The Sanctioned Series - Book 1

Without Light

In a fractured dystopian world where five territories vie for power, Without Light follows Levity, a reluctant contender in a brutal competition designed to break even the strongest minds, and Betta, a seasoned leader burdened with dark secrets that could topple a sinister regime. As they navigate torment, betrayal, and the blurred lines between friend and foe, both women must uncover the truth and find the strength within to survive—or risk being consumed by the very darkness they seek to destroy.

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Dual POVs - FMCs (Female Main Characters)

LEVITY

Pronounced: "Lev-it-ee"

Name Origin: Levity’s a name that sounds as light as her character. It might make you think of a balloon floating away or, like, that one friend who always manages to be cheerful, even when life throws curveballs. Just don’t mistake her sweetness for weakness—she can hold her own when it matters.

Levity Wilhoph, a 24-year-old Surviving Aide representative from Sertoda, stands as a beacon of quiet strength and untapped resilience. Chosen by her peers for The Sanctioning—a brutal and unforgiving ordeal meant to weed out the weak—Levity's inclusion defies expectation. She's not the loudest voice in the room, nor the fiercest, but her unassuming nature masks a deeply-rooted determination forged in the fires of personal tragedy.

Her past is a heavy shadow. Orphaned with her four younger siblings after the loss of her parents and haunted by a desperate, near-fatal choice during her darkest hours, Levity has spent her life carrying a burden of guilt. That night, born of despair, nearly defined her—but it didn’t break her.

Levity’s journey is one of profound transformation. At her core, she is a survivor—a protector whose love for her family eclipses even her own fears. Though she is plagued by insecurity, her loyalty and growing moral compass push her to question the darkness that is The Sanctioning and the twisted leadership that is being covered up. She must confront the darkest parts of herself while deciding whether to uphold a broken system or dismantle it entirely.

Why Readers Will Fall in Love with Levity

Her Nurturing Spirit
Levity’s heart is her greatest strength. Whether it’s shielding her younger siblings from the weight of the world or helping a fellow representative in their moment of despair, her love is fierce, unrelenting, and deeply human. Readers will feel the echoes of their own quiet acts of care reflected in her.

Her Evolving Moral Compass
In a world painted in shades of gray, Levity’s journey toward clarity is raw and real. She isn’t perfect, but her growing awareness of what’s right—and the courage to act on it—will resonate with anyone who’s struggled to navigate their own moral dilemmas.

Her Battle with Depression
Levity’s story is one of hope reclaimed. Her struggles with depression are deeply personal, yet profoundly relatable, as she fights to shed the chains of her past and rediscover her inner strength. Her triumphs, though hard-won, serve as a beacon for anyone who has faced the crushing weight of hopelessness.

Levity Wilhoph isn’t just a character; she’s a reflection of the strength it takes to keep going, the courage it takes to care, and the determination it takes to change a broken system. Readers will find themselves rooting for her survival, her growth, and ultimately, her victory over both The Sanctioning and the ghosts that haunt her. Levity’s story isn’t just about enduring—it’s about becoming.

BETTA

Pronounced: "Eh-lee-sah-beh-tah" but just "Beh-tah"

Name Origin: Betta, not Beta (despite what my best friend might tease me with because she was a Beta reader). It’s definitely a name that has a legacy for me, especially when I consider how many iterations of “Elizabeth” I've been through in all of my past writing. My grandma was Elizabeth, "Betty". I continue to pay tribute to her memory. She'd appreciate Betta's scrappy, snarky personality.

Elisabetta “Betta” Rahmani, a 26-year-old leader from Sertoda, is a master of survival in a world driven by deception, technology, and unrelenting power. As one of Sandric's Sanctioned, she’s known for her razor-sharp intellect and unparalleled skill in strategy and diplomacy. Yet, Betta’s brilliance isn’t her only weapon—her true strength lies in her ability to navigate the intricate web of lies, corruption, and manipulation that defines The Sanctioning.

But behind the calculated exterior and poised leadership is a woman shaped by betrayal. Betta carries the weight of hard-earned success, knowing that everything she’s built could crumble at any moment. Her past is littered with fractured trust and her future will unfurl uneasy alliances, leaving her questioning not only the motives of those around her but also her own capacity to trust.

Betta’s journey is one of resilience and sacrifice. She’s driven by a burning desire to expose the corruption festering in Sandric’s leadership, even as the cost of her actions forces her to confront the cracks in her own humanity. As the stakes rise, Betta must walk a delicate line between outsmarting her enemies and holding onto the remnants of her soul.

Why Readers Will Be Drawn to Betta

Her Snarky Grit
Betta’s sharp wit is as much a weapon as her mind. Whether she’s dismantling an argument with biting sarcasm or staring down impossible odds with unyielding resolve, her grit makes her an unforgettable presence. Readers will cheer for her as she fights back, refusing to let the world crush her spirit.

Her Struggle with Trust
Beneath her commanding facade is a woman grappling with the scars of betrayal. Betta’s struggle to trust—even those she wants to believe in—makes her journey achingly human. Readers will empathize with her guarded heart and find hope in her moments of vulnerability.

