Novels by Cindy Chen

The war chamber of Aerondale was a vast, circular hall built from dark stone, its high vaulted ceiling adorned with banners of past victories. A massive table sat at the center, around which the kingdom’s highest-ranking military officials had gathered. Maps, battle plans, and sealed missives lay scattered across the polished surface.The air was thick with tension.Evan Drake stood with his arms crossed, his usual composure tinged with frustration. He had spent years working in the shadows, orchestrating intelligence missions that no one else dared to take on. And now, one of their most vital assets—Calen—was missing.He took a slow breath before speaking.“There’s no way he’s still alive.” His voice was measured but firm. “We haven’t heard from him in over a day. If he were safe, he would have sent word.”Across the table, Great General Thaddeus Ironheart sat in his high-backed chair, his iron-gray beard and weathered face betraying decades of warfare. He was a man of unshakable pre

Calen exhaled slowly, keeping his back pressed against the cold stone wall of the palace corridor. He had slipped past two guards already, but the hardest part was yet to come—getting through the main halls without drawing attention.Dawn was breaking, and the palace was beginning to stir. Servants shuffled through the corridors, preparing for the day ahead. The distant clang of armor signaled the changing of the guard. He had to move now.Keeping his head down, he adjusted his stance, walking with the hurried but purposeful stride of a palace servant.He turned a corner—And nearly crashed into a soldier.Calen’s instincts kicked in. He shifted his weight at the last second, stepping sideways, his body twisting with practiced ease. The soldier barely noticed him, brushing past as he spoke to his comrade.“This is serious,” the man muttered under his breath. “The Queen ordered additional patrols across Rivermoore. Every gate is to be watched, and no one is to leave without clearance.”

Calen knew he should turn back, but his instincts refused to let him. His breath was steady, his movements calculated as he trailed after Queen Elara, keeping to the shadows.She walked with a purpose, gliding through the palace with effortless grace until she reached a secluded corridor. Calen pressed himself against the wall, watching as she stopped before a large, unmarked stone surface.Elara lifted her hand and whispered an incantation in a language he did not recognize.The air shifted.A deep, resonant hum filled the corridor as golden symbols flickered to life along the surface of the wall. The stone rippled as if it were liquid, then slowly parted, revealing a hidden passage beyond.Calen’s breath hitched.On the other side, bathed in soft golden light, was the most breathtaking sight he had ever seen.A river of crystalline water flowed between towering cliffs, its surface shimmering like liquid starlight. The air was thick with magic, the energy almost tangible. Lush, emera

Calen observed the situation carefully, his mind racing for an opportunity, but he knew he was trapped for now. The chamber was too small, too enclosed. Any movement, any misstep, would draw unwanted attention. The other envoys were silent, standing in respectful stillness, their expressions unreadable. If he so much as shifted out of place, someone would notice.So, he waited.It didn’t take long before the Queen, the elder priestess, and the four chosen apprentices returned. The air in the room felt different now, subtly charged with something unspoken as if whatever had transpired beyond those doors had left a lingering presence.Queen Elara moved with an effortless grace, her golden eyes sweeping over the gathered figures. “The ritual will take place tomorrow morning,” she announced, her voice calm yet absolute. “For now, you may rest.”With that, she turned and departed, her sheer veils trailing behind her like whispers of silk. The moment she disappeared behind the grand doors l

Calen moved with the convoy, his steps measured, his posture straight. He kept his head slightly lowered, as the real envoys did, blending seamlessly into the group as they glided through the palace’s grand corridors. The silence was oppressive, thick with unspoken expectation. The sound of their footsteps was muffled by the rich crimson and gold carpeting, but Calen could hear his own heartbeat, steady yet alert.As they reached the heart of the royal pavilion, a line of high-ranking female soldiers awaited them—Vynoria’s elite guards. Their presence was unmistakable. These were not ordinary warriors but living symbols of the kingdom’s might. Their polished silver armor gleamed like liquid moonlight under the golden chandeliers, each intricate engraving catching the warm glow of enchanted fire. Unlike the male soldiers of the lower ranks, these women carried themselves with a quiet, unshakable authority.Their expressions were unreadable.Their hands, though resting by their sides, w

