Mists of Velvet

Table of Contents

 

 

“Steeped in dark dangers and blistering sensuality, Annwyn is a world not to be missed! Renwick rocks!”

—National bestselling author Sylvia Day

 

“Sophie Renwick has created a sexy cast of heroes and loads of intriguing story twists.”

—Joey W. Hill

 

“FASCINATING. [
Velvet Haven
] scores a trifecta as fantasy, romance, and erotica. Four and a half stars. A top pick!”

—
Romantic Times

 

“Sophie Renwick dreams up an enthralling new world with this deliciously sexy paranormal . . . an unforgettable tale.”

—Fresh Fiction

 

“For those who love paranormal romance, who love suspense and good mystery, who love the world of the Fae, and who long to find a way into the world of dreams and visions, this multilayered story is for you. . . . The twists and turns were completely unexpected. FOUR AND A HALF STARS!”

—Book Binge

 

 

HEAT
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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices:
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

 

First published by Heat, an imprint of New American Library,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

 

First Printing, February 2011

Copyright © Sophie Renwick, 2011 All rights reserved

 

HEAT is a trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

 

Renwick, Sophie.

Mists of velvet/Sophie Renwick. p. cm.—(The Annwyn Chronicles; bk. 2)

eISBN : 978-1-101-47855-4

I. Title.
PS3618.E64M57 2011
813’.6—dc22 2010039715

 

 

 

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

 

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

 

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

A book is never simply written—it’s rewritten until it comes together as it should. While an author writes the story, so many other people are part of the process that turns a story into a book.

I have to thank my wonderfully patient editor, Tracy Bernstein, for always making my writing stronger—and for keeping me on track when Suriel wants to take over! As well, I have to thank the art department for the gorgeous covers they’ve given to my Annwyn world. Finally, kudos to the copy editors who make me look like I know what I’m doing and to the marketing department for getting the word out about this series.

Thank you for all your hard work. I really, really appreciate it.

 

The king was coming.

Bronwnn sensed it. The trees whispered of his presence. The winds sang of his strength, and the evening air tasted of his power. Annwyn was alive, humming with the magical aura of the great Sidhe king.

His approach was slow, deliberate, like a wolf stalking a stag. Without haste he came, seeking any and all advantage as he traversed the hallowed groves to the temple—a place he well knew would not fully welcome him; a place that would try to bend the king to the will of the leader of their ancient order. All this Bronwnn knew, for she was one of them—a member of the order of the goddesses.

Long had the goddesses ruled Annwyn. For thousands of years, Annwyn’s many races had been united in their awe, enthralled by their beauty and mystery as well as their powers. But Bronwnn knew something her sisters did not. The order was changing. The Dark Times would see to that. Soon the old ways would change—out of necessity—to make way for a new order.

Closing her eyes, Bronwnn focused on the elements that surrounded her. They spoke of this change, too. They showed her the shadowy image of a new and powerful being who far surpassed the magic of Cailleach, the Supreme Goddess. Did Cailleach know? Bronwnn wondered. Or was it yet another mystery she must keep hidden?

A strange vibration hummed along her skin, and she opened her eyes to see the mist shrouding the sacred temple shimmer, then part, allowing the king’s progress toward the inner sanctum where the Supreme Goddess held court.