The Unwelcome Guest

They say you should never turn away someone in need — but they forgot to mention what happens when a visitor refuses to leave.

When a wandering bard seeks shelter at the Thessarin estate, Tavia welcomes him in with open curiosity—and her brother Dorian with weary caution. But as the days stretch into weeks, strange things take root: silver grows in the garden, music lingers after the last note fades, and something ancient stirs in the shadows.

Halen Cade spins tales that blur the line between truth and enchantment, and Tavia begins to see the threads of her own life woven through his stories. Yet every song has its secret, and every guest his price.

A romantasy of hidden identities, forbidden magic, and the perilous power of true names—from the enchanted world of Tessagonia. Loosely inspired by a storyteller from our own world who once overstayed his welcome at Charles Dickens's home.

A standalone tale in the world of Tessagonia.