The Dawn of Peace Read online

  The Dawn of Peace

  An Etherya’s Earth Prequel

  By

  Rebecca Hefner

  Copyright © 2022

  RebeccaHefner.com

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Copyright © 2022 by Rebecca Hefner. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute or transmit in any form or by any means.

  Cover Design: Authortree, authortree.co

  Editor and Proofreader: Bryony Leah, www.bryonyleah.com

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  The Dawn of Peace (Etherya's Earth, #0.5)

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  Before You Go

  About the Author

  Sign up for Rebecca Hefner's Mailing List

  For new and seasoned readers of this series. I always wanted to write a prequel for you—it just took me a few years to get around to it! Enjoy the HEA.

  Chapter 1

  Six Years after the Awakening

  Kilani, daughter of esteemed Slayer council member Pretorius, clenched her teeth as she swung the sword through the air. Her task required extreme concentration since it was imperative she didn’t hurt the person at the other end of the weapon. Although her sparring partner was only fourteen years old, she was already fierce with a sword.

  “Use your height to your advantage, Miranda,” Kilani said, slicing the weapon low by her hip.

  “I don’t have any height,” Miranda gritted, advancing and thrusting the sword toward Kilani’s abdomen. “Damn it, I thought I had you.”

  Kilani held up a hand, halting their skirmish. “You did well, my princess. You only started training weeks ago. Give it time.”

  Nodding, Miranda ran a hand over her sleek black hair, secured into a tiny ponytail at her nape. “You know, both our fathers would kill us if they knew we were training. We’re not playing the appropriate female roles for the austere Slayer kingdom.” Her lips formed a cheeky grin.

  “I’m not sure you’ll ever fit that mold, Miranda, and for that, I am grateful. The War of the Species rages, and it must end before it destroys both tribes.”

  “I hate that our species have devolved to this point. Vampyres and Slayers existed in peace for centuries before the Awakening.”

  Cupping her shoulder, Kilani gave a reassuring squeeze. “Hopefully, all will be well again one day, princess. The war will end, Slayers will live without fear, and Vampyres will walk in the sun once more.”

  “And they can finally stop raiding us for our blood...the vein-sucking jerks.”

  Kilani cleared her throat. “I think your father would faint if he heard you speak in such a manner.”

  Miranda’s lips twitched. “Then let’s keep it between us.”

  Kenden, Miranda’s cousin and commander of the Slayer army, chose that moment to appear, stepping into the clearing from the surrounding woods. “Miranda,” he said in his deep baritone, “King Marsias is looking for you. It’s time to return to the castle.”

  “Fine,” she sighed, handing her sword to Kilani, “but we made progress today. I’m getting better.”

  “One day, you’ll be a powerful warrior. Hopefully by then, we can talk your father into rescinding the decree that women can’t fight in the army.”

  “I’m proud you would welcome women into the army, Ken,” Miranda said, patting him on the shoulder. “And Kilani should be your first recruit. She’s amazing with a sword.”

  “I only agreed to let her train you when I was unavailable,” Kenden said, arching a brow. “I don’t want you dragged into an untenable situation, Kilani. If your father or King Marsias learn we’re training Miranda, there will be hell to pay.”

  “Understood,” Kilani said with a nod. “Father and I have never seen eye to eye on these matters. Misogyny has reared its ugly head in our kingdom now that war is upon us. It’s amazing how people revert to their base beliefs, no matter how antiquated, when they are thrust into harrowing situations. I would worry for the state of our kingdom, but I know Miranda will pull us back to the light one day.”

  “If Father ever lets me take the throne,” she muttered. “Every day, he morphs into someone colder—someone I barely recognize. It’s chilling to look into his eyes and see the darkness there. I hope he doesn’t lose himself in an effort to win the war.”

  “Your mother’s abduction and death at the hands of Deamon King Crimeous destroyed him. His pain clouds his judgment and fuels his anger. We’ll do our best to steer him down the right path,” Kenden said. “For now, you must go, Miranda.”

  With a nod, she waved to both of them before heading into the forest and disappearing from sight.

  “Marsias is intent on remaining king,” Kilani said softly. “I don’t see him relinquishing the throne to Miranda for decades, maybe even centuries. It’s possible she’ll eventually have to wrest it from him by force.”

  Inhaling a deep breath, Kenden nodded. “I foresee many obstacles in the dark days that lie ahead. The Vampyre army is vast, and with their self-healing abilities, we lose twice as many men as they do in each battle.”

  “Which is why women should be allowed to join the army,” she said, chin lifting.

  “Yes.” Kenden kicked the ground with the toe of his boot. “But Marsias will never allow it, nor will the council. Your father is one of the most vocal supporters of an all-male army.”

  “My father is an old man who is only alive because of our cursed immortality. I swear, the goddess should’ve bestowed us with finite lives for people like him.”

  Kenden’s features softened. “I’m sorry your relationship with him is so strained. I miss my family terribly since they were killed in the Awakening and have no idea what it’s like not to love those most closely related to you by blood.”

