Excerpt: The Key of Rhadamanth

When the ravens crowed, Amanda knew the world was not right. Rain dripped down her face, pooled in her bodice, and drenched her feet. Mud oozed over the tops of her shabby shoes. Lightening arced overhead, illuminating the sky too dark for an autumn morning. Seconds later, thunder trailed its cousin. The ravens raised their voices to match its powerful song. It sounded like a cacophony from hell.

Amanda bowed her head under the heavy weight of her soaked veil. Her long black curls hung in her eyes and stuck to her face and neck. The groom had broken his vow. She had known immediately, of course, when she stepped under the bridal arch by herself, but still she had waited. Hoped against hope that she was wrong, that he would still come for her.

Two hours later, she remained alone.