Dwellers of Darkness (Darkness Series #3) Read online

  Kennedy was in the hands of Lorcan. The Queen now had Mark, Mom, Ryan, West, Eli, and me. Josh was Aneira’s brainwashed minion. Lars was either dead or had run off. At least Torin, Thara, and the rest of the Dark Dwellers were safe and, hopefully, on a plane heading back to the states.

  Aneira now held the only weapon capable of destroying her. My destiny was to kill the Queen, which now was no longer a fate I could fulfill. But some way, somehow, I would destroy her. With or without the Sword of Nuada, I would take down the Queen of the Light, plunging her into the darkness—for good.

  No one fucks with my family.

  Thank you to all my readers. Your opinion really matters to me and helps others decide if they want to purchase my book. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving an honest review on the site where you purchased it. Thank you.

  Coming Soon

  Want to find out about my next release in the Darkness Series? Sign up on my website and keep updated on the latest news. www.staceymariebrown.com

  Blood Beyond Darkness

  (Darkness Series Book #4)

  Coming in Fall 2014

  After months of searching, Ember and her friends finally locate the Sword of Light, the only weapon capable of destroying Queen Aneira and ending her rule. This is Ember’s destiny. Or so she thought. Now a pact to save the man she loves changes everything.

  At the same time Lars, the Unseelie King, reminds Em she is bound to him and has to turn over the Sword of Light to him after fulfilling the prophecy and killing the Queen.

  Ember’s life is again turned upside down as the secrets of the past are finally revealed. Kennedy falls into the hands of Lorcan. The Seelie Queen holds the sword, Mark, Lily, Ryan, West, Eli, and Ember. Josh is Aneira’s brainwashed minion, and Lars is either dead or run off. Em can only hope her other friends are safe.

  One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is her undeniable connection to Eli Dragen, who is sexy, gorgeous, and even more frustrating. But her problems go way beyond him.

  As the war mounts between the Seelie and Unseelie (Light and Dark) and more truths come to light, Ember’s world is ripped even further apart. She learns there may not be an end to the unrelenting abyss of lies and secrets that have been kept from her.

  In this final installment in the Darkness Series, when the truth comes to light, Ember will learn some things are better left in the dark as her world is ripped even further apart. It is no longer a rabbit hole, but a never-ending black void full of endless lies, betrayals, and secrets.

  The fight for Earth has begun, and Ember will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save millions of innocent lives and those she loves.

  But this price may be too high—even for her.

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank all the fans who have continued to support me so whole-heartily. Or at least support Eli! You have amazing. I hope you will continue to love these books and characters as much as I do. I can’t believe there is only one book left in the series!

  Again, to my Mom. These books are just as much yours as mine. Your help has been so fundamental. There are still not enough thank yous in the world to repay you. I love you!

  Linne, “L,” and Colleen for being my beta readers. You girls are amazing! Your input and advice has helped make my story even better. And your “extra” notes, L, always make me laugh. You really do get into Eli and Em scenes. I am so thankful to have you in my life.

  Emily Mork for your beautiful tattoo designs and always being inspiration to me. Love you!

  Chase Nottingham, besides having such a cool name, I want to say how thankful I am for S.M. Boyce bringing you into my life? Your editing and notes were so helpful. You have two new fans between me and my mom. http://www.chaseediting.com / and [email protected]

  Jordan Rosenfeld. Thank you again for all the hours you put in to help shape and develop my book. I absolutely adore you! http://jordanrosenfeld.net/

  Dave at Woulds & Shoulds. Your cover designs have been amazing. I think I’ve gained a lot of new fans just from them. Thank you for your continued help and talent. http://editinganddesign.com /

  Judi at http://formatting4u.com/. Thank you! You have made the stress of getting my books out on time so much easier.

  To my street team, Stacey’s Geek Squad. I love you girls so much: Jessa, Dee, Akilah, Shayna, Heather, Brandy, and Aarati. Your ‘above and beyond’ support is appreciated more than words can say.

  S.M. Boyce and Jen McConnel, you girls have been my lifeline and my support team. The instant we met I knew it would be a friendship forever. Sorry— you are stuck with me now!

  As always a big thank you to my family and my friends around the world. Don’t think you’re in the clear! Your part in my stories will be told someday—soon. I love and miss you all so much.

  Glossary

  A ghra: Gaelic for “my love.”

  Bitseach: Gaelic for “bitch.”

  Brownies: Small, hardworking Faeries who inhabit houses and barns. They are rarely seen and would do cleaning and housework at night.

  Ciach ort: Irish for “dammit” or “damn you.”

  Cinaed/Cionaodh: Irish meaning “born of fire.”

  Dae: Beings having both pure Fairy and Demon blood. Their powers and physical features represent both parentages. The offspring of Fairies and Demons are extremely powerful. They are feared and considered abominations, being killed at birth for centuries by the Seelie Queen.

  Damnú air: Irish for “damn it.”

  Damnú ort: Irish for “damn you.”

  Damnú ort bean dhubh: Irish for damn you black-haired woman

  Dark Dweller: Free-lance mercenaries of the Otherworld. The only group in the Otherworld that is neither under the Seelie Queen nor the Unseelie King command. They were exiled to Earth by the Queen.

  Demon: A broad term for a group of powerful and usually malevolent beings. They live off human life forces, gained by sex, debauchery, corruption, greed, dreams, energy, and death. They live on earth taking on animal or human form, their shell being the best weapon to seduce or gain their prey.

  Draoidh: Another term for “Druid.”

  Draoidhean: Plural for Draoidh.

