Escaping A Promise: A Glimpse Behind The Portal Novella

by Machelle Hanleigh

...but what about the people in a child's life and beyond?

Jaren was Kaily's protector from a ruthless father or as much of a protector as a teenage boy could be. His role changed the day Kaily escaped into the night as told in the first novella, Night Escape.

The night Kaily escaped, Jaren was assigned to be personal guard to Makala, Kaily's twin sister. Jaren wanted no part of Makala or her father or anything to do with the world he was born to. He was a kitchen servant, nothing more. He begged Kaily's mother to take him away from that place when she escaped. She didn't. Instead, she elicited a promise from Jaren to remain, be what he was assigned to be, and wait for Kaily's return. Only the fulfillment of his duty at Kaily's greatest time of need would release him from the promise he made to Fiona. Now, all he wanted was to escape his promise.

Escaping A Promise is the second story in the Glimpse Behind the Portal novellas. This collection of novellas pair with the Druidess Trilogy, specifically Druidess Found, the first novel in the groundbreaking, cross genre series, Inhabitants at the Center of the Universe.

82 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2025

About the author

Machelle Hanleigh is an author who seamlessly blends fantasy, sci-fi, and romance to create emotionally resonant stories filled with magic, adventure, and heart. Inspired by the legendary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings, and Christine Feehan, her novels take readers on unforgettable journeys through imaginative worlds where love and destiny intertwine.

Her debut trilogy, Inhabitants at the Center of the Universe, begins with Druidess Found, an epic tale of Druids, forbidden love, and a quest to unlock ancient powers. The series promises to expand into a sprawling, interconnected universe filled with powerful women, morally complex characters, and relationships that evolve naturally through the challenges they face.

Machelle’s stories often explore themes of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery, highlighting how trauma and love shape her characters. While mature themes may arise, her writing prioritizes emotional connections over graphic details, ensuring a safe yet evocative reading experience. Her work includes behind-the-scenes novellas for those who want to dive deeper into her characters’ lives, exclusively for subscribers of her newsletter.

Overcoming her dyslexia diagnosis in seventh grade, Machelle has spent two decades honing her craft and proving that even the greatest obstacles can spark extraordinary creativity. When not writing, she loves engaging with readers and dreaming up her next story.