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    The Dark Expanse - Novella 2
    The Dark Expanse - Novella 2
    The Dark Expanse - Novella 2
    Ebook86 pages1 hour

    The Dark Expanse - Novella 2

    By Henley Grey

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    About this ebook

    Amidst the darkness of your slumber is where you’ll find the Colosseum, an astral battleground filled with children. Limited only by their imaginations, they can transform into the wildest of creatures. Under the watchful gaze of the Overseer, they clash in hopes of becoming one of its Elite.

    Hidden deep inside the vast expanse, the Associates lie in wait. They are a faceless organization who decides which children enter the Colosseum. This company conceals itself in the shadows, using the youngsters to aid their agenda in the real world.

    Max Carter begins to question his vocation in life. He knows this isn’t wise, considering his employers are the Associates. Not many people are aware of their existence, but they are woven into society. When Max receives a cryptic message, he learns that the company isn’t the only thing prowling the dark expanse.

    Wesley Finton is chosen! Not by the Associates, but the sinister figure who lurks at the edges of our sleep. Once inside the arena, Wesley discovers a strange power dwelling within him, and a vile plot to exploit the children within its walls.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHenley Grey
    Release dateJun 20, 2017
    ISBN9781386881773
    The Dark Expanse - Novella 2

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      Book preview

      The Dark Expanse - Novella 2 - Henley Grey

      Table of Contents

      The Dark Expanse - Novella 2

      The Dark Expanse | Astral Clash Series

      About the book

      Title page

      Chapter Twenty-three

      Chapter Twenty-four

      Chapter Twenty-five

      Chapter Twenty-six

      Chapter Twenty-seven

      Chapter Twenty-eight

      Chapter Twenty-nine

      Chapter Thirty

      Chapter Thirty-one

      Chapter Thirty-two

      Chapter Thirty-three

      Chapter Thirty-four

      Chapter Thirty-five

      Chapter Thirty-six

      Chapter Thirty-seven

      Chapter Thirty-eight

      Chapter Thirty-nine

      Chapter Forty

      Author’s Notes

      About the book

      Amidst the darkness of your slumber is where you’ll find the Colosseum, an astral battleground filled with children. Limited only by their imaginations, they can transform into the wildest of creatures. Under the watchful gaze of the Overseer, they clash in hopes of becoming one of its Elite.

      Hidden deep inside the vast expanse, the Associates lie in wait. They are a faceless organization who decides which children enter the Colosseum. This company conceals itself in the shadows, using the youngsters to aid their agenda in the real world.

      Max Carter begins to question his vocation in life. He knows this isn’t wise, considering his employers are the Associates. Not many people are aware of their existence, but they are woven into society. When Max receives a cryptic message, he learns that the company isn’t the only thing prowling the dark expanse.

      Wesley Finton is chosen! Not by the Associates, but the sinister figure who lurks at the edges of our sleep. Once inside the arena, Wesley discovers a strange power dwelling within him, and a vile plot to exploit the children within its walls.

      ––––––––

      Title page

      The Dark Expanse

      Astral Clash Series

      HENLEY GREY

      Volume Two

      ––––––––

      Digital Edition

      Copyright © 2017 by Henley Grey

      All rights reserved. This novel is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

      Chapter Twenty-three

      The darkness greeted Wesley like an old friend. The black shadowy void seemed to talk to him; not coherently, more like a melodic whisper. It was as if it was complimenting him in a foreign language; pleasant to hear, but lost in translation. Without fear he took a step, the colosseum appearing before him as it had the night before. The howling wind outside of the expanse was already being drowned out by the rapturous applause from within the heart of the battleground. Wesley’s anticipation and eagerness to enter had turned his tentative first steps into a fast paced stride.

      The doorman was the same, his blue robes covering everything but his pale white hands. Another time he may have wondered how the doorman looked under the garment; disfigured, demonic or human? But not tonight. He just wanted to go inside.

      The question was the same, as was the emotionless voice, Contender or observer?

      Observer, Wesley excitedly replied.

      Like before, the door rumbled open. The cheering was louder than ever as Wesley ascended the steps and entered the arena once more.

      Wesley moved down, forcing his way through the bodies. He wanted to have the best view of the colosseum floor. Although the noise seemed louder, it didn’t affect Wes as much as it had the first time. It seemed to be less of a deafening racket, more enjoyable now. He looked over the tier and was astounded by the sight that met him.

      The golden sand was untouched, no blemishes at all, it was pristine. Even the magnificent columns were undamaged from the scorching heat of the dragon’s rage. Wesley looked eagerly from one end to the other, waiting to see what would enter. The Corinthian pillars in the center of the amphitheatre, which created the private box, were empty. No shadows sat in the place they had the other night. Would they eventually appear? The dream wasn’t guaranteed to be the same. He had never had such a lucid one before. To recreate that alone was an amazing achievement.

      Wesley! a voice called out.

      Turning to face the crowd, Wesley furrowed his brow as he tried frantically to pick out a face he recognized.

      Over here! The voice was female; he couldn’t place it.

      Sadie Kirk waved, grabbing Wesley’s attention as she pushed between two kids.

      Oh my God! he laughed looking to the heavens. He couldn’t believe he’d started dreaming about her now!

      I knew I’d seen you here, she said. Glad you have clothes this time.

      Wesley looked down. He had fallen asleep with his jeans and T-shirt on. Looking back at her, he smiled. Damn, you look so real, he said out loud.

      Sadie looked perplexed, Of course I do, she replied, Why wouldn’t I?

      You sound just like her as well. Everything... it’s uncanny. Wesley continued talking to himself, ignoring the young girl before him.

      Are you stupid or something? This is real! she snapped sharply.

      Yes, sure it is! he laughed. A magic colosseum in my dreams.

      Sadie smiled at Wesley’s sarcastic comments. It hadn’t been that long ago since she was in his position and needed convincing. I can’t stay long, I have a clash tonight.

      You do! Wesley said continuing his sarcasm. I hope you win, I’ll cheer you on.

      Wesley, I know you don’t believe me, she said. Meet me outside school tomorrow. I’ll explain everything to you. You have to fight. It’s the best.

      He looked over at the golden sand, Fight! Yeah, I’ll fight a massive dragon made of stone! he laughed loudly.

      Okay Wesley, meet me at school first thing in the morning, she told him.

      It’s Saturday tomorrow! Anyway I’m going out, sorry, he replied with a grin.

      Okay, then two in the afternoon.

      Sure, he said dragging out the word slowly.

      Wesley! she barked. Do it. Meet me tomorrow!

      Wesley stopped laughing, the grin vanishing from his face. "Okay,

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