Hell Hounded: Part I: Hellfire in the Heart: Chapter Zero

Visit the past, as it alters the present! This is the opening chapter of “the Secrets of M: Book Four: Hell Hounded,” written as a standalone fable that features the legendary duel between the Elferan Hero, Rhisk, and the Archdemon, Perihl. It’s a narrative snapshot from the lore of Interrealmeus, and of the next installment in “the Secrets of M” series, which you can enjoy before the book releases, with minimal spoilers.

Discordance

I should have ignored the music box. A twinge in its familiar song drew me out from under the bedcovers. I feared the disrupted lullaby might startle the baby awake, but the baby snoozed, and still, I was restless. I swung my legs over the side of my bed and gingerly lowered my feet to the floor. I tiptoed around the toys scattered about the floor and snuck across the room to the small end table beside the baby’s crib. I swiped the music box from the table, turned it over, and inspected its winding key. I spun the key thrice before I realized my mistake; I had not opened the box. I flipped the box over and opened the lid no more than an inch. My fingertips curled over the rim of the box, halfway in and halfway out. I paused and blinked…