It's 1890 in
New Orleans, a time of rich white men, sprawling plantations, Voodoo, high
class parties and the unspoken Placage. Amidst the thick heat, magic and
sorrow, a beautiful Creole woman exists in this cruel world. Although born
free, she never knew life without the call of a ‘Master’ – until now.
Blessed with
an ancient power, Madame Lily has an agenda that has galvanized her into the
deepest reaches of High Society and to the darkness that is swirling with
Voodoo.
Elijah is a
First Made Protector tasked to guard and cleanse the world of the evils that
roam. He spent millennia with only goodness in his heart until cursed – one
meant to corrupt his very soul with love, obsession and infatuation… for Madame
Lily, a woman that should rightfully be his adversary.
Drawn
together by fate and magic, these two forces face off and sparks fly. A love
that never should have been is born – a love that may change everything for
both of them.
“Sit,” Lilly ordered the men. No one moved, not one single
soul. Lilly placed her palms at the head of the table and leaned over. “I said
sit.”
All chairs simultaneously moved inward, hitting the back of
their legs and forcing them to sit. The men fell back, astounded, but silence
fell upon the room except for one.
“I know who you are. I knew your pa, Moreau St. Croix. I was
a little younger than he but I remember him well. He was a savvy politician but
you are not him,” said Mayor Arcave. His tone was belittling as he focused in
on Lilly. He sat at the other end of the table and directly across from her. “I
know what you’ve done to some good Christian folks, including Julien’s family.
You think by pulling a few parlor tricks that we’re supposed to be afraid of
you? I don’t think so, girl.” He stood up again, this time facing Julien.
“Because you’re so afraid of a little backwater witch, it gives you just cause to bring her
here for us to contend
with?”
“You’re mighty smug, Mayor.” He pointed to the man at his
right. “Just because you have the chief here in your pocket does not give you
protection from what else is out there. Things you know nothing about.” He
stepped in close. “Special things like her.”
“You’re a fool, Julien,” Mayor Arcave retorted, not taking
Julien seriously. “What, she spread her legs and you lost your mind? No woman,
not even a skilled colored whore, is good enough for a man to lose his wits.
What game are you playing, Julien?”
Ever since Lily had raised the dead she had started to enjoy
the disruption amongst people. Sick as it was, it made her feel powerful. She
saw it with fresh eyes. At one time she believed men who argued were men who
were in such control they wanted to keep it. As much as part of that was true,
she now saw that they argued because they were losing control, and in this case
fear made that happen.
As much as she relished a battle of the minds she also grew
bored easily. Lilly slammed her fists on the table. “I said sit.”
She held up two fingers then lowered them, taking the mayor
down with her. He grabbed the arms of the chair to prevent himself from
toppling over. The men gasped.
“That’s right, gentlemen, this little backwater gal came
here to talk. Not listen to old, plump men prove their manhood. You can do that
with your whores tonight.”
“Now see here . . .”
“Shut up,” Lilly commanded. The mouth of the man who spoke
was instantly sewed shut. Bits of blood oozed from the corners of his stitched
lips. The men closest to her backed away.
***
To celebrate, Volume 1 will be FREE
8/29th to 9/2nd
8/29th to 9/2nd
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