He had an obsessive mind.When there was something that he wanted to research, it took a great deal to divert his attention from satisfying that curiosity.For years, during his childhood, his mother had attempted to rouse him from his books by implementing several different tactics, eager to get him motivated to go outside and play with other children. To mingle. To make friends. But to no avail. She could never get him to part with his texts.Yet something—something silently disquiet—was enough to quickly shake his attention from his books. Beck raised his chin from the tome and squinted into the hazy room. Several lanterns rebounded off the walls, illuminating the room but creating deep, fathomless shadows behind stacks of books and corners.Silence.The tailors had left for the night, leaving early to help with the cleanup effort around the capital. Though it was difficult to remember, as he’d been so engrossed wi

The hairs on the back of his neck suddenly stood on end.Micah’s eyes narrowed out the window, submitting to the unnerving sensation and wondering at the cause. Just down the train’s corridor, Josiah interacted with a few military men. Though they were unnaturally smitten with the Igni king, Josiah wasn’t doing anything to warrant Micah’s current feelings of unease and disquiet.Which was actually quite astounding in itself.He rotated on the bench, throwing an arm across the back of the bench and facing Josiah. Alternating between admiring the passing scenery and watching Josiah, he pondered on the restlessness in the air.It felt as if something shifted, as if things were revolving the wrong direction.“I’ve been told you have trouble conjuring your Element.”His unease certainly wasn’t attributed to Calder’s royal guard who decided to sidle next to Micah on the cushioned bench. He offe

“You support his existence.”The young boy remained facing away from him.Innocent and juvenile hums escaped the young boy’s throat as he carefully arranged a basket of wildflowers. His dark, small fingers curled around the thin stems and entwined them elaborately around one another. Thick lashes pressed against his plump, healthy cheeks as he paid singular attention on his creation, not at all concerned with Dushyanta standing at his unprotected back.And why should he be concerned?The Earth Goddess would easily conquer Dushyanta.“I consider your failure to be an act of betrayal,” Dushyanta pressed heatedly. “Certainly you realize just what he is.”The hums gradually came to a stop. “As I told Agni and young Ezra,” the boy started softly, “I have my assumptions. Nothing is concrete, and nothing should be concrete for you and the others either.”“He raised a God

“You are a naïve and ignorant fool.”Micah did not give Conway Edlen the satisfaction of turning around.Dinner had been a strained event. Josiah hadn’t said a word all evening and the royal guards were just as silent. They’d eaten alone at the dining hall, their clinking utensils the only sound that transpired between the group.Micah had sensed the air of frustration and disappointment. He recognized and acknowledged he’d overstepped by speaking about the Noir Users in such a reformist way, especially considering Calder had sent him on this tour to slap the wrists of the kingdoms who allowed such leeway with sorcery.He’d gone completely against Concordia’s principles.Another political misstep, yes, but he was not going to cower.His proposition was new. A budding, nearly intangible taste of an idea that could grow into something impressively beneficial for everyone involved. He just needed t

Neutral tans and golds decorated the council chambers. Micah found little to appreciate in the neutral wash with the exception of the large table. Wide, rustic planks made up the table top, polished and gleaming with deep cherry undertones.It was handsome.It was also the focus of his attention during the tedious summit.On one side, six Unda councilmembers sat with the Igni members directly across from them. Naturally, Calder occupied the head of the table with Josiah sitting at the other end. Micah, on the other hand, sat on Josiah’s right. He assumed, once he had his coronation, he’d take Josiah’s place at the head.For now, he was content being invisible.Better to observe others this way.So far, he’d made eye contact with Sachiel long enough to know the man wanted to speak with him privately after the meeting. Hopefully, he had good news regarding Kai.Cain’s mother—Cordelia Abital—also nodded her greeting.Seeing her reminded Micah of his team and it made him yearn to see them