Hunted for
their blood. Fighting for their future.

River

He’s the last of his kind, a winged warrior
hidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, the
only shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of his
kind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude is
shattered.

Delene

She’s a fugitive
with a secret, escaping the clutches of dark forces that took everything from
her. Delene Fairborne’s flight to freedom leads her to River and the spark of a
bond neither can deny.

In a landscape
scarred by betrayal and danger, River and Delene must navigate their growing
feelings and the sinister scientist who will stop at nothing to harness their
power. Shadowed Skies is where love takes wing, hope soars, and destiny
entwines. Dive into a world where every heartbeat is a rebellion, every glance
a promise, and every flight a taste of freedom.

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Now!**

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I wake to a muscular, silent figure looming over me, his wings casting unnerving shadows. Intelligent dark eyes scrutinize me from his smooth, brown face framed by cropped black hair and raven quills. He’s been around the block.

My guard shoots up. I’d stand, but my body’s too weak from the climb. “Your nest, huh? Sorry, I didn’t see your name on it.”

“It’s carved right over there.” He points past me to the rockface. My eyes travel over the stone, where he’d etched River in craggy letters. The carved name is so tiny I didn’t notice.

“Now you’re supposed to tell me your name. That’s how this goes.”

I blink. “Delene Fairborne. Listen, would you mind if I–– ow,” I scrape against the wall and suck air through my teeth. I clamp my eyes shut.

“Are you okay?”

I shrug the blanket off, and my injured wing flops lamely near my shoulder. River’s eyebrows lower, and he comes closer.

“Let me look.”

He stows his serrated hunting knife, presents empty hands, and crouches to examine my injury. “Relax. I won’t hurt you. Let’s see the damage.” He’s gentle, avoiding the wound and handling my feathers softly. He lightly touches the bandage.

“Dr. Lytle runs the Stockade, the underground bunker and lab where the humans imprison and experiment on our kind. His men hunted me down and shot me with a crossbow as I tried to escape. The wound is still healing––I changed the bandage earlier, but without a spare set of clothes, I had to tear strips off my pants to re-dress it.”

“Hmm.” He examines the back with a frown. “There’s an exit wound.”

“Yeah, I pulled it out.”

“Well, that was stupid of you. You could have died if those goons pierced a blood feather.”

My temper flares. “Oh, as opposed to leaving it in. I’d rather take my chances, thanks.” My voice is hostile, though I’m grateful for his help. I still don’t know who he is or what he wants, and my mother warned me to be on my guard.

River sits back on his haunches, sighs, and meets my eyes. “Doesn’t look good. How long have you been here, kid? A day or so?”

“I’m no kid. I’m seventeen.”

“Well, I’m eighteen. So, you’re a kid.”

“By what, a few whole months?” I snicker. “Okay. If a kid free-climbed in the pitch-black up a hundred-foot cliff to get here, I guess I’m a kid.”

After examining the wound, he says, “The damage looks fixable. Let’s clean this well to prevent infection.”

“I’ve cleaned the wound.”

“Clean deeper,” he admonishes. “I don’t have antibiotics, but I’ll try to get some. Or at least honey. Honey heals.”

He hesitates before retrieving water, then takes a rag from his pouch and soaks the cloth. With the knife still in hand, he comes closer.

“Look … You seem all right, but I’m a lone wolf. I operate solo. You have a target with a big ‘X’ on your back. I feel bad for you. I do. But you know how it is with our kind.” He gives me a blatant look, so here’s your cue to leave.

“Gee, I’d kindly vacate the premises, but I can’t fly.”

He rubs the back of his neck, agitated. “The valley’s full of drones. And they’ve got at least a dozen soldiers combing the forest.”

“I’m sorry.” I shift my eyes down. “You never asked for any of this.”

“None of us did,” he waves me off. “The soldiers are here. I’m screwed either way.” He pauses and assesses me. “Stay the night. Then after that, I’m sorry, but you need to find somewhere
else to hide.”

The night might be all I need. “Thank you.”

Also by
the author:

Adulting: The
Ultimate Cheat Sheet

by Haley Cavanagh

Genre: YA
Nonfiction, Coming of Age Self-Help

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Join author,
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Dynamic Characters and Unexpected Twists: Unveiling the Intricacies of River and Delene in “Shadowed Skies”

As the architect of “Shadowed Skies,” I am thrilled to invite readers into the captivating world where dynamic characters and unexpected twists converge to create an immersive narrative. At the heart of this tale are two characters, River and Delene, whose journeys through survival, love, and resilience challenge conventional storytelling norms.

River: The Lone Survivor with a Complex Past: I took great pleasure in creating the character of River, a lone survivor whose escape into the mountains sets the stage for a profound exploration of his past and present. River’s memories of his grandfather Pops and twin brother Porter are poignant anchors, influencing his decisions and interactions throughout the narrative. Through my writing, I aimed to breathe life into River, presenting a character whose complexity mirrors the unpredictable landscapes he navigates.

River’s evolution from a solitary figure to a reluctant companion in the mountains is marked by unexpected twists that showcase the resilience of the human spirit. Through River’s eyes, I sought to create a protagonist whose journey resonates emotionally, offering readers a chance to connect with a character grappling with the weight of his history while forging an uncertain future.

Delene: A Woman of Extraordinary Abilities and Unyielding Spirit: Delene, introduced as a captive in a lab run by the sinister Dr. Lytle, is a character I enjoyed shaping within the narrative. Tortured for her abilities and fueled by a vow to escape after the death of her sister Lily, Delene emerges as a young woman marked by strength and determination. Her psychic abilities and unyielding spirit add layers to her persona, creating a character that defies traditional archetypes.

In crafting Delene’s journey, from escaping the lab to finding refuge in River’s mountain nest, I aimed to portray a character who goes beyond the stereotypical damsel in distress. Delene’s resilience and unwavering spirit become central themes, showcasing her internal and external battles as she navigates a world filled with threats. When River and Delene meet, they’re both two extraordinary people who are incidentally suffering from severe loneliness and personal trauma while the world hunts them.

Unexpected Twists that Defy Conventions: In “Shadowed Skies,” I set out to subvert conventions and challenge readers’ expectations through unforeseen twists and turns. Each plot development adds layers to the narrative, keeping readers engaged until the final page.

Through River and Delene, readers are invited to join me in exploring the complexities of love, loss, and the indomitable will to survive in a world where the unexpected becomes the norm.

Conclusion: As the author of “Shadowed Skies,” I am excited for readers to embark on this journey with River and Delene. These characters, with their unexpected twists and turns, represent more than fictional personas; they embody the resilience of the human spirit. I hope their stories’ complexities and nuances resonate with readers, making “Shadowed Skies” a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.