EPILOGUE (PREVIEW) OF SHADOW RECKONING

Spring sunlight spilled across the Thornville Middle School campus, warm and bright, the kind of afternoon that made the final days of the school year feel lighter. Students drifted across the courtyard in clusters, backpacks slung over shoulders, voices buzzing with summer plans. Inside, however, the atmosphere had been anything but calm.

Ashley Strong had once again found herself at the center of a situation.

By the time Jenna arrived, the halls were already whispering. She moved with purpose, her expression unreadable, her boots echoing against the tile. Jenna walked in—FBI badge displayed, sidearm holstered, striding through the front doors like she belonged.

The secretary managed only a stunned, “I don’t know about this one… this is not good,” before Jenna swept past.

Jenna waited outside the principal’s office, arms crossed, gaze steady. When she walked by Ashley, she lifted a finger to her lips—shush—as the principal waved her inside.

“This time,” he said, sinking into his chair, “she’s gone too far.”

“What happened?” Jenna asked.

“She assaulted a staff member. Fights with students are one thing, but attacking a teacher? That crosses a line.”

Jenna’s jaw tightened. “Explain.”

The principal sighed. “There was roughhousing. Ashley was already in a scuffle with two boys. A teacher stepped in and tried to restrain her—locked her arms down. He attempted to tie her wrists with rope to keep her from hurting anyone.”

Jenna closed her eyes briefly. “He shouldn’t have done that.”

“Well,” the principal continued, “she dropped to her knees, kicked him in the crotch, rolled under him, grabbed his arms, flipped him over, and then started wailing on his face.”

Jenna exhaled. “Of course she did.”

He cleared his throat. “She asked specifically that we call you, not her parents. You’re listed as one of her emergency contacts… and you’ve been here before.”

Jenna leaned forward. “Before we go any further, let me ask you something. Who actually saw her assault the teacher?”

The principal blinked. “Just Marcy, Ashley, and the teacher. Nobody else.”

Jenna nodded slowly. “Then I think this is easy to handle. Does the teacher really want it broadcast to the greater community that a fourteen‑year‑old girl beat him up, flipped him over, and rendered him incapable of continuing his duties? And that he could face legal charges for grabbing a female student—tying her hands, no less?”

The principal swallowed.

Jenna continued, voice calm but razor‑sharp. “It might be best if the entire incident is forgotten. Otherwise the community finds out a teacher was beaten up by a fourteen‑year‑old girl. I don’t think that would be the best thing for his reputation.”

The principal leaned back, stunned. “I… don’t know how we get out of this. I will need big time support on this”

Jenna stood, checked the hallway, then pulled out her badge. She set it on the desk.

“I’m going to tell you something classified at the highest levels of the United States government. Do you swear to treat what I say as confidential and top secret?”

The principal blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“Ashley Strong is a classified national secret,” Jenna said. “And I need your cooperation.”

Before he could respond, Jenna stepped into the hallway, acknowledged Ashley with a nod, then made a call. When she returned, she asked for the principal’s cell number. He gave it to her, confused.

“We wait,” Jenna said simply.

Minutes later, his phone rang—blocked number.

“This is the National Department of Homeland Security,” a voice said. “Routing you through Admiral Thomas Magnum.”

The principal’s eyes widened.

A moment later: “Principal, this is Admiral Thomas Magnum of the State Department.

I’m calling regarding the incident involving Ashley Strong.”

The principal swallowed. “Yes, sir.”

“Ashley is considered a national asset. Years ago, there was an incident involving her and the Strong family. You may have heard rumors—terrorists, conspiracies.”

“Yes, but most people said it was a made‑up story—”

“It was real,” Magnum interrupted. “Lives were saved because of that family. People in this country are alive today because of Ashley. She was traumatized during those events. When someone restrains her hands, it triggers memories of what was done to her. We ask for your understanding and your help.”

The principal nodded slowly. “Absolutely.”

“This information is classified. You cannot repeat it. Agent Jenna Strong is authorized to act on behalf of the United States government and is recognized as a guardian of this national asset. Thank you for your cooperation.”

The call ended.

Jenna stepped forward. “Can we count on your help?”

“You have it,” he said. “And I won’t repeat any of this.”

He spoke with the teacher, then returned. Moments later, Jenna walked out to Ashley.

“Grab your stuff,” she said. “We’re going home.”

