A Dark Short Story Prequel to The Alt-World Chronicles.
The Sanctuary is losing its war against the malevolenci—demonic beasts tearing through otherworldly rifts. As always since the war began, survival depends on the current generation’s alterni, king, and Master Conjuri.
One of them will fail tonight. The other two will pick up the pieces and carry on. As always.
Esme is the Order’s current alterni, summoned from her world to wield magic no one else can control. Each time she closes her eyes, she relives battles with endless waves of monsters. Tonight, she knows the visions aren’t memories—they’re warnings.
King Owen Lord has led countless charges against the malevolenci, and he’s buried every alterni who stood beside him. Tonight, when a new rift opens at a treasured historic site, he knows that the battle he was born to fight might claim another partner he’s not able to save.
Watching them both is Roman, Master Conjuri, sworn advisor to the crown and teacher to every fallen alterni for three generations of kings. He alone knows that the Sanctuary might not last another generation. But Roman refuses to let the gods down.
Tonight, one will fail. But the other two can’t simply carry on—they must change how this war is fought. Time is running out.
Meet the Characters
Esme is the eighth version of herself…
All those summoned before her died. She knows she is next. She can feel it. But she chooses to fight just the same.
Owen is crippled by guilt and grief…
But a king isn’t given the option to sit out. He must lead the charge against demonic enemies…and push his greatest weapon to risk her life for the sake of a world that isn’t hers.
Roman holds secrets…
Vows to a god cannot be broken. He will not burden his king with knowledge that would break Owen’s already fragile state. But the old strategies are failing, and Roman must find a new way to win this war.
What This Prequel Reveals
- Who the alterni was before the Esme of Book 1
- How Owen is freshly broken by grief
- Why the team is losing faith in the alterni
- The truth of Roman’s mission
- A deeper secret behind the war
Read before Book 1 for deeper context – or after Book 1 for hidden revelations.
What to Expect
- a dark intro to the war
- high consequence, low mercy
- a short read, perfect for one sitting
- a fast look at this urban fantasy world and the cast of paranormals fighting to save it
About The Series
THE ALT-WORLD CHRONICLES is an urban fantasy series with magic, monsters, a supernatural war, and slow-burn romance woven into high-stakes action.
Perfect for readers who love:
– female-led stories, like Buffy meets Wynonna Earp
– hidden paranormal societies, like Grimm
– snarky humor and modern mythology, like Supernatural
The Alt-World Chronicles Reading Order:
(The Eighth can be read at any point)
The Sanctuary War Trilogy:
1- Alterni
2- Malevolenci
3- Origini
The Assassi Reckoning Trilogy:
4- The Fairy Master Capturi
5- Sirens and Assassi (coming 7/25/2026)
6- Deus Endi (coming 2027)
Reviews for The Eighth
“Highly recommended for those readers who enjoy intense and powerful fantasy.” — Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers’ Favorite
“Fantastic intro to the Alt-World Chronicles. I might warn that this is not a pre-bedtime read since the author has vividly described a battle that I know will restore my long forgotten nightmares. That being said, I can’t wait to read more!!!” — Marnie Cate, author of The Protectors of The Elemental Magic Series
“a short and violent introduction to a three-part series that will leave you breathless as you await the final outcome.” — Bruce Arrington for Readers’ Favorite
“the author very originally and with great skill provides us with an understanding of Esme’s actions and ultimate fate, one that will make readers crave more of this outstanding and exciting fantasy tale.” — Astrid M. Arzu for Readers’ Favorite
“It captured my attention right away with Esme saying she was going to die tonight! Was not disappointed but want more! Please let the story continue!” — Amazon Review
OR…
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