Written In Flames: The Spark Before The Flames (Censored) by Raya Vale at Inkitt

Story Notes

Hi loves. I just wanted to share something important about Written in Flames. Some of you have noticed — yes, there are many chapters. And yes, there are moments where the story slows down, lingers, or wanders a little deeper into someone’s thoughts or fears.
I know it’s not the typical fast-paced read.But this story wasn’t born in a typical place.
I spent two years writing this series, and I started it when I was at one of the lowest points of my life. It became my refuge — the quiet corner I ran to when everything else felt too heavy. Every “slow” chapter, every detailed moment, every emotional spiral or seemingly small scene was something I needed at the time. It was a reminder that people grow in the pauses, not just the big moments. That healing takes time. That love does, too.
So if the story ever feels long, or if you find yourself wondering why a chapter drifts a little… it’s because it carries a piece of the place I was in, and the hope I was trying to hold on to.
I wrote these characters to show myself — and maybe someone else out there — that no matter how dark or chaotic life gets, there is always a spark worth fighting for. There is always a way back. And there is always, always hope.
Thank you for reading something that means this much to me. Thank you for letting this story touch your time, your heart, or even just a small corner of your day. It genuinely means more than I can ever put into words. ❤️

Summary

Sam wasn't supposed to fall for Gabriel. She wasn't supposed to let her guard down. Not after everything she's endured. Where she is storm, he is steady. Where she is fire, he is patient. He doesn't just see the carefully constructed mask she shows the world-he sees her, the woman beneath the armour, the one who doubts, aches, and still dares to hope. His love is unconditional, steady in a way she never believed she deserved. Yet, no matter how hard she tries to resist, Gabriel becomes the one thing she can't ignore. His presence calms her storms, but it also ignites something inside her-something fierce, passionate, and impossible to control. Sam knows better than anyone that love is a liability but Gabriel makes her question everything-her choices, her fears, and the truths she's convinced herself to live by. For Sam, it could be the one thing that finally undoes her. To open her heart to Gabriel means exposing her past, her vulnerabilities, and her secrets. The question is whether she can survive loving him or will loving him be what finally kills her? Written in Flames trilogy is a romantic thriller filled with espionage, betrayal, and slow-burn passion that builds into an unforgettable love story. For fans of high-stakes danger, protective heroes, and heroines who fight as fiercely as they love-this is only the beginning.

Genre: Romance

Author: Raya Vale

Status: Ongoing

Chapters: 148

Rating: n/a

Age Rating: 18+

Disclaimer, Content Warning & A Note from the Author

Content Warning: This story contains themes that may be triggering for some readers, including emotional trauma, grief, suicidal thoughts, mild violence, anxiety, toxic relationships, and moments of adult intimacy. While these topics are explored with care and sensitivity, reader discretion is advised.

A Note from the Author: Hi, and thank you so much for being here. While I’ve done my best to polish and revise this story with love, there may still be small errors or awkward phrasing along the way. I appreciate your patience and understanding, and I hope you’ll enjoy the heart of the story, even if the words aren’t always perfect.

Writing this book has been an emotional and rewarding journey for me, and I’m so grateful you’ve chosen to be part of it. Whether you’re here for the slow-burn romance, the emotional angst, or just curious about what happens next, I’m so happy you’re reading.

Thank you for your support!

– Raya Vale

Copyright Notice: © 2025 Raya Vale. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles or reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.