Oyin Fakoya

Ashes of the Chosen One This excerpt is an original, portfolio -exclusive sample inspired by a historical fantasy romance project I completed for a private client. It features Seraphine, a mortal woman, exploring a forbidden connection with a demon lord. The scene blends high stakes, emotional tension, and a slow -burn connection—perfect for readers who love enemies -to-lovers and supernatural intrigue *** ❦ Seraphine should not have entered the temple. Every nerve in her body felt wrong – like she was walking into something dangerous. Into her doom. But still, her feet had carried her here, drawn by the voice that had plagued her subconscious since she entered the realm of hubris. “You’ve come far, human.” The scent of blood clung to her feet as his voice sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn’t run now. It was too late to even consider. Besides, nothing about Azrael screamed ‘flee’. He emerged from the shadows – tall, elegant, with eyes like dying stars and beautiful skin marked by sigils older than the war that tore the realms apart. “I didn’t come here for you.” Seraphine barely managed to choke out the words when he stepped closer, causing her breath to catch in her throat. She let out a shudder. “No,” he murmured, closing the space between them. “But you came for the stone, and only one of pure soul can touch it. You won’t succeed.” She could smell him now, and it did nothing for her focus. She couldn't let the demon lord catch unto her. Not even if he smelled like danger and desire – a combination any fool would willingly risk it all for. She hesitated. “Why stop me now? You don't care if I succeed,” she said with a steak of defiance in her tone and his gaze dropped, not to her face, but to her trembling hands. “Because if you fail,” he said, his voice low, different. "You will die, Seraphine. And I cannot bear to watch that happen."