unyielding speed. Holding the child close to her breasts, she stayed low to the ocean floor to avoid being spotted by the demons above.
Piercing shrills sent vibrations soaring throughout the waters of Arna. The ripples it created obscured her vision. Yet still, she pushed forward. She expanded her perception to search for the return echo of movement in the vicinity.
During her search, an unseen presence spiked her senses. Without slowing down, she scanned her surroundings. There was nothing in sight. Despite that, the awareness of the presence continued to grow in her mind.
Behind me.
She tossed a swift glance over her shoulder.
Through the rippling abyss, a dark form came into view.
They found me!
She increased her speed, swimming so fast her spirit energy sliced through the aquatic life in her path.
To her dismay, the hunter gave chase. It sped up, matching her pace. Then it gained momentum. With each passing second, the space between them diminished. As she swam, she conjured a water spear. Before she could whirl around to face her pursuer, he caught up with her.
“There’s a swarm of Chingi hovering over our home, Narri!” he bellowed in fury.
“Sota! My goodness—you scared me!” Should’ve known it was her brother. He was the only creature in this realm capable of defeating her in a race. “I thought you were a demon.”
“I wanted to stay and fight, but Nikena commanded I follow you. What’s going on, sister?”
“They are after the child in my arms. We must get her through the portal and protect her at all costs.”
“Then I assume Bahdea is our destination.” He swam ahead of her. “My vision is better in troubled waters. I’ll lead to clear the path.”
Mayiki paced along the shoreline, leaving a wide trail in the sand where his robe brushed.
Off in the distance, the battle waged between Nikena and the demons. The divine shimmer from her spirit axe and wings cast a heavenly glow across the sky as she beheaded one Chingi after another. Black blood rained over Arna, tainting the sacred waters.
The sudden swell from the ocean’s surface snatched his attention. Cautiously, he stepped back.
Then two blurs expelled from the water with little to no sound and landed in front of him.
Startled, he stumbled backward and lost his footing in the shifting sand. A pair of big hands latched onto his collar before he could hit the ground, yanking him upright.
“Oh, thank you, Sota,” Mayiki huffed, patting his hand. “I can never get used to your abrupt arrivals.”
A broad smile graced Sota’s face. “And you most likely never will, my friend.”
Mayiki glanced at Narri, gave her a quick nod, then averted his eyes. Heat flushed his face. The sight of her beautiful nude form made his insides quiver. He forgot how swiftly water demons shed their fins and scales when out of the water.
“Well…” Mayiki swallowed hard and cleared his throat. “First things first.” He flicked his fingers as he curved his palm upward. Lighted magical streams spiraled down his hand and whirled around their bare bodies like ribbons. Seconds later, they were fully clothed in dark hooded robes, identical to his own. “Follow me.”
They hurried through the thicket, making their way into the heart of the forest.
Mayiki cut a side glance at Narri, careful not to gawk at her lovely mortal image. “Is the child safe?”
