Ascendant

• Book 5 of the Numen Chronicles •

As Lilith's plague spreads and her hunt draws closer, Alucard and Zalith fortify Uzlia, rallying their forces and searching for the Pandorican--the one thing they need before they can kill her. But with hostile elves and a corrupt city lord, securing their home proves just as crucial as waging war against the Numen.

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Newly engaged and exiled from Nefastus, Alucard and Zalith begin forging Uzlia into a sanctuary--but peace is a deception that they can't afford to believe. Lilith's plague festers in the ruins of their old home, and infected insects that managed to escape are spreading, carrying death to other corners of Aegisguard. Keeping Uzlia's borders sealed and its people safe is only the beginning; the true battle looms ahead. Lilith has made her move, and now they must prepare to strike back, refusing to be hunted like prey.

While their people scour the land for a Pandorican, Zalith challenges rival demon packs, claiming their strength for the war, and Alucard's past resurfaces, unveiling a chilling revelation--he may possess a Lumendatt, a relic of divine creation. If he can harness its power, it could be the weapon they need to obliterate the Numen and ensure they are never forced to flee their home again.

But restoring and protecting Uzlia proves as perilous as the war ahead. Hostile elves, a corrupt city lord, and the growing unrest of their people threatens to unravel everything they've built. And the more Alucard remembers, the more dangerous his past becomes. Every move is a gamble, and if they fail, the last place they can call home will be swallowed by the dark.

✙ MxM Erotic Romance ✙ Dark Fantasy ✙ Soap Opera/Slice of Life ✙

❖ For the full guide on Alucard's dialogue accent, head to www.numenverse.com ❖

(CW: explicit sexual content, dark fantasy themes, and mature subject matter)