Free Short Story

When duty demands deception, even the kindest lie can kill.

Register to get a free copy of First Among Liars, a perfect story for fans of political intrigue, morally complex protagonists, and tales that explore the human cost of power.

First Foundress Seela Atherton is the perfect aristocrat: poised, calculating, and ruthlessly effective at securing her family's dominance in the planet of Concordia's cutthroat political landscape. But beneath the silk dresses and practiced smiles, she's suffocating under the weight of expectations and the guilt of the people she's exploited along the way. When her father sends her to undermine a rival's trade deal, Seela ends up befriending a desperate single mother with access to classified information, and sets for herself an impossible choice: betray someone who trusted her, or fail the family that owns her future. What follows will force her to confront the true price of power and whether redemption is possible when you can't escape who you're expected to be.

Download your free prequel short story and discover:

  • Emotion-first science fiction that balances plausible world-building with deep psychological exploration—no thin characters serving tech specs.
  • Flawed, complex protagonists wrestling with impossible choices in a politically intricate future where human nature remains unchanged by technology.
  • Cultural authenticity and philosophical depth in stories that explore identity, trauma, and family dynamics against the vastness of space and time.

Join First Among Equals' reader community and get immediate access to this character-driven story about a master manipulator who discovers an inconvenient conscience. Plus, you'll receive progress updates on my upcoming books, thoughtful sci-fi recommendations, exclusive discounts, and insider access to the creative process behind the series.

    No spam, ever. Just meaningful updates for readers who appreciate science fiction that challenges assumptions and explores the gray spaces of human nature. You can unsubscribe anytime, but readers who love morally ambiguous characters navigating impossible systems—fans of The Expanse, Dune, and Ancillary Justice—tend to stick around. Get your free now and step into a world where the most dangerous weapon isn't a gun or a ship—it's a person who's finally learned to feel.