*Announcement and Teaser*

So Today hasn't even really begun and it is already a huge day. I just finished college. Woo! (And uh-oh) I am officially moving out today and have no idea where life will take me next but being creative will always be my passion. So you can look forward to more stories and accompanying art. Which brings me to the reasons for the announcement.

1. The story will continue on RoyalRoad as a second attached Volume. There will be no new url. This story is not being published for money, so you guys get to read and reread it for free if you so wish.

2. I am now broke and jobless. I have no income as of now and need to sell off all my junk while I do job searching. What does this mean for you? Chapters may be irregular in their release (Not that there has been a lot of regularity). I want to thank you all for your understanding and patience. This also brings me to my third point!

3. I've adjusted my ******* to be super friendly. You don't even have to be a patron to see new artwork! PEW-PewPew-PEW! (Shoots fireworks). My goal is to upload advance chapters on ******* for any huge fans that can afford a little love and become a Patron.

4. MORE GOOD NEWS! I made art! The second volume cover is now finished. You guys will have to tell me what you think and if it should replace the old one. The Cover is available on my *******. See your main characters in the flesh. Lecil. Bellavarn, April, and Melody! (You don't have to be a patron to view the artwork. There is no obligation what-so-ever.) You can also check out my Instagram as well. I will post links.

5. I don't have a fifth point. Oh! Um... Share this story with your friends or family or strangers. Promoting it on my own on top of writing, editing, and other stuff is just so difficult. I am also writing other books simultaneously. Anything you can do to help is Fantastic! I am choosing not to publish this book (or any of my other novels) for money, and it will remain free until I say otherwise. This is my hobby and I don't necessarily want to make it my main source of income. Now... If at some point you want a hard copy of this novel, by all means, draw me a sign because I will get on it.

6. I really don't have a sixth. *Hands you a cookie*

Thanks for being so understanding.

*******: https://www.*******.com/scanlonaustin

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/scanlonaustin/

A teaser comes on Monday. Or you can read it now if you become a patron. What're two days, really?

You know what... I couldn't wait If I were you either. Here is a teaser of the teaser.

=

*Tap-Tap-Tap*

The echo was rhythmic.

*tap-tap-tap-tap*

A metronome growing in distance.

*tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap....*

A clear pause to the tune to contemplate direction.

Then it resumed. Faster.

*...tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap-TAP-TAP-Click*

A shrill intake of breath. A throaty scoff.

"Jelly."

Panning up two rows and down 12 jars... Go as far as the Jam, past the honey, but before the apple sauce.

"Grape?"

No. Next? Strawberry? No again. Coconut?

"How did they even... Ah. Blueberry."

The jar clicked off the umber shelving, leaving a circular ring untainted by dust. A sign of a malfunctioning ward. Not that the sole occupant cared. No one ever came around to fix things.

Well, someone did. But the scheduled cleaning was yearly and had been performed only five months ago. Visitors are exclusive.

*tap-tap-tap-tap*

The footsteps halted. The following sound was a low grunt as someone tried to unsheath a shortsword using only one free hand.

*clatter*

The sheathed weapon fell to the ground, kicked by the foot that was supposed to hold it in place.

"Huaah."

A deep sigh.