A Perilous Night: Demetra, Charlie, and Turr’s Encounter with Wrens and Mortars

This book is written by Tiffany Blanton, an amazing and rising author who is thrilled to talk about her book, Demetra’s Curse. In this, she’s telling us that the tranquility of night was shattered when Demetra awoke to the building’s violent tremors as if gripped by an earthquake. Stumbling out of bed, she tripped over Charlie, who lay sprawled in the room. Annoyed, she kicked him awake, urging him to rise quickly as something was clearly amiss. Together, they rushed to the balcony, where Turr had already beaten them, only to realize that they were under attack by the Wrens and Mortars.

The Wrens, menacing as ever, were not alone this time. Clutched to their backs were the Mortars—beastly creatures with ashen bodies and sharp yellow teeth, brandishing staffs that shot streams of fire. Turr, with urgency, transformed into a horse, urging Demetra and Charlie to get on. They needed to reach King Poseidon to have any hope of finding Princess Amalta. However, their flight was cut short as they were violently thrown onto a nearby rooftop.

Demetra, bleeding and disoriented, found Charlie, and together, they looked for Turr, who lay injured in the cobblestone street below. As they pondered their next move amidst the crawling Mortars and Wrens, a young boy named Cree appeared, whisking them to safety. Cree led them to a hidden passageway, where they found refuge and healing crystals.

As they rested, Cree revealed the significance of the crystals and hinted at the dire sacrifices made by the Elemental Kings and Queens to ensure their children’s safety. With Turr too weak to move, Demetra decided to press on to the palace with Cree, leaving Charlie to tend to their injured friend. The chapter ends with Demetra’s determination to reach King Poseidon and uncover the secrets of Princess Amalta’s whereabouts, highlighting the themes of bravery, loyalty, and the relentless quest for answers in a world fraught with danger.