As Calen finished hanging the last of the damp uniforms, the sky had deepened into shades of indigo, the first stars flickering above the palace. The air was cooler now, carrying the faint scent of blooming night jasmine from the royal gardens.With his task completed, he dusted his hands off and made his way back toward the barracks, weaving through the dimly lit corridors. His muscles ached from the long hours of scrubbing, but his mind remained sharp, focused on the mission ahead.Then, he heard it.A hushed conversation, carried on the evening breeze.He slowed his pace, instinct guiding him to the edge of a stone archway. Pressing himself into the shadows, he listened.Two palace attendants stood by the covered walkway, their voices tinged with both exhaustion and anticipation.“The Eastern Prayer Envoys will arrive tomorrow,” one of them said, adjusting the scarf draped over her shoulders. “They must be close by now.”Her companion groaned softly. “That means we’ll be working no

The light of the full moon envelops the room with a magical glow, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. Moonlight gently kissed Nola's face which was tense with pain. I stood by her side, my right hand holding hers tightly, conveying warmth and strength from every touch. But the healers want me outside, so I have to go out.“Arghhh!! It hurts!" she cried, the sound of the night's silence interrupted by a cry of pain. The healers forbade me from entering the room, and I could only hear moans and screams from behind the door. Anxiety swept through my heart, I couldn't wait to hear news about Nola's condition.Suddenly, a healer came out of the room and approached me.“My King, you can come in and accompany the Queen,” he said to me.I went into the room and held Nola's hand. Nola held my hand tightly, her eyes staring at the ceiling of the room filled with darkness. Deep moans escaped her lips every time a contraction hit. The light of the full moon, even though it couldn't enter th

That morning, the sunlight played games with the leaves, creating a magical blend of shade and golden glow. The fresh scent of flowers and herbs wafts in the clean air. It was as if nature itself was participating in celebrating this historic moment.The once simple assembly hall now sparkles in the splendor of natural jewels. Folded flags made of silk fluttered brilliantly, and decorations made from dried leaves and fresh flowers decorated every corner of the room. The light from the shining totems reflected the colors of life, implying a new awakening of their power.A moment before the sunlight reached its peak, I came to Nola who was getting ready in the preparation room. The soft light from the crystal chandelier reflected a beautiful glow on her dress made from natural materials, giving her an aura of stunning elegance.When she turned around to see me, her sweet smile filled the room. "Ares," she said in a soft voice that seemed to wash away my nervousness. "You shouldn't have

In an increasingly debilitating state, my voice broke in the reflection of the vibrations of light around us. Light flashed, creating an invisible yet powerful energy network. "I won't give up, even though my body feels increasingly fragile. I won't let you be trapped in this darkness, Nola," I said with trembling determination. The words seemed to be a mantra, strengthening my will even when my body could barely support itself.The Shadow Diamond Totem, glowing with fading black light, spoke in a voice filled with urgency. "Ares Jones, we don't have much time. We have to hurry. Nola needs us.""The Grand Healing Totem's light is starting to fade," she added, her voice filled with determination but sounding fragile. "We have very limited time, Ares Jones."Deep anxiety welled up within me, making me realize that not only these totems were on the verge of destruction, but also Nola and my own life. However, I knew I couldn't give up. It is my mission to reunite Nola's divided soul. Des

The dream just disappeared, fading into endless darkness, and Nola seemed to disappear from my field of vision. I remained asleep, without dreams or images haunting my mind. My body responded deeply to rest, immersing me in an undefined dream world. Abstract images awaken and disappear over an immeasurable span of time. Nola, as if closely linked to the dream world, moved far from the horizon of my mind, disappearing in the surrounding darkness.As morning approached, the sun's rays seeped in through the thin curtains, painting streaks of light on the walls of the tent. I woke up slowly, thrown back into the real world. Rex stood tall by Nola's side, his eyes reflecting a deep worry, hinting at thoughts hovering over the worst possible possibilities."How is she doing, Rex?" I said in a voice that was still hoarse, following the footsteps of the dreamland I had just grasped.Rex looked at me sincerely, his eyes filled with deep worry. “She is still in a weak state; there are no signi

