Novels by Karen Moon

His physical state must have been shocking, but he didn't care. His determination was greater than any pain or shame.Finally, after a tireless search, Leon spotted Alex talking to Brittany and Christina in a secluded corner of the complex. His friends seemed shocked to see him, but quickly ran towards him when they realized his sorry state."Leon! What happened to you?" asked Christina, horrified, as she examined her friend's wounds."It doesn't matter now," replied Leon, his voice firm despite the weakness that plagued him. "We need to act. We have to put an end to Sasha once and for all.""Is she the one who did this to you?" asked Alex, too quietly.He didn't answer.Not at all distressed, Brittany simply commented:"Maybe he didn't kill my father the way she wanted and was punished."Everyone went eerily silent."What did you say?""Why don't you ask him?! I'm sure he'll be able to explain it much better than I can. Right, Leon?"Leon just stared at Brittany, trying not to lose c

Fear was useless. Fear made people blind and deaf prey in a forest full of predators. Fear would get you killed.Even fully aware of this, however, Leon couldn't stop himself from feeling a shiver run down his spine when he heard Sasha's words. He knew he had no choice but to follow the thugs into the torture chamber. His heart was pounding in his chest as he walked, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.As he entered the chamber, he was greeted by a stifling atmosphere. The walls were a gloomy gray, and the instruments of torture hanging on the walls cast frightening shadows across the room. The last time he had been there, it had been to end his ex-girlfriend's life, but he had been interrupted at the last moment by Alex, who had decided to play the savior for some reason.Leon swallowed, doing everything he could to disguise the tremors coming from his hands and legs.The thugs tied him to a chair, binding his hands and feet so that he couldn't move. The boy took a deep

Leon felt paralyzed by Sasha's physical closeness and the intensity of her words. A mixture of repulsion and excitement overwhelmed him, leaving him confused and disturbed. He knew he couldn't give in to her manipulation, but at the same time, a part of him was intrigued by the idea of surrendering to the forbidden desire he felt."Don't do this," he said, his voice wavering as he tried to push Sasha away.But she didn't pull back, she just smiled predatorily, as if she were enjoying his discomfort."Why not, Leon? You know you want to. You've always wanted to," she said, her voice a seductive whisper that sent shivers down Leon's spine.He fought against the attraction he felt for her, against the voice in his head that whispered that it would be easy to give in. But deep down, he knew he couldn't. He had to resist, no matter how hard it was."No. Enough. I won't give in to you," he said with more determination, pushing her harder and pulling away.The woman's expression quickly turn

The way back to HQ was ten times worse than the way to the country house.Not least because, as well as having other people's blood on his hands, Leon now knew that Sasha had personal connections with her mother's killer.Yes, she wanted him dead. But not for a second did the boy think it was out of a thirst for justice, or even pity. Sasha only thought of one thing: herself. And she didn't see anyone as people, but as tools.The thugs were silent, as always, and Leon wasn't bothered by them. He also knew it would be pointless to ask them anything.When they finally arrived, Leon went straight to Sasha's room, closely followed by the men.When he opened the door, he was surprised.Sasha was naked. And below her...Brittany. Also naked.Leon felt a shiver run down his spine as he watched the scene before him. His heart raced and a mixture of shock, disgust and anger overwhelmed him. He could barely process what he was seeing, but one thing was clear: this was a completely disturbing si

Leon felt as if his very soul had been torn from his body.Slowly, as if he feared that the reality around him would fade like cobwebs, the boy began to approach the picture.Then, trembling, Leon held the picture frame, still not believing his eyes.Yes, it was definitely her. But thinner, with a younger, happier countenance. As if the psychopathy and pleasure in other people's pain had not yet taken hold in her psyche.So Sasha also had personal connections with Brittany's father. With her mother's murderer.His hands were cold with fury, dread and incomprehension. The boy turned to the torn body behind him.Sasha knew what Leon wanted. Not only that, but she handed it to him on a platter so that he could get rid of it once and for all. Obviously she had no reason to care about his feelings.So, if Sasha had a grudge against that man, who would be a more perfect tool than Leon himself?Shaken, the boy, still holding the painting in his hands, walked out of the room towards the thugs

The men opened the door of the house and entered, closely followed by Leon. The interior was dark and silent, with only the dim light of the lamps illuminating the way. The smell of mold and abandonment hung in the air, creating an oppressive atmosphere around them."He's upstairs," said one of the men, indicating the stairs with a nod.Leon nodded and began to climb the steps, his heart hammering in his chest with every step. Closer and closer to his goal, he felt the tension building inside him, a mixture of fear and determination.Finally, they reached the top of the stairs and made their way down the corridor to a closed door. The men positioned themselves around it, ready to act if necessary, while Leon prepared to confront the man on the other side.With a final sigh, Leon turned the handle and slowly pushed the door open, revealing the dark interior of the room. The man, who had been snoring like a pig, was startled as he jumped out of bed."But what does that mean?"Leon stoo

