Novels by Dep Flair

The tension between the brothers could be felt now, the pretense of casual family reminiscence abandoned. Katherine moved subtly away from Michael, positioning herself among neutral family members."Perhaps we should move on to the cake," Richard suggested, clearly recognizing the escalating situation. "Henderson?"As the butler directed attention toward the dining room where an elaborate cake awaited, Michael felt Katherine's hand on his arm again, her grip now urgent rather than performative."We need to leave," she whispered fiercely. "This is becoming embarrassing.""Because Eric's ambush didn't go as planned?" Michael replied quietly."Because you're creating a scene at your father's birthday," Katherine hissed. "This petty bickering is beneath the Crawford name."Michael studied his wife, noting how quickly she'd pivoted from supporting Eric's public attack to expressing concern about family dignity once the tide turned. Her instinct for self-preservation was remarkable."You're

The gift presentation had concluded, but the evening's entertainment was far from over. As family members returned to mingling with drinks in hand, Michael noticed Eric moving purposefully through the crowd. His brother's expression carried the satisfied look of someone whose trap was about to spring."Quite a modest offering from the COO," Cousin William remarked as he passed Michael, not quite hiding his smirk. "Though I suppose recent... corporate complications might necessitate budgeting."Similar comments followed as Michael made his way toward the bar. Subtle jabs, barely disguised as conversation. Eric had clearly been working the family network all evening, sowing seeds of doubt about Michael's standing."Whiskey, neat," Michael requested from the bartender. As he waited, Aunt Patricia approached, her expensive perfume announcing her arrival before she spoke."Michael, darling," she said, air-kissing near his cheek. "Such a... thoughtful little gift you brought. Very crafty."

The celebration continued as family members migrated to the mansion's grand terrace for after-dinner drinks. Stars appeared in the clear night sky, complementing the soft landscape lighting that illuminated Crawford Manor's extensive gardens. Michael watched the family dynamics unfold, noting how Eric moved seamlessly between different groups, whispering comments that triggered glances in Michael's direction.Setting aside his glass, Michael decided it was time to speak with Kylie properly. She stood alone near the stone balustrade, gazing out at the gardens rather than engaging in the family networking happening behind her."Not much for small talk?" Michael asked as he approached.Kylie turned, a small smile touching her lips. "Not when it's just talk for talk's sake.""The Crawford family specialty," Michael acknowledged, leaning against the balustrade beside her. "Twenty minutes of conversation without saying anything meaningful.""Thirty minutes if Uncle Robert is involved," Kyli

Crawford Manor loomed against the evening sky, its limestone facade glowing amber in the setting sun. Michael paused at the iron gates, memories washing over him as security verified his identity. How many times had he driven through these gates in his previous life, always rushing, always focused on the next business battle? Never appreciating the history these walls contained."Mr. Crawford," the guard nodded respectfully, raising the gate. "Your father is expecting you."The long, tree-lined driveway curved through manicured gardens. Michael drove slowly, taking in details he'd overlooked for years. The massive oak where he'd built a treehouse at twelve. The stone bench where his mother had read to him on summer afternoons before her illness. The small reflecting pool where he and Eric had once sailed homemade boats in rare moments of brotherly peace.Henderson, the family butler who had served the Crawfords for three decades, greeted Michael at the grand entrance. His lined face r

Crawford Manor loomed against the evening sky, its limestone facade glowing amber in the setting sun. Michael paused at the iron gates, memories washing over him as security verified his identity. How many times had he driven through these gates in his previous life, always rushing, always focused on the next business battle? Never appreciating the history these walls contained."Mr. Crawford," the guard nodded respectfully, raising the gate. "Your father is expecting you."The long, tree-lined driveway curved through manicured gardens. Michael drove slowly, taking in details he'd overlooked for years. The massive oak where he'd built a treehouse at twelve. The stone bench where his mother had read to him on summer afternoons before her illness. The small reflecting pool where he and Eric had once sailed homemade boats in rare moments of brotherly peace.Henderson, the family butler who had served the Crawfords for three decades, greeted Michael at the grand entrance. Hi

The café buzzed with midday energy. Sunlight streamed through large windows, casting warm patches on the wooden tables where Michael sat with his Buzzer Tech team. For once, they weren't huddled over schematics or financial reports. Just friends sharing lunch, almost like normal people."You're kidding," Megan said, nearly choking on her cappuccino. "Your dad is turning seventy? He doesn't look a day over sixty.""Crawford genes," Michael replied, picking at his sandwich. "Though I suspect expensive Swiss treatments help too."Olivia scrolled through her phone, eyebrows raised. "Says here Richard Crawford's birthday is normally a major social event. Last year's celebration made headlines when he donated ten million to children's hospitals instead of accepting gifts.""That was different," Michael said. "Public celebration, hundreds of guests, media coverage. This year he wants something private. Family only."Rebecca stirred her tea thoughtfully. "And you're actu

