Read the First Chapter of Artifact – Free Exclusive Preview

 What if the past wasn’t just history—but a secret that could change everything we believe about humanity’s place in the universe?

That’s the question at the heart of Artifact. And today, you don’t have to wonder—you can step into the mystery yourself.

As a special thank-you to readers, I’m giving away Chapter One of Artifact—free, right here in this post. No sign-ups. No waiting.

 

ONE

            Dr. Calvin Prentice stood in the tranquil expanse of his office at Boston University, eyes transfixed on an array of images tacked to the wall. Glyphs, intricate and enigmatic, that had fed his obsession for the past decade. One from the sunbaked lands of Egypt, the other from the aged ruins of Turkey. Both displaying the same motif – a pyramid, their symbols uncannily similar as they were mysterious. Prentice was steadfast in his belief of a connection, a common thread embedded deep within a forgotten chapter of human history.

Prentice was a seasoned scholar, his hair having long since grayed and his eyes bearing the weight of years of relentless study. Yet, there was an undeniable vitality about him, an intensity in his gaze that revealed his unyielding determination. A lost civilization, laden with wisdom and ancient technology, he believed, was yearning to be rediscovered in the heart of the Amazon.

His graduate assistants, Mace Santino and Lydia Brimmer, stood as contrasting figures next to the experienced professor. Santino, with his broad shoulders and shaved head, exuded a quiet toughness. His demeanor, a testament to a challenging upbringing in the harsh corners of Boston city, belied his sharp intellect. Lydia, in contrast, was a spirit similar to Prentice - keen, brilliant, her radiating enthusiasm for their mission was almost palpable. Together, they formed an unusual yet devoted team, ready to challenge the limits of their discipline and to unravel secrets shrouded by time.

Mace Santino was built like a boxer, but his sharp eyes hinted at a life dedicated to academia rather than physical exertion. A native Bostonian, he had sought refuge in the halls of Boston University on a scholarship, away from the tumultuous streets of his neighborhood. His coarse exterior was a stark contrast to his agile mind and quick wit, making him a valuable asset to any endeavoring research team.

Lydia Brimmer was the embodiment of youthful ambition. Brilliant, tenacious, and perpetually eager to learn, she had been drawn to the mysteries of the past from an early age. With a curiosity akin to Prentice's, she had become his most trusted confidant in this journey of discovery. Her commitment to the pursuit of knowledge mirrored that of her professor, a camaraderie that reinforced their steadfast partnership.

The expedition they were embarking on was cloaked in uncertainty. On the brink of an unexplored world, faced with dense jungles, untraveled terrains, and an undiscovered chapter of human history, they stood. Yet, they were driven by an insatiable curiosity, a hunger to delve deep beneath the surface of known history and illuminate the secrets that time had chosen to forget.