  Pondering, Kilani pursed her lips. Seconds passed before she said, “You just learn to live without love. Some things are more important.”

  He flashed a compassionate smile beneath his straight nose and mop of brown hair. “You will find a great love one day. Of that, I have no doubt.”

  “Okay,” she said, waving her hand. “Go home to Leticia. I don’t have time for frivolous discussions.”

  “Leticia and I ended things,” he said, lifting his shoulder. “I’m just too busy with the troops and the war. I hope she finds someone who can give her what I can’t.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. If we’re not careful, my father and King Marsias will try to push us together as they always do when we’re both single. Of course, trying to kiss you would be like kissing my brother, although I do like you a tad more.” She grinned and held her thumb and index finger an inch apart.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment...I think.” He squinted. “Speaking of your brother, I hear your father is preparing him to take his spot on the council when he retires.”

  “He tells Drakor that to appease him, but Father will never give up his seat.”

  “It should be your seat since you are firstborn.”

  “Council members have always been men. Hopefully, Miranda will change things when she becomes queen. Having the blood of King Valktor makes her the one true heir. Marsias is just a placeholder.”

  “A powerful placeholder,” Kenden said. “His desire to avenge Queen Rina is vast. Since the prophecy states that someone with Valktor’s blood will kill the Deamon Lord Crimeous, and Miranda is Valktor’s only living descendant, I feel he will want her to bear a male heir.”

  Scoffing, she fisted her hands on her hips. “Of course. Because a female could never kill Crimeous. Rubbish.” She gave a pfft and felt her cheeks inflame with anger.

  “You are ahead of your time, Kilani. The kingdom is not ready for you, nor will they be ready when it’s Miranda’s time to assume power. The transition must be handled with care.”

  “I’ll offer my help, although Father likes to relegate me to societal duties. He has no idea you trained me to fight.”

  Kenden’s eyebrows lifted. “Honestly, I was floored when you asked me to train you after the Awakening, but I see the value in teaching those who want to learn. If I have that foresight, I trust others can acquire it too.”

  “We’ll see,” she muttered, rubbing her arm. “In the meantime, I should get going. Father is hosting a fundraising dinner for Marsias so he can dazzle the aristocrats into funneling more money into the war. The fight against the Vampyres is costly, especially now since we have to line the compound walls with armed soldiers to protect us from the raids.”

  “That it is. I assume you organized the fete?”

  She nodded. “It’s my duty to organize all social functions since Mother died. I hate it with a passion, but it is easier t
o comply than fight with Father.” Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t remember getting an RSVP from you.”

  “I have a night training.”

  “Lucky you.” Sighing, she ran her hand through the blond hair that fell slightly past her shoulders. “Well then, let me get to it. I’d much rather meet you at the sparring field under the moon.”

  “It will happen one day, Kilani,” he said with an encouraging squeeze of her shoulder. “Let’s win the war, and then we can drag the kingdom into modernity.”

  “From your lips to the goddess’s ears.”

  His eyebrow arched. “We renounced the goddess when she withdrew her protection from our people.”

  Kilani shrugged. “She cursed the Vampyres to darkness, causing their skin to burn if they even step into the sun. Perhaps she did her best to punish both species equally.”

  “Perhaps.”

  “On that uplifting little note, I’m off,” she said, raising a hand and giving a salute. “See ya.”

  Kenden’s goodbye followed her through the woods as her boots crunched the fallen leaves and branches. Eventually, she reached the clearing that bordered her father’s home and trailed across the long meadow.

  Once inside, she snuck through the back door, ensuring none of the servants observed her in her black sparring gear. After showering, she pulled the long, flowing red gown from her closet, wrinkling her nose in distaste. God, she hated formal dresses. Dragging it over her head, she smoothed the fabric before applying a bare smattering of makeup. After pulling her hair into a functional yet elegant bun, Kilani headed downstairs to ensure everything was prepared for the fundraiser she was dreading with every cell in her body.

  Chapter 2

  Four hours later, Kilani lifted her wineglass to her lips, sipping the dark red liquid as she tried not to die of boredom. One of the aristocratic Slayers she’d known for decades was chatting her ear off as they sat at the expansive table in the mansion’s ornate dining room. She was pretty sure her father had switched the place seating cards so her seat was next to Friedan’s. Pretorius thought he was wily, but Kilani was all too familiar with his futile and transparent matchmaking attempts.

  “Kilani,” Friedan asked, “did I lose you?”

  “No, just enjoying the wine,” was her curt reply. “I think I need to take a walk before the dancing begins. Please excuse me.” Tossing back the wine, she set the glass on the table and rose, craving fresh air.

  Once outside, she rested her hands on the cool stone of the balcony rail, gazing up at the full moon as she shivered in the crisp nighttime air. Vampyres were known to raid Uteria during the full moon since it offered additional light for their conquests. But they’d raided the compound the previous month, thereby decreasing the chances they would attack again so soon. Vampyre King Sathan was known to keep Slayer prisoners alive in his dungeon so he could extract every drop of blood from their veins and bank it for his people.