Dawn came too early and too cold.Draven stood in the academy courtyard with his pack slung over his shoulder, watching other student teams prepare for their missions. Everyone looked nervous, but there was excitement too. This was their first real test outside the academy walls."You sure you packed enough rope?" Jin asked for the third time, checking his own gear obsessively."I'm sure," Draven said. "You asked me that five minutes ago.""Just making sure. My dad always said you can never have too much rope when you're going underground."Lyra approached them, looking perfectly composed despite the early hour. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a practical braid, and she carried herself with the confidence of someone who'd never doubted her own abilities."Ready?" she asked."As ready as we'll ever be," Draven replied.Sera materialized from the shadows beside them—literally materialized, stepping out of the darkness cast by a nearby pillar. "The ot

The application went better than expected."Draven Ashworth and Jin Ironforge," the clerk had said, barely looking up from his paperwork. "Team applications for Whispering Catacombs investigation. Approved."Just like that. No questions about qualifications, no lecture about the dangers. Draven suspected his family name had something to do with it, but he wasn't about to complain.Now, three days later, he was starting to wonder if they'd made a huge mistake."You sure about this?" Jin asked for the dozenth time as they walked across the academy courtyard. "I mean, really sure? Because my mom always said—""Your mom also said earth magic was just 'moving dirt around,'" Draven interrupted. "And look how that turned out."Jin grinned. "Fair point."They were heading to the library to research the catacombs when they heard the commotion. Voices raised in anger, the sound of magic crackling through the air, and underneath it all, someone pleading."Please, I didn't mean anything by it—""

Draven was having a decent morning until he saw the bulletin board.The crowd of students gathered around it should have been his first warning. They were all talking excitedly, pointing at whatever announcement had been posted overnight. But like an idiot, he walked over anyway."Holy shit, look at this!" someone shouted. "General Ashworth's eldest son just got promoted to High Commander!"Draven's stomach dropped."Garrett Ashworth," another student read aloud. "For his decisive victory in crushing the Northern Rebellion with minimal casualties. The youngest High Commander in imperial history."Of course he is.Draven pushed through the crowd, trying to get a better look at the official notice. There it was, stamped with the imperial seal: his brother Garrett's name in bold letters, followed by a list of his accomplishments that made Draven feel smaller with every word."And check this out," Cus Thornfield's voice cut through the chatter like a knife. "Daniel Ashworth just moved up

Draven woke up feeling like a completely different person. The memories from the Memorial Garden were still there, settled into his mind like they'd always belonged. Fighting techniques from a dozen different masters. Tactical knowledge that could turn the tide of battles. And underneath it all, that warm ember of understanding about fire magic. Time to see if any of this is real, or if I just had the world's most vivid hallucination. Jin was already up and dressed, looking worried. "You were talking in your sleep last night," he said. "Something about swords and spirits. Bad dreams?" "Something like that." Draven stretched, surprised that his body didn't ache more after last night's... experience. "What's on the schedule today?" "Basic combat training for everyone. Even the theoretical students have to take it." Jin made a face. "Professor Elmsworth said it was academy policy. Everyone needs to know how to defend themselves." Perfect. They made their way to the training ground

Draven couldn't sleep.He'd been lying in bed for hours, listening to Jin's steady breathing and staring at the ceiling like it might have answers carved into it. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the platform. Heard the whispers. Felt the crushing weight of everyone's expectations turning into pity."Please step down from the platform."The words kept echoing in his head like a curse.At some point after midnight, he gave up trying to sleep and slipped out of bed. Jin didn't stir—the guy could probably sleep through a dragon attack. Draven pulled on his clothes as quietly as he could and crept out of the room.The academy halls were different at night. Quieter, but not silent. Magic never really slept here. Crystals in the walls glowed softly to light the way, and he could hear the distant hum of protective wards. Sometimes a shadow moved that didn't belong to anything, or a breeze stirred without any wind to cause it.Even the building has more magic than I do.Draven wandered a

Draven woke up to Jin shaking his shoulder and sunlight streaming through their window."Come on," Jin said, already dressed and ready. "Entrance examination starts in an hour. You don't want to be late on your first day."Actually, being late sounds pretty good right now.But Draven dragged himself out of bed anyway, his stomach churning with nerves. The pendant under his nightshirt felt heavier than usual, like it was reminding him it was there.The academy's training grounds were even more impressive in daylight. Multiple arenas spread out across several acres, each one designed for different types of magic. There was a fire pit surrounded by heat-resistant stones, a water arena with pools and fountains, an earth circle covered in sand and loose rocks. The air arena was just an open field, but Draven could see wind barriers shimmering at the edges.And in the center of it all was the main platform where the entrance examinations were being held."Nervous?" Jin asked as they joined