Aerth's Aetheric AEGIS: We Stand Together:

by Velora Venn

Years have passed. Elvira and certain close companions have been traveling the world, offering their assistance whenever and wherever needed. When they at last reach the untamed country of United Districts of Novus Mundus to the west with the intention of lending Rozlyn aid in finding a torn page from Elvira’s Aethaumaturgy Grimoire, Elvira discovers an ethereal city built by and for Aethaumaturges. Aetheoasis is a haven for her people, and it is there she meets not just one, but two unexpected women who change the course of history. A secret prophecy is revealed. Aether becomes available to all. Will it be enough to combat the world’s persistent, ominous threat? Can the CURSE truly be broken? Can Elvira finally untangle her true feelings amidst it all?EXCERPT from Chapter 8: Extermination --

Amidst the calamity and swirling darkness, a solitary HAVOC emerged from the sinister horde, a harbinger of terror with sunken eyes that burned like twin moons in the abyss. His malevolent gaze fixated on his targets — Elvira and Nell. His maw dripped with viscous saliva, and his hulking form showcased the gruesome evidence of battle, a grotesque sight of wet and sticky blood from bullet wounds endured. A creature of nightmarish proportions, he rose with an eerie grace, arm-wings beating threateningly at his sides as he unleashed a blood-curdling roar that reverberated off Elvira's bones.

A lump of revulsion had risen in her throat.

In a single swift motion, he lunged, bridging the short gap between them with a terrifying swiftness. Their protective shield held steadfast against his assault, yet they felt his strength and stamina with the heavy blow. Their sanctuary rippled with attrition as yet more assailants, having moved in, struck from behind and at their flanks. They quickly found themselves encircled by multiple HAVOCs, all converging upon the vulnerable heart of the grassy field, bereft of any aircraft or mount to aid in their escape.

Nell's voice pierced the cacophonous bedlam, a desperate plea above the dissonance. "What do we do?" Her grip on Elvira was unyielding.

Elvira strained to survey their surroundings, trying to see past the relentless onslaught of HAVOCs, with wings and bodies clamoring around them, which obstructed her vision.

With a resolute inhale, she unleashed a shockwave of energy from their location. The HAVOCs were thrown into a deadly spiral before hitting the ground, their bodies torn asunder upon impact, but not before the sickening sound of shattered bones and ruptured organs met their ears.

The reprieve was fleeting.

In the blink of an eye, a fresh wave of HAVOCs, now joined by a legion of CURSE, descended upon them, drawn by the scent of easy prey and the desperate screams of their own kind.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2023

About the author

My name's Velora Venn. I grew up in a small Midwestern town and earned my BFA in Video Game Art and Design just outside Chicago. Since then, I’ve lived all over: Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, South Florida, and now I’m tucked away in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with hopes to move and settle somewhere else eventually.

I may be pushing 40, but my artistic energy, passion, and creativity have stayed delightfully intact and just as obsessively alive as they were when I was little. I'm a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of two and a lifelong animal lover with an unapologetic appreciation for all things nerdy. When I’m not teaching or parenting, I’m usually writing, drawing, gaming, hiking, or dreaming up my next big adventure. Creating worlds through stories and art has always been my favorite kind of magic.