Her Resilience in the Face of Corruption
Betta is a fighter through and through (and not just verbally). In a world built on lies and oppression, she stands as a defiant force, challenging a broken system with calculated moves and unwavering determination. Her sacrifices resonate deeply, embodying the idea that real change often comes at great personal cost.

Elisabetta "Betta" Rahmani is a character of contrasts: fiercely confident yet profoundly vulnerable, unrelentingly determined yet deeply scarred. Readers will be captivated by her battle against corruption, her struggle to mend fractured trust, and her refusal to let the shadows of her past dictate her future. Betta isn’t just a leader—she’s a fighter, a survivor, and a symbol of what it means to stand your ground when everything is at stake.

MMCs (Main Male Characters)

Thomas

Pronounced: We should all know this one. No trick to it.

Name Origin: Thomas might sound pretty normal, but trust me, this guy’s life is anything but. Think of him as the solid, dependable type. Also, fun fact, my uncle's name is Tom and he named his son and a horse Tom as well....So Thomas worked for me too!

Thomas Ravleon, 28, is a steadfast idealist and a Noble Warrior representative from Sertoda. His compassionate nature and unshakable moral convictions often clash with the ruthless Sanctioning, challenging his ability to face his deepest fears and failures. Beneath his calm demeanor lies an unwavering resolve to bring hope and justice to a fractured world.

Thomas's Pop Culture Counterpart:

Sam Winchester from Supernatural (TV) – Sam is the perfect fit for Thomas. He has that boy-next-door charm, is extremely likable, polite, and has a deep sense of ambition throughout the series. He’s muscular, handsome, and always ready to help those in need, embodying the golden retriever energy. His kindness, loyalty, and caring nature make him the ideal match for Thomas’ personality.

Draven

Pronounced: "Dray-ven"

Name Origin: I wanted something smooth, but with a bit of edge that says "I’m not here to play nice." He had to have a 'V' in his name, so you know he’s a character who brings a bit of venom. Draven is complicated—he’s a character with a lot of layers. It sounds like someone you should watch out for but also root for. It carries that strong, mysterious vibe that makes you question everything he’s doing.

Draven Ballister, 32, is the charismatic and calculating Sanctioned Noble Warrior of Sandric. This Brawn native is a master of strategy and skilled combat, he thrives in high-stakes environments where his charm and ambition make him both an ally and a threat. Beneath his polished exterior is a man grappling with the consequences of power and his own moral conflicts.

Draven's Pop Culture Counterpart:

Khal Drogo from A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin – Drogo is a warrior and a protector, with a deep sense of duty to his people and a possessive nature when it comes to Daenerys. His military background and fierce loyalty to those he loves make him a fitting comparison.

Garon

Pronounced: "G-air-on"

Name Origin: Garon’s name might sound simple, but underneath it, there's a whole lot going on. He’s the kind of character that sneaks up on you, much like his name. Unassuming is a word that comes to mind, and that is what I wanted his name to represent as well.

Garon Fiore, 30, is a perceptive and enigmatic figure from Dobia, harboring secrets capable of unraveling Sandric’s oppressive system. Intelligent and resourceful, he balances the line between ally and enigma, driven by a purpose far greater than himself. Garon’s quiet strength hides a fierce loyalty to those who earn his trust.

Garon's Pop Culture Counterpart:

Jamie Fraser from Outlander (TV) – Jamie is rugged, intelligent, and muscular, with a mysterious air about him. His wit and sharp mind, combined with his strength and protective nature, align well with Garon’s traits. He also has a magnetic, gorgeous presence that fits Garon’s character.

Character art and top illustration by Zayane - Link to Fiverr page.

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What is The Sanctioning? Is it survival? Is it submission? A secretive, harrowing process where those vying for power are forced to face their worst fears, pushed to the edge of their humanity. Each moment, a test. Every decision, a sacrifice. The chosen few will emerge—transformed, broken, yet ruling with unquestioned authority becoming the Sanctioned.

But at what cost?

Surviving Aide

Noble Warrior

Perpetual Sense

"When Sandric’s territories first united, three leadership roles were established to ensure balance: the Noble Warrior, the Perpetual Sense, and the Surviving Aide.

The Noble Warrior protected the land, standing as a symbol of strength. The Perpetual Sense offered wisdom, guiding decisions with reason and foresight. The Surviving Aide safeguarded the well-being of the people, ensuring that none were forgotten.

These roles were meant to work in harmony, each balancing the others’ influence—strength tempered by wisdom, wisdom softened by compassion.

This system operated on ideals.... but ideals are fragile things."

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Mass

The epicenter of Sandric’s government, Mass is shrouded in secrecy, where the past is hidden beneath layers of technological innovation. It is here that the Sanctioning takes place, where new leadership rises, all under the guise of unity. The city's exterior, filled with high-tech structures and futuristic advancements, masks a deeper, more sinister tale, with the government’s true machinations obscured by the relentless march of progress.