The Enigma Chronicles Book 1

In Whispering Shadows Elena stumbles upon an ancient book that reveals a hidden realm of enigmatic powers, leading her on a perilous journey where shadows hold secrets, and her unique ability to communicate with them becomes the key to protecting the balance between light and darkness and preventing the impending doom of both realms.

Sixteen-year-old Elena leads an ordinary life until the day she stumbles upon an ancient book that unveils a realm beyond imagination. As she explores the mysteries within its pages, she discovers a remarkable ability to communicate with shadows—an ability that could tip the balance between light and darkness.

Entangled in a treacherous web of prophecies and dark forces, Elena must navigate a perilous path to protect both realms and prevent both worlds from being consumed by the eternal night. Join her on this captivating journey as she unravels the secrets of a world where shadows hold power and destiny hangs in the balance.

If you enjoyed the magic of Harry Potter and the suspense of The Hunger Games, you will be enthralled by Whispering Shadows.

Excerpt from Whispering Shadows © Copyright 2023 Oriel Ocon

CHAPTER ONE

Elena’s heart pounded as she read the ancient book before her. Spending a Sunday morning with Mom was nice enough, but garage sales always filled her with sadness. With this estate sale, even more so. But a tarnished, old box that had a faded golden hue and intricate designs etched to its side was the first thing to make Elena put down her phone. She was drawn to it immediately and carefully opened the lid.

The book, now in her hands, called to her. And unlike her phone, she answered. The pages were yellowed and worn with age, but the words on them were still clear as if they had been written yesterday. She read on, transfixed by the tale of a hidden realm filled with secrets and magic. As she delved deeper into the book, she could feel a strange energy surging through her body. It was as if the words on the page were coming to life, and she could sense the power that lay hidden within them. Suddenly, something extraordinary happened. The shadow she cast on the sidewalk began to move, twisting and turning like a living thing.

Elena’s heart skipped a beat as she realized that she was now communicating with the shadow. It was as if it was speaking to her in a language she could not understand, but she somehow understood what was happening. She closed her eyes and focused on the shadow’s movements, trying to decipher its message. Images began to form in her mind, of a dark and mysterious realm filled with danger and intrigue. She sensed that she was being drawn into this world, that she was being called upon to explore its secrets.

Without hesitation, Elena stood up and grabbed the book, tucking it under her arm. She followed the shadow with her eyes as she walked to her mother. She held up the book. “Mama?”

Her mother gave the book a look over, then asked the seller how much it costs. And then it was Elena’s, the shadow whispered its approval. “Catch you later, Mom. I’m gonna hook up with a friend.”

“Sure, sure, dear.”

Her mother dismissed Elena with a gesture and returned to speaking with the old man about the history of the artwork currently for sale. Several of the paintings were landscapes, but there was a striking portrait of a man looming over three children that sent a shiver up Elena’s spine. She hopes her mother isn’t interested in that one.

Elena returned to the deepening shadow. It led her around the side of the dilapidated mansion. She followed it into a courtyard surrounded by ancient trees.

In the center was a portal, its entrance lined with symbols she couldn’t recognize. She stepped closer, feeling the power radiating from the structure. As if in response to her presence, or perhaps the book’s, it began to open.

She stepped inside, feeling a strange sense of anticipation as she did so. A rush of energy filled her as the portal closed behind her, finding herself standing in a verdant valley. Birdsong that was hauntingly far away but eerily close filled her ears as a muted sun shined overhead. To one side was a winding path leading to an imposing stone castle perched atop a hillside overlooking the forest. She knew immediately that this was where she must go if she were to find out more about this strange new world. And perhaps find out more about herself in the process. After taking a deep breath, Elena set off on the path toward her destiny.

As she walked through the unknown land, she noticed that the air was thick with magical. It hummed and crackled around her, filling her with a strange energy that she had never experienced before. Suddenly, she heard rustling in the nearby bushes. Her heart racing, she reached for the book, ready to defend herself. But as she peered into the darkness, she saw a figure emerging from the shadows.

It was a man, tall and lean, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness. He was dressed in a long black coat, and his hair was as black as the night sky. Elena felt a jolt of recognition as she saw him as if she had known him from somewhere before.

“Welcome, Elena,” the man said, his voice deep and seductive, “I’ve been expecting you.” Elena was taken aback. How could he know her name? She quickly regained her composure and straightened her back.

“Who are you?” she asked, trying to sound confident.

“I am the wizard of the wasteland,” the man replied with a smirk, “And you, my dear, are here for a reason.” Elena’s heart pounded as he stepped closer to her. She could smell the magic emanating from him, and it sent shivers down her spine.

“What reason?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The wizard’s eyes locked onto hers, and she felt herself falling into their depths. “You seek knowledge,” he said in a low voice, “And I have the power to give it to you.”

Elena felt herself being drawn in by his words, unable to resist his magnetic pull. She knew that she had to be careful, but the temptation was too great. He mumbled, “I have been waiting for you.”

Elena’s heart raced as she struggled to find her words. “Who…who are you really?”

The man smiled, revealing sharp teeth that glinted in the moonlight. “I am known by many names,” he replied, “But you may call me… the Dark One.”

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Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.