Book III · In development · Advance preview
The Château That Wrote the Living
An Old-World Gothic Fantasy of Ledger-Law, Written Lives, and the Black Lantern
At Maison Vaurenne, ledgers do not merely record the living. They assign them. A household of exquisite manners prepares to receive a woman who has already refused to be delivered.
Book Three is currently in development. Its advance material is offered as a glimpse down the road and remains subject to revision.
“A written life is still a prison when the hand was never yours.”
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Advance preview · Chapter Four
The Fare Had Already Been Paid
Advance draft excerpt—subject to revision before publication.
Draft excerpt — subject to revision
The coach left the Crooked Heron before the inn door had finished closing.
Rain followed it.
Water struck the roof, threaded the windows, and gathered beneath the wheels until every turn of the iron rims sounded as though the road were being torn from wet cloth.
Lucienne sat upon the rear bench with Elyra beside her. Her empty key-thong knocked softly against her hip. It had less weight than the household ring. It hurt more.
Elyra held the oilcloth-wrapped register beneath her left arm. The previously opened fascicle rested beneath the right side of her cloak.
The road continues. The witness light is waiting
A written life is still a prison when the hand was never yours.
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