Sequel Snippet #2

A short one this time.

Spoilers for the main novels.

Unedited and subject to change.

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Alle dunked his head below the surface and slicked back his sopping black hair before rising to stare at the stars twinkling their last bright gasps in defiance of the rising sun. He closed his eyes, fell backwards, and spread his arms, floating weightlessly on the dark, rolling surface.

What were Simon and Max doing this morning in Egypt? His old friends must be awake at this early hour, preparing for another busy workday at Theo’s shoe shop. Were they also admiring the sparkling constellations? But perhaps today was a festival day, and the markets were closed. In the short time Alle had spent stationed at the auxiliary camps outside Alexandria, he’d counted five city holidays when no business was permitted. Three of those festivals had been raucous celebrations, the other two strangely somber. He hoped his friends were choosing colorful party clothes for a day of dancing and music. Sharing harmless insults and rude gossip.

Maximus lighting up a room with his infectious hearty laugh.

And Bry? Was the Caledonian content spending his years managing a household and a vineyard far from the bustling capitol? Allerix had grown fond of Bry’s wit and sauciness, but he wasn’t sure Bryaxis had ever known happiness, not after his master—Gaius’s former lover— had been murdered. Could a man survive the storms of life with only memories of his beloved to sustain his broken heart?

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JP xoxo