Author Update: Power, Oaths, and a Sprite with Secrets – Chapter 28 Complete!

Hey readers and fellow fantasy lovers,

I’ve just wrapped up Chapter 28 of my current dark fantasy work-in-progress, and wow, the pieces are starting to fall into place in the best (and most chaotic) way. This chapter is one of those turning points — the kind where all the quiet little seeds I’ve been planting since the start are starting to sprout into something much bigger, weirder, and more dangerous than anyone (especially the main character) could’ve expected.

If you’ve been following my vague ramblings, you’ll know the story is set in a brutal academy where loyalty isn’t just expected — it’s enforced by blood. Magic isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Sometimes, it whispers. And sometimes… it births a foul-mouthed water sprite with an attitude problem.

Chapter 28 features one of my favourite scenes so far — a full-blown confrontation between characters who should probably not be in the same room together, but fate has other plans. Long-hidden truths bubble to the surface, and we start to uncover why one of my oddest characters has been lurking in the shadows this whole time. Spoiler: she’s not just there for comic relief.

What I love most about this chapter is the tension between myth and truth. Between what the characters believe, and what might actually be happening. Between loyalty… and survival. And of course, a healthy splash of sarcasm from a magical creature who’s possibly ancient, definitely chaotic, and absolutely keeping secrets.

There’s a real sense of momentum now — the stakes are rising, the world is deepening, and the characters are being pushed into corners I’ve been itching to trap them in. There’s still a lot to come, but this chapter was a big one.

If you’re a fan of academy fantasy, dark magic, brutal training regimes, or just like your fantasy with a side of sass and tension, this story might be for you when it’s finally ready.

Until then, I’ll keep you updated on the journey — I’m pushing through the final arc now, and it’s only getting messier from here. Just the way I like it.

— An exhausted, coffee-fuelled fantasy writer

Keywords: dark fantasy, academy fantasy, fantasy author, writing update, magical creatures, self-published writer, blood oaths, female protagonist, work in progress