The aroma of spices and herbs filled the air when my eyes opened. My body felt heavy as if all my energy had been drained. Gathering the power to repair The Shadow Diamond Totem was indeed a tiring task.Beside me, Mora stood with a concerned look. "Ares, you are lucky to have survived. But don't underestimate your strength. Don't forget your own limits," he said in a soft voice, hand holding out a healing potion. It tastes bitter but immediately brings freshness to my body."Thank you, Mora. It feels like I was born again," I said with a faint smile.Mora smiled softly. "You will be fine, Ares. The entire tribe is grateful for your sacrifice," she said, her eyes shining with respect."Where is The Shadow Diamond Totem?" I demanded, my curiosity peaked.Mora looked at me warmly. "She is resting in the Shadow Totem Tribe's temple. She needs time to recover her strength from all this."She went to tell the others that I had woken up. Not long after, Toth Karan and the totem warriors ent

In the chaotic battlefield, with magic explosions and echoing groans, I stood before The Shadow Diamond Totem who kept screaming. Her body swayed, trying to break free from the totem warrior's bindings, but her strength only depleted further.I realized that in a state like this, where she was still conscious and twitching wildly, it was very difficult for me to repair her totem codes. My concentration must be stronger than before. However, I can't watch her continue to suffer like this."Get some more blood, we need her weaker!" I ordered several nearby totem warriors. They responded swiftly, opening buckets of blood and meticulously watering The Shadow Diamond Totem. Every drop of blood entered her body, producing the desired effect.However, the woman's desperate screams still roared, filling the battlefield. Bil, with tense eyes, found his courage. "She has to pass out, Ares. We need you completely focused," he said, trying to calm himself and decide on that bold move. I nodded fi

As the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the chaos of the decimated lab, Jack's enhanced vision honed in on Patrick, a formidable figure even in his wounded state. Blood trickled down Patrick's forehead, mixing with the grim determination and seething anger in his eyes. His breath came in ragged gasps, a testament to the intensity of their struggle."You think you can defeat me like this?" Patrick's voice reverberated through the chamber, his words dripping with contempt as he advanced towards Jack. "I won't let you win, Jack!"With a sudden burst of speed, Patrick lunged forward, his armored form hurtling towards Jack with frightening velocity. Jack barely had time to react, his instincts kicking in as he braced himself for the impact.The clash was thunderous, the force of Patrick's charge slamming into Jack like a battering ram. They grappled fiercely, each trying to gain the upper hand in the brutal melee. Jack's muscles strained against the weight of Patrick's armor, his mind r

Jack's situation was dire. He lay on the cold floor, pain radiating through his body, Ashley's bloodied form just out of reach. His vision blurred and darkened at the edges, but he wasn't ready to give up. He knew he had one last trick up his sleeve.With a barely noticeable movement, he activated the communication implant Jill had embedded in his arm. It was a last-resort device, meant for emergencies only. Jack whispered urgently, his voice barely a breath, "Jill, now!"Even though it looked like he was talking to himself, he knew Jill was listening. His eyes briefly met Patrick's smug gaze before he summoned all his remaining strength. With a sudden, almost inhuman burst of energy, Jack leaped high into the air, his body propelled by the advanced tech Jill had provided.He soared upwards, smashing through the ceiling and creating a gaping hole. Dust and debris rained down as the astonished guards and Patrick stared up, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. The room fell s

