Velastra's Web
Written by Amanda Fisher

In the magical prequel to The Peeking Shadow, we meet Lenora—a once-bright spirit dimmed by the voice of doubt that slowly crept into her life. Born into a long line of Light Keepers, Lenora once wielded the sword of light passed down through generations. But when motherhood, pressure, and the whispering lies of a shadowy creature named Velastra take hold, Lenora begins to shrink within herself, losing her voice, her power, and her sense of purpose.

Velastra, the Weaver of Doubt, spins invisible webs around Lenora's mind. She disguises herself as "helpful thoughts," convincing Lenora she's not good enough, not strong enough, not the mother her children need. The webs tangle Lenora so tightly, she can no longer hear her own truth—only the echo of self-doubt.

But deep within Lenora is a flicker of something ancient and brave. Her daughter, Minnie, becomes the spark that sets in motion the unraveling of the lies. With every loving word, every moment of trust, Lenora hears the echo of her ancestors calling her back to the light. Slowly, painfully, she begins to untangle Velastra's grip—not with rage, but with remembrance.

Guided by the voices of her lineage and the memory of who she used to be, Lenora reclaims the sword of light. Not for glory, but for her children. For herself. For all those still trapped in shadow. In a final confrontation, Lenora faces Velastra not with fear, but with truth. She finds her voice again—and with it, shatters the web of lies that once silenced her.

Velastra's Web is a lyrical picture book that explores how self-doubt takes root—and how love, ancestry, and inner strength can break its spell. It's a story for anyone who's ever felt tangled in their own mind, and a reminder that even in the darkest web, the light is still yours to keep.