Six years have gone by since Paula and sisters Jena, Julia and
Stela visited the Other Kingdom and said goodbye to their eldest
sibling Tatiana, who chose to stay behind with her sweetheart
Sorrow. Although the family of Piscul Dracului has gone through
many changes, each of the sisters still hopes to be reunited with
their beloved Tati and experience the wondrous realm once again
someday.

When Paula joins her father on a voyage from Transylvania to
Istanbul, Turkey, the 17-year-old scholar wants to experience a
memorable adventure. However, work must come first, as Paula is her
father’s assistant during an important trading
expedition.

The father-daughter duo is anxious to find out more about a
highly sought-after artifact. Paula’s father, Theodor, would
like to buy a mysterious relic for an elderly scholar. Called
Cybele’s Gift, it is said to contain the wisdom of an ancient
pagan earth goddess. According to legend, the relic will bring good
fortune to those worthy of keeping it.

Paula and Theodor have barely arrived in Istanbul when they
learn that a trading colleague has been murdered. To make matters
more complicated, Paula begins seeing visions of a woman who may be
Tati. As her father conducts trade meetings and waits for the
secret deal, Paula seeks more information about Cybele’s
Gift.

Prior to their arrival, Paula had agreed with her father that
since she is a young woman acting as a trader’s assistant,
she must have a bodyguard while staying in the Islamic-ruled city.
While interviewing candidates, Paula meets Stoyan, who, ironically,
was the bodyguard of the murdered trader. Despite his intimidating
appearance and their initial misgivings, the father and daughter
agree to hire the solemn Bulgarian. Unfortunately for the young
assistant, getting the chance to explore the ancient city proves to
be more difficult, especially when she catches the eye of a
charismatic Portuguese trader named Duarte de Costa Aguiar ---
rumored to be involved in piracy.

Meanwhile, Paula meets a beautiful Greek woman named Irene de
Volos. A merchant’s wife, Irene’s home includes a
library that is a haven for female scholars. As rumors swirl and
danger brews, Paula uncovers startling clues that lead her on an
unbelievable quest of discovery involving a dark history, love and
secrets of the Other Kingdom.

Told through the perspective of Paula (the bookish sister),
CYBELE’S SECRET is the highly anticipated companion to
WILDWOOD DANCING. Thrilling and emotional, this romantic adventure
will leave readers hoping for more stories featuring the family of
Piscul Dracului.

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