Patrick, sensing a slight tremor of control slipping from his grasp, attempted to regain his dominance with a sneer. "You think you're clever, don't you, Jack?" he jeered, his voice echoing off the cold, stone walls of the lair. "But you're just bluffing. We both know what happened the last time you tried to fight alone. You lost, and you lost badly. Look around you. My men guard every corner of this place with the highest vigilance. There's no help coming from Jill or anyone else. You think you can fool me? I anticipated your move, and I've made sure it won't happen."Jack's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he fixed Patrick with a steely glare. "You talk too much, Patrick," he retorted, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His confidence was unwavering, a stark contrast to the villain's bluster.Without another word, Jack launched himself into action with a burst of explosive energy. His movements were a blur, honed by years of training and battle-hardened experience. He b

As Jack's cries of anguish reverberated through the glass chamber, something within him snapped. A surge of adrenaline and sheer willpower coursed through his veins. His eyes, still wet with tears, hardened with a new determination. He strained against the metal restraints with every ounce of strength he possessed, the cords of his muscles standing out in stark relief against his skin.The glass walls seemed to close in on him, but Jack refused to accept defeat. With a roar of pure rage, he wrenched his arm free from one of the metal bindings, the steel groaning under the force of his fury. The other restraints seemed to tighten in response, but Jack was beyond pain now. He tore at the remaining bonds, his breath coming in ragged gasps.The guards outside the chamber stared in shock, their initial disbelief giving way to alarm. The sight of Jack breaking free sent a wave of panic through them."What's happening?" one of the guards shouted, his voice tinged with fear.Patrick's smug ex

Jack watched intently as the guards began to unfasten the restraints binding Ashley to the chair. Every movement seemed to drag in slow motion, his heart hammering in his chest. Despite her weakened state, Ashley managed to shake her head weakly, her voice a mere whisper, carrying the weight of her desperation. "No, Jack," she pleaded, her eyes wide and glistening with tears. "Please, just go. Leave me."Jack’s determination was unshakeable. He shook his head firmly, his jaw set in a hard line. "Ashley, you have to go now," he insisted, his voice steady and resolute, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade. He knew there was no other option if she were to have any chance at freedom.Ashley remained in the iron grip of the guards, her strength all but spent. Her eyes, though filled with despair, still bore into Jack’s with a silent plea, a plea he could not heed. She understood the depth of his resolve but felt the crushing weight of helplessness. Her body slumped slightly as

As Jack was escorted further into the heart of The Golden Apple's new stronghold, the dimly lit corridors seemed to close in around him, suffocating him with their oppressive atmosphere. The guards flanked him on either side, their eyes boring into him with a mixture of suspicion and contempt.Patrick stood at the end of the hallway, his presence commanding and his demeanor oozing with arrogance. His arms were crossed over his chest, and a smug smirk played at the corners of his lips as Jack was brought before him."Well, well, if it isn't our obedient little errand boy," Patrick sneered, his voice laced with disdain as he regarded Jack. "Coming here unarmed, all for the sake of the traitor who betrayed you. How noble of you, Jack."Jack's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to contain his rising anger. He knew Patrick was trying to provoke him, but he refused to take the bait. Instead, he focused on the urgency of the situation at hand."Wher

"Is there nothing we can do to oppose Alana's decision?" Alana's father asked his wife.Tonight was the night of the engagement party that Alana had arranged so lavishly, attended by esteemed guests from high society. The beauty of the decorations, along with Alana’s radiant smile as she busily welcomed her guests, added to the grandeur of the event. However, all the glitz and glamour did not ease her parents’ concerns."There is nothing we can do, Papa. The party has already begun, everything is already happening. Calvin’s heroic act has spread across the country and been reported everywhere, leaving the Perry family with no reason to oppose Alana and Calvin's remarriage," Alana’s mother replied.Alana's parents attended the event despite their reluctance. Time and again, they let out heavy sighs, looking at their daughter with sadness, struggling to accept her reckless decision."It looks like you need to find a replacement fiancé so this grand party doesn’t go to waste," remarked K