Lariel absorbs the details quickly. The boy looks to be about her age, has a shaved head, broad, blood-shouldered shoulders, dark skin, and green eyes so bright they look like jewels. On his back is a quiver full of arrows, and in the boy's hands a bow.He was probably trying to hunt down the wolves that run mercilessly after him, growling and slobbering, but he was not discreet and silent enough. Before he can even try to face the beasts, Varic springs into action.He is very fast. His long, slightly shapely legs speed towards the wolves, and just as he is about to collide with them, he leaps into the air, passing them both.As the animals are moving at high speed, they can't brake in time. Duly positioned behind the wolves, Varic throws the two daggers straight into their flanks, causing the blades to bury themselves deep into their necks.At the same time, the unknown half-elf takes the necessary distance and, in short, precise shots, hits the animals' heads, pinning them to the d

The first thing Lariel noticed was the unusual beauty of the boy Eric said was his cousin. He was taller than she was, though slimmer, and his shoulder-length hair shone like flames.His brown eyes sparkled as he smiled, gallantly."I heard a party going on and came to join in." He looks around at the fallen bodies. "But apparently the celebration ended early. A shame.""How did you find me?" Eric asked."Are you serious? You're a traveling disaster, you leave traces everywhere. A blind, deaf, olfactionless dog could find you."The wizard's cheeks turn red. Apparently he is well aware of the lack of discretion.The man looks at Lariel and raises one of his eyebrows, oozing charm."You are one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen."The girl ignores, totally disaffected and indifferent. Instead, she begins rummaging through the bodies, careful not to be taken by surprise."Does the pretty thing have a name?" Eric's cousin insists."Lariel.""Lariel, it's a great pleasure. I am

The arrows were raining down, and it was a splendid miracle that absolutely none of them hit them. As she ran desperately to save her own skin, the half-elf was filled with frustration in her mind. She could barely move without something terrible happening to her. It seemed that the days of peace, weekly trips to the market and silent training in the middle of the forest were officially over. It would be a miracle if she managed to arrive in town with her head stuck to her neck."PURPURA IGNIS!"Eric launched a wave of purple fire that advanced toward the pursuers, but the mage did not stop to see if it would work. A few screams were heard. Then he caught the hand of Lariel's, who was running in an uncoordinated manner. Her abdomen was bleeding.The rain of arrows diminished, but they were still under attack. They didn't stand a chance.If Lariel's sense of direction was still working, instead of heading east, they were now running south. That is, just more woods for miles until they

After a restless night of talking about conspiracies, cults, and stories about ancient empires and bloody battles, the two decided to take a few hours' sleep. They were to head east as soon as they awoke.Lariel could not sleep, although he tried. Her thoughts were disconnected and confused, and the revelation that she had an uncle did not help at all.Losing one family member and gaining another soon after. Fate must have been finding it hilarious.Eric explained that the old man was supposed to be living there, and would probably be the Cult's next target. They should hurry as much as they could, since time was against them. Just as she was about to relax and catch up on sleep for good, she feels a friendly squeeze on her shoulder."Shall we?"She doesn't have much choice but to get up, drink some water, and begin the long walk into the forest.Eric even seems in a pretty good mood for someone who has spent the night sleeping on hard ground. Lariel would give anything for a bath an

"That is preliminary information. I need some more details, which I can get when we reach our destination. However, everything I know now can be proven."This is how Eric begins to tell about everything, which led him to go out on an insane quest across the world to stop that horrible, unholy evil that threatened him.Lariel can't even say a word when the blond man lays out a few more scrolls near her, letting the girl examine them all she wants."The Pavilion is one of the largest Organizations in the world. They act at the behest of the Order of Light, but are mainly focused on magical enemies and dark beings. Usually a person who joins the Pavilion never leaves. These thirty-six soldiers are exceptions."He opens his canteen of water and takes a sip before continuing."I don't know exactly what they are about, but I do know that they hold a secret so deep and important that they were sentenced to reclusive lives when discharged. The Pavilion thought it would be safer for them to re

"Stop, Seelk!" The mage's grave, imperious, and utterly incapable of being disobeyed voice causes the little dragon to stop in mid-stride, braking sharply. The half-elf was already on her feet and ready to run, although she doubted she stood a chance against something out of legend. She looked at the human, shocked. "Do you own him?!" "Absolutely not. Seelk is my friend, not a slave." Like a friendly puppy, Seelk gives the golden-haired man's cheek a lick, even wagging his spiky, red tail. "Well, your friend almost killed me." "You're right. Seelk, apologize to the little lady immediately." The creature turns toward Lariel, sniffing and sniffling, and then lowers its head in a position of submission. Seelk's owner, or rather friend, clarifies: "He recognizes you as a natural leader, and humbly acknowledges your position." "Ah." She mutters, taking a step back, still facing the dragon. "So... I'm not his friend?" "Only if you want to," he replies cheerfully. Suspicious, the