  “Blood-sucking bastards,” she muttered, her breath forming a puff in the chilly air. “I’m so tired of this fucking war.”

  “I hoped you would enjoy talking to Friedan tonight,” her father’s deep voice called behind her, “but instead, you stand out here talking to yourself. You will never find a husband this way, Kilani.”

  Closing her eyes, she inhaled a deep breath, silently instructing herself to remain calm. The last thing she needed was another blowout with her father.

  “I have no wish to get married or find a mate,” she said, lifting her lids. Her gaze bore into his, showing her fortitude. “I wish to be a solider, Father. Once Miranda is old enough to take the throne, I will pledge my skills to the kingdom and fight to protect it.”

  Pretorius scoffed. “It will never happen. You dream of a future that will never be. I implore you to dismiss these thoughts and find a suitable mate.”

  Sighing, she shook her head. “I can’t have this argument with you again, Father. Let’s just agree to disagree, shall we?” Wishing to change the subject, she gestured toward the brightly lit home. “The fundraiser is going well.”

  “It is.” Glancing down, his eyebrows drew together before he lifted his gaze to hers. “I won’t have a daughter who defies me, Kilani. If you do not wish to live by my rules, I have no choice but to petition King Marsias for banishment.”

  Kilani’s heartbeat began to thrum in her chest. Surely, he wasn’t serious? They had disagreed for centuries, but she at least thought he cared for her, even if he didn’t love her as he did her brother and deceased mother.

  “Father, if you banish me to Restia, there will be no one here to perform Mother’s duties. I thought you at least needed me to fill that role.”

  “Not to Restia,” he said, his tone firm. “I will petition to ban you from the Slayer kingdom. If you wish to be so progressive, perhaps you should cross the ether and live with the humans. Maybe that will teach you our societal rules aren’t the prison sentence you insist they are.”

  Fear coursed through her at the thought of leaving the only home she’d ever known, along with a healthy dose of anger. “You would banish me because we disagree? Because I’m a woman who wants to choose her own fate? That’s absurd!”

  “It’s necessary!” he said, slicing a hand through the air. “I won’t continue to live with the embarrassment of having a daughter who refuses to adhere to societal rules that have existed for centuries.”

  “Which means they’re antiquated and need to change!” she demanded, exasperated. “Whether you like it or not, change will come to this kingdom. Miranda will become queen one day, and it’s possible that with her leadership, the War of the Species will also end.”

  “Slayers and Vampyres will never live in peace again,” he said, dismissing her statements as if they were insignificant. “You clutch onto a life and dreams that will never be.” Lifting his finger, he cocked an eyebrow. “This is your last warning, Kilani. Find a husband by the next harvest, or I will begin banishment proceedings.”

  Clenching her fists, Kilani struggled not to punch him in his straight, austere nose. “You understand I will never accept this,” she murmured.

  “Then you have chosen your own fate,” he said, using her previous words against her. “I hope it’s worth it.”

  “You bastard!” she hissed, jabbing her finger in his face. “You have never treated me as an equal part of this family—”

  “Because you don’t do your part,” he interjected. “You have a role to fill. If you cannot do it, I have no use for you.”

  Pain sliced through every pore of her skin, the words searing as if she’d been doused in acid. As emotion swirled deep in her gut, her ears perked, and she gasped before glancing toward the far end of the meadow.

  Recognition lit in her father’s eyes before he pivoted, staring out across the dark field.

  Suddenly, cries of war echoed across the fog-ridden meadow, and Kilani’s eyes widened.

  “Go inside and inform the guests the Vampyres are raiding.”

  “Kilani—”

  “Go,” she said, facing him with disgust. “I have a sword stashed in the garden shed. I will arm myself and do my best to fight them off. Gather everyone in the basement and lock it behind you. Do you hear me?”

  Something sparked in his dark orbs as he gazed at her, and Kilani had the strange thought this would be the last time she ever saw her father.

  “Go!” she yelled.

  His throat bobbed in the moonlight before he pivoted and scurried inside.

  Straightening her spine, Kilani prepared for battle. Her faith in Kenden was firm, and she knew he would arrive soon with troops. In the meantime, she would put her training to good use.

  Stalking to the shed, she yanked open the door and strode to the sword. Glancing at the small shearers that hung on the wall, she stuck those in the belt at the waist of her flowing dress. And then she marched outside, sword in hand, ready to fight the Vampyres.

  Chapter 3

  Alrec, son of Vampyre soldier Jakar, crested the hill that overlooked the massive Slayer mansion. Lights burned brightly inside as Slayer aristocrats held the fundraiser to finance the War of the Species.

  “The troops are ready to advance, sir,” Takel’s deep baritone droned beside him. He was an excellent warrior, and Alrec was thankful to have him as his first-in-command.