Calvin let out a heavy sigh, his gaze empty as he stared at his small clinic. The wind blew gently, as if urging him forward, encouraging him to step inside and resume what he had long abandoned."Alright, let’s do our best today," he whispered before stepping inside his clinic with determination.The staff, who had been waiting for him, immediately greeted Calvin with enthusiasm. A faint smile formed on his lips as he nodded slightly. "Return to your stations and open the clinic.""Yes!" they answered in unison, full of energy.Without hesitation, they scattered to their respective positions. As soon as the "open" sign was put up, a long line of patients quickly filled the reception area.The clinic was packed, overflowing with patients. The overwhelming number of visitors made the entire staff—and even Calvin himself—feel utterly exhausted."Please close patient registration for today. The clinic is too full," Calvin whispered tiredly to the receptionist."Understood, I will enforce

Calvin stepped out of Miranda’s house, relieved that one heavy task was finally done. The cool evening air brushed against his face as he walked toward his car. Today had been exhausting, and his mind began to shift toward his clinic—a place that had always been his refuge from life’s chaos. However, his steps halted when he heard a woman’s voice calling his name.“Calvin!”He turned around, his eyes widening at the sight of the person standing there. Alana. His ex-wife, a figure from the past he had worked so hard to leave behind. Reality struck him like a blow—he had completely forgotten about the agreement he had signed to marry her again. That agreement had been in exchange for the immense help Alana provided during a tough time, but now it felt like a weight lurking in the back of his mind.Before Calvin could say anything, Alana ran toward him. In a flash, she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly, leaving Calvin frozen in place.“Calvin,” she said with relief, her voic

As Calvin navigated the quiet streets, the stillness of the city seemed to echo his own sense of exhaustion. His hands gripped the steering wheel loosely, his mind drifting between thoughts of Lizzie and the uncertain path ahead. Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by a soft chime.[Ding!]The familiar sound of the system’s notification brought him back to the present. A faint blue light flickered on the small device attached to his wrist.[New Notification,] the system intoned, its voice calm and measured, a stark contrast to Calvin’s restlessness.“What is it this time?” Calvin muttered under his breath, keeping one hand on the wheel while activating the holographic interface with a quick swipe.The system’s screen illuminated his face as it began its explanation.[Dr. Hudson,] it started, [your recent accomplishments have brought you closer to unlocking the final legacy of your family. Only a few more points are required to access it fully.]Calvin’s brows furrowed. “Inheritance?

When Calvin arrived home, the weight of the past days pressed heavily on his shoulders. He didn’t bother turning on the lights as he entered, letting the darkness wrap around him like a familiar cloak. The house was silent, almost eerily so, but it offered the solitude he craved.His feet carried him automatically to the backyard. The moon cast a soft glow over the small garden, illuminating the simple headstone that marked Lizzie’s resting place.Calvin approached the grave and knelt down, his fingers brushing against the cool stone. For a moment, he simply sat there, the night air still and heavy around him.“I did it, Liz,” he said softly, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. “It’s over. San Wang is defeated, and the war is finished. Barrion can finally rebuild.”He paused, staring at the ground as memories of Lizzie flooded his mind. Her laughter, her courage, the way she always seemed to know the right thing to say.“I hope you’re proud of me,” Calvin whispered, h

Calvin’s journey back to Nooria was uneventful, but his mind was anything but calm. The weight of his actions in Bacca lingered heavily in his chest. Despite his victory, he felt no triumph—only exhaustion and the nagging thought that the peace he had brokered might be temporary.When the plane touched down in Nooria, the first thing Calvin noticed was the unusual bustle of activity at the airport. As he descended from the aircraft, he was met with silence—a heavy, anticipatory silence that made him pause.A crowd had gathered, and Calvin froze as he realized their eyes were fixed on him. Faces reflected a range of emotions: awe, gratitude, and disbelief. Some whispered to one another, others simply stared. Then, slowly, one person began clapping.The solitary applause rippled through the crowd like a spark igniting dry kindling. Within moments, the entire gathering erupted into cheers and applause, the sound filling the air with a roar of gratitude and admiration.“Calvin Hudson!” so