The Traveler: Edges of Worlds UA

Blurb:

This is the story of Ashley Brown and her journey across two worlds.
At 25, Ashley has already travelled through many countries and seen much of the world. At the start of the book, she’s living in a rented apartment on the outskirts of Toronto.

After yet another dull date with one of her admirers, she suddenly finds herself in a strange new realm — Vanah, a land ruled by ancient traditions and strict patriarchy.
Young Prince Darren Aliston makes a mistake during a summoning ritual… and pulls Ashley out of her own world.

Together, Darren and Ashley try to find a way to send her back.
But in this unfamiliar world, she must face thrilling adventures, dangerous encounters, new emotions — and familiar fears.
This story offers a fresh twist on the classic portal fantasy.

***

We stepped into one of the lounge rooms.

"Why did you invite me, Ren?" I asked the question that had been circling in my mind since the day I received his invitation.

"I didn’t dare hope you’d actually come… not after everything," he said, hesitating, his gaze locked on mine. I could see the king regretted the way we had parted.

"After you paid me off with a pouch of coins?" I tilted my head slightly and gave a sad smile.

"Ashley… I won’t try to excuse myself. I admit I acted poorly. I’m sorry," he said, his tone serious. Yet Darren didn’t look particularly guilty.

"I can’t. I won’t even pretend that everything’s fine or that I understood your choice. It hurt me. But I got through it. And I still came when you called. So tell me, Ren — why?"

The smile faded from my face. I still didn’t understand why he had invited me.