Hey everyone! Hope you all had a fantastic February! 🙌

Ash has been typing away absolutely smashing through the rewrites, and we’re now 75% of the way there! 🎉

To celebrate, we wanted to share something extra special - a brand-new look at some of the latest art from Akeroth. Feast your eyes 👀

It’s all coming together, and we can’t wait for you to see more. 

As always, if you’ve got questions, hit us up in the comments or over on socials. Can’t wait to share more soon! 🙌

- Ruby ⚔️

Dear Readers,

A brief but significant update:

Throne of Luster is currently at the printers.
The story of Valeron Greenleaf, the Lightless elf who discovers a power that defies everything he's been taught, is being transformed from digital files into physical reality.

We're now waiting on physical copies to arrive. Once we have them in hand, we'll confirm quality, finalise fulfillment plans, and get them to you.

We know the anticipation is building. So is ours. The moment those first copies arrive, you'll be the first to know.
The Light burns bright. The story is nearly yours.

With gratitude,
The Crossed Paths Team ✨

Dear Readers,

There's something profoundly satisfying about finishing a novel. Not just writing "The End," but reaching that moment where you know, truly know, that the story is complete. That every thread has found its place, and the characters have arrived where they needed to be.

We’re writing to tell you that Throne of Luster has reached that moment.

✨ The Journey Begins (And Ends)

Valeron Greenleaf's story is complete. From his quiet life in Sproutvale, to the discovery of a power that should be impossible for one born Lightless. From the dragon attack that shattered his world, to the truths he uncovers about the Light itself, it's all there, finished, ready.

For those unfamiliar: Throne of Luster is our debut novel, set in Akeroth's Batesian region in the aftermath of the Dragonfall. It's a story about power as burden rather than gift, about the Lightbearers who struggle to maintain balance in a world gone chaotic, and about one young elf who doesn't fit any definition his world has for him.
The Light, once a beacon of hope, now burns with untamed ferocity. The remnants of the World Tree whisper forgotten magics, and Valeron must navigate it all while discovering who, and what, he truly is.

Physical samples are being produced as we write this. Once we receive and approve them, you'll get a complete fulfillment timeline. We're close now.

🎧 Audiobook: Your Voice Matters

The audiobook is currently in production, and we're at an interesting crossroads. We're considering two different release strategies:

Weekly episodic releases that give you time to absorb each chapter, discuss theories, and experience the story as a serialised journey.
Or full release all at once, letting you dive in completely and experience Valeron's journey at whatever pace feels right for you.

Both approaches have their magic and honestly? We can't decide.

So as the new year begins, we're putting it to a vote. You'll decide how the audiobook unfolds. Keep an eye out for that poll, as your input will directly shape how Throne of Luster comes to life in audio form!

📖 Finding My Voice: A Note From Ash

I want to share something personal with you here.

While working on Throne of Luster and our game projects, I wrote another story. Oathfire: a novella set before the Dragonfall, focused on two brothers and the choices that define their relationship and their fates.
Here's what makes Oathfire different: I didn't write it for anyone but myself. No deadline, no commercial goal, no target audience. Just a story that demanded to be told, characters whose voices wouldn't leave me alone, and the pure creative act of writing fiction because I wanted to.

Moving forward, I want to write more personal fiction alongside commercial projects. Stories that might never see release, or might surprise me by needing to be shared. Fiction that lets me continue developing as a writer, taking risks, finding my voice.

Oathfire might remain private, a creative exercise and personal exploration. Or it might become something I share eventually. I don't know yet, and that uncertainty feels right. But I wanted you to know it exists, because this community has always supported creative risks and honest expression.

Listen to Chapter One here:

So to summarise:

Throne of Luster is complete. The audiobook is being crafted. Personal creative work is happening alongside commercial projects. And all of it, every word, decision and risk, is possible because of your support.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The Light burns bright, and Valeron's story is ready to be told.

With deep gratitude,
The Crossed Paths Team ⚔️