A Glimpse into The Seventh Kill
Below is a preview of my fantasy thriller The Seventh Kill as a sample chapter.
Welcome to the shadowy streets of Vancera’s ancient district The Burghal, where magic and murder collide in a deadly conspiracy that threatens to tear apart the very foundations of the city.
I’m thrilled to share with you a sample chapter from my fantasy thriller, The Seventh Kill—a clean mystery that weaves together political intrigue, subtle magic, and a race against time in a richly imagined historical setting.
In this world, Ward designers like Auberon Florel use their mastery of engineering and magic to protect citizens from supernatural threats. But when members of the prestigious Fyrn bloodline begin turning up dead—each bearing the same five precise stab wounds—Auberon finds himself framed for crimes that could destroy everything he’s worked to protect.
This chapter will immerse you in the atmospheric streets of The Burghal, where ancient secrets lurk behind every corner and justice hangs by a thread. If you enjoy fantasy mysteries with complex characters, intricate plotting, and just enough magic to keep you guessing, I think you’ll find yourself drawn into Vancera’s dangerous world.
Content Note: The Seventh Kill is suitable for all ages, featuring mystery and suspense without graphic violence or mature themes.
Ready to step into the shadows? Let’s begin…
Moral Obligations
Constable Krege turned his bicycle and sped through the sladestone arch and onto the grounds of Hossak House. He peered ahead through the false light before dawn.
An older gentleman with black hair stood at the front door. He wore a dressing gown and boots with the laces undone. He fumbled with a large set of keys.
Krege’s bicycle rattled to a stop, and he approached the front door. He had his hand on the handle of his revolver. ‘Barch Hossak, sir?’ he called.
Barch Hossak took a step down towards Krege, his neck stiff and the irritation clear in his manner. ‘A bloody good morning to you, Constable,’ he said.
‘We were alerted by the alarms, sir. Is everything well here?’
Barch Hossak flipped the keys back and forth on the ring. He stared over Krege’s shoulder. ‘We?’
Krege turned around. Only then did Trainee-constable Sundry puff her way in from the street and through the arch. ‘Yes,’ he said with a sigh, ‘we.’ He walked up the steps. ‘A noisy inconvenience, sir. Those alarms are fearfully loud. Shall we search the building for an intruder?’
Before Barch Hossak could respond, a young woman appeared from around the corner of the house. She was fashionably dressed for this early in the morning, except that she had her hat in her hand. The first thing she did was sneeze.
Her arrival seemed to have completely confounded Sundry. Sundry dropped her bicycle and cupped her hands over her ears when she reached the bottom step. She did not look as if she knew whether to join Krege, stay back, hold onto her truncheon, or panic.
The young woman was too petite to be a threat, even smaller in build than Sundry. She also carried an air of determination, despite the flush on her cheeks from her haste, and a runny nose. She smiled up at Constable Krege.
Krege tipped the edge of his cap, but she hardly noticed as she had to grab hold of her nose to prevent another sneeze.
Barch Hossak smiled awkwardly in her presence. ‘There seems to be quite a commotion here, Miss Florel,’ he said.
‘Barch Hossak,’ said Miss Florel with a half-smile. ‘I am very sorry about that. It appears the wards are more sensitive than I anticipated. If I may, Barch,’ she said as she wiped her nose and then reached for the keys.
With frustration, Hossak shoved the bundle into her hands. In an efficient manner, Miss Florel selected a key and inserted it into a slot in the doorframe. One of the most persistent alarms stopped chiming.
Barch Hossak took Constable Krege by the shoulder and walked him down the steps. ‘Miss Florel has been here assisting me with security enchantments. She was testing the installed wards. I assure you, Constable, there is no cause for concern.’
Krege wanted to confirm this, but Miss Florel had disappeared inside. In two ticks, the last of the alarms stopped sounding. Silence returned to the morning, interrupted by a loud sneeze from the other side of the door.
Miss Florel came back outside and handed the keys to Barch Hossak. ‘There are quite a number of concerns regarding your wards,’ she said. ‘There has also been some damage that will be repaired under our contract. I might suggest a few minor improvements. If you want to discuss these, may I make an appointment for you with my father?’
‘Indeed,’ said Hossak.
Krege shrugged. ‘Very well then, Barch Hossak,’ he said. ‘Maybe next time the alarm should not be tested so early in the morning? I am certain all your neighbors are now awake.’
Miss Florel offered a small, apologetic smile. ‘Of course, Constable. I shall see to it we are more careful in the future.’
With the alarms sorted, Krege turned to Sundry. The crisis had been averted, but she still stood shivering like a frightened rabbit. He shook his head in dismay.
Miss Florel turned back to Barch Hossak. Her voice took on a more businesslike tone. ‘About the meeting with my father—’ She stopped to put a finger under her nose, breathing deeply.
‘Yes?’ said Hossak.
‘When would be a convenient time for you to discuss the adjustments to the wards?’
Barch Hossak’s brow furrowed. ‘Perhaps later this afternoon. I could—’
‘Wait,’ interrupted Sundry. ‘Your name, Miss, is Florel?’
Miss Florel turned to Sundry, and a light frown hovered on her brow. ‘It is. I am Adela Florel.’
Krege held up a hand to stop Sundry should she cause a scene that would no longer serve any purpose. ‘Your father would not be able to have a meeting today, Miss. I believe he was arrested earlier tonight.’
‘Arrested?’
‘For murder.’
Sundry’s words hung in the air like a leaden weight. Adela’s face drained of color, which made her inflamed nose more obvious, her eyes widening in shock and confusion. ‘What? There must be some mistake. My father would never—’
‘Ah,’ said Krege. ‘You would not have been informed. But I can confirm it. Your father has been detained on suspicion of the murder of Marchen Alan Heydel.’
Barch Hossak extended a hand to steady himself against a pillar. ‘Marchen Heydel?’ he stammered.
Miss Florel staggered back a step. Her lips quivered as she held onto Hossak’s arm. ‘My father?’
Barch Hossak reached out and placed a hand on her elbow. ‘This is indeed troubling news. Miss Florel, please know that I will do everything in my power to assist you and your father in this matter.’
‘If there’s anything you require, Miss Florel,’ said Sundry, ‘do not hesitate to ask. We are here to serve the citizens of The Burghal, and that includes ensuring justice is done.’
Krege pulled Sundry along. ‘Come on, Constable. You cannot satisfy all your moral obligations in one night.’
‘Thank you, Constables. Barch Hossak, by your leave, I must go to see my father.’
‘Indeed, Miss Florel. May I offer you a carriage to take you to the police station?’
Sample chapter from The Seventh Kill © Gerhi Janse van Vuuren
If you enjoyed this short fantasy thriller sample…
If you like this fantasy thriller sample from The Seventh Kill, why not read the whole book. I have a free version available for readers willing to read an early copy and then leave a review once the novel is published, or you can pre-order the book on Amazon for Kindle.