The teacher approached, remorseful. “Ashley, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tried to restrain you. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“It’s okay,” Ashley said softly. “As far as I’m concerned, this never happened.”

“Agreed,” he said.

The principal nodded. “Let’s move on. And Ashley—best of luck in high school next year.”

Outside, Priya’s SUV pulled into the lot. She stepped out, eyes sharp.

“What,” she demanded, “did you do this time?”

Jenna blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“I heard what happened.”

Ashley chimed in, “Nothing happened. We’re fine.”

Priya pointed to the car. “Little one, get in. I need a word with your sister.”

Ashley climbed in. Priya turned to Jenna.

“Did you call Admiral Magnum?”

“…I may have asked for a little help.”

“Jenna,” Priya groaned. “You are her big sister. I am her mother. Stop covering for her.

Both of you—and half this family—have PTSD. She’s still recovering from being kidnapped. She needs to learn to be a normal girl.”

“She is not nuts,” Jenna snapped. “Well… maybe half nuts when pushed.”

Priya sighed. “She has PTSD. And so do you.”

“It’s handled, Mom.”

“I’ll handle you next time you cross the line. You have three kids of your own. Focus on them. Let me worry about Ashley. And stop calling Thomas Magnum. He’s supposed to be retired.”

Jenna winced. “Okay… okay.”

Priya exhaled. “I heard there were two boys involved.”

Ashley popped her head out the window. “Yeah! I dropped them like a sack of potatoes!”

“Ashley!” Priya scolded. “Did you really need to do that?”

“They attacked Marcy and me. I wasn’t letting them get away with it.”

Priya sighed, then looked at Jenna—and burst out laughing.

“Well,” she said, shaking her head, “some of us worked hard today…”

Ashley chimed in, “And some of us were out there kicking butt!”

Ashley grinned proudly. Jenna snorted. Priya tried to keep a straight face, failed, and the three of them burst into laughter.

Priya wiped her eyes. “Alright, alright. But let’s not say that to your father, okay?”

Ashley lowered her head, sheepish. “Okay…”

Jenna squinted at her in playful approval.

Priya turned sharply. “Not one word or action from you. I saw that squint.”

Jenna straightened. “Okay, Mom.”

Priya sighed, but her smile stayed warm. “Good. Now everyone in the car. We’re going home. We’re making a big meal for the whole family.”

Ashley hopped into her seat. Jenna said, “I’ll follow you guys.”

Priya closed the door, shaking her head with affectionate disbelief.

“Half nuts,” she muttered. “All of you.”

But she was smiling as she said it.

The SUV pulled away from the school, windows cracked open to the warm spring air. The year was ending, summer was coming, and Ashley Strong—half nuts, half hero, all heart—was heading home with the people who loved her most.

Her next chapter was waiting.

SHADOW RISING: HALF NUTS — The Next Generation Has Arrived

Six years after the Strong family shattered a terrorist empire, a new hero is stepping out of the shadows — and she’s only sixteen.

Ashley Strong has survived what no child should. Born in the middle of an international operation, kidnapped at ten, and forged by trauma, Ashley enters high school with instincts she can’t turn off and a reputation she never asked for.

She’s brilliant. She’s brave. She’s half nuts — and absolutely unstoppable.

When a confrontation at school triggers memories of her past, Ashley’s explosive reaction forces her family to confront the truth: the next generation of Strong isn’t just gifted… she’s dangerous in all the right ways.

Guided by her big sister Jenna, her mother Priya, and the entire Strong family — including Lilith, Rusty, Dr. Strong, and Admiral Thomas Magnum — Ashley begins to discover who she really is:

A protector. A fighter. A national asset the government quietly owes its life to.

But Ashley doesn’t want medals or secrets. She wants to be normal. She wants to be free. She wants to choose her own battles.

Unfortunately for her, the world has other plans.

Shadow Rising: Half Nuts launches the next era of the Shadow Series — a fast‑paced, heart‑pounding adventure filled with loyalty, humor, explosive action, emotional depth, and the unstoppable spirit of a girl who refuses to stay broken.

Ashley Strong isn’t just following in her family’s footsteps. She’s carving her own legend.   Join her — and the entire Strong family — as they launch into a new adventure.

The world isn’t ready.

Coming Soon: Just a preview as requested by people Hoping to publish when series is fully written.