  Dreamscape: Dreamscaping is pulling someone into a dream, usually only another Fay. But because of the blood they share, Ember can bring Eli into hers. She can fully interact with the person. It feels just as real as when you’re awake.

  Dreamwalk: Dreamwalking is the ability to put yourself in a place that is happening in real life and actual time. But you cannot be seen or interact with people while dreamwalking. You are a ghost to them.

  Drochrath air: Gaelic for “Damn it” or “Damn you.”

  Druid: Important figures in ancient Celtic Ireland. They held positions of advisors, judges, and teachers. They can be both male and female and are magicians and seers who have the power to manipulate time, space, and matter. They are the only humans able to live in the Otherworld and can live for centuries.

  Fae: A broad group of magical beings who originated in the Earth Realm and migrated to the Otherworld when human wars started to take their land. They can be both sweet and playful or scary and dangerous. All Fae possess the gifts of glamour (power of illusion), and some have the ability to shape shift.

  Fairy (Fay): A selective and elite group of Fae. The noble pureblooded Fairies who stand as the ruling court known as the Seelie of Tuatha de Danann. They are of human stature and can be confused for human if it wasn’t for their unnatural beauty. One weakness is iron as it is poisonous to the Fay/Fae and may kill them if there is too much in their system. Also see “Fae” above.

  Gabh suas ort fhéin: Gaelic slang for “Go f*ck yourself.”

  Glamour: Illusion cast by the Fae to camouflage, divert, or change appearance.

  Gnome: Small humanlike creatures that live underground. Gnomes consist of a number of different types: Forest Gnomes, Garden Gnomes, and House Gnomes. They are territorial and mischievous and don’t p
articularly like humans.

  Goblins: Short, ugly creatures. They can be very ill-tempered and grumpy. They are greedy and are attracted to coins and shiny objects. Will take whatever you set down.

  Incubus: Male. Seduces humans, absorbing their life force through sex.

  Incantation: An incantation or enchantment is a charm or spell created using words.

  Kelpie: A water spirit of Scottish folklore, typically taking the form of a horse, reputed to delight in the drowning of travelers.

  Mac an donais: Gaelic, for “damn it,” literally meaning “son of the downturn”

  Mo chroi: Gaelic for “my love.”

  Mo chuisle/Mo chuisle mo chroi: Gaelic for “my pulse.”/Irish phrase of endearment meaning “pulse of my heart.” Can also mean “my love” or “my darling.”

  Mo shiorghra: Gaelic for my “eternal love.”

  Ni ceart go cur le cheile: Gaelic for “There is no strength without unity.”

  Ninjuitsu, pankration, or bataireacht: Forms of martial arts. Bataireacht is Irish stick fighting.

  Otherworld: Another realm outside of the Earth realm where the Fae inhabit.

  Páiste gréine: Gaelic for “child born out of wedlock.”

  Pixies: These six-inched Fairies are mischievous creatures that enjoy playing practical jokes. They are fierce and loyal and have a high “allergy” to juniper juice.

  Pooka/Phooka/Phouka: Irish for goblin. They are shape changers that usually take on the appearance of a goat.

  Pyrokinesis: The ability to set objects or people on fire through the concentration of psychic power.

  Raicleach: Irish for vixen; “easy” woman.

  ‘S magadh fúm atá tú: You’re kidding me.

  Seelie: The “Light” court of the Tuatha De Danaan meaning “blessed.” This court consists of all the noble (pure) Fairies and Fae. They have powers that can be used for good or bad, but are thought of as more principled as the Unseelie. However, “light” does not necessarily mean “good.”

  Shefro: A type of male Fairy.

  Shuriken: Traditional Japanese, concealed, hand-held weapons that are generally used for throwing.

  Sidhe: Another name for the Fae folk of Tuatha De Danann.

  Sionnach: Gaelic for “fox.”

  Striapach: Gaelic for “whore.”

  Strighoul: “Cannibal” of the Fae world. They consume the flesh of other Fae to gain their powers. Will eat humans, but prefer Fae.

  Technokinesis: The ability to move an object with the power of one's thoughts.

  Téigh trasna ort féin: A Gaelic swear word with the approximate meaning of “Go screw yourself.”

  Telekinetic: The power to move something by thinking about it without the application of physical force.

  Tuatha Dé Danann (or Danaan): A race of people in Irish mythology. They are the earliest Fae/Fairies.

  Unseelie: The “Dark” Fae of the Tuatha De Danaan. These are considered the un-pure or rebels of the Otherworld and do not follow the Seelie ways. Nocturnal and have powers thought to be more immoral. They can also use their shell to seduce or gain their prey; however, “dark” does not necessarily mean “bad.”

  Wards: A powerful, magical spell primarily used to defend an area and is supposed to stop enemies from passing through.

  About The Author

  Stacey Marie Brown works by day as an Interior/Set Designer and by night a writer of paranormal fantasy, adventure, and literary fiction. She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family’s farm raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts.

  Even before she could write, she was creating stories and making up intricate fantasies. Writing came as easy as breathing. She later turned that passion into acting, living and traveling abroad, and designing.

  Though she had never stopped writing, moving back to San Francisco seemed to have brought it back to the forefront and this time it would not be ignored.

  When she’s not writing, she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.

  To learn more about Stacey or her books, visit her at:

  Author website

  www.staceymariebrown.com

  Facebook

  Author page: https://www.facebook.com/staceymarie.brown.5

  Book page: https://www.facebook.com/DOLSeries

  Twitter

  @S_MarieBrown

  Amazon:

  http://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Marie-Brown/e/B00BFWHB9U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1