Manifest Powers Novels & Stories

She was asking me to think before I moved. I looked back at Marcus. The anger in my chest was cold and specific. This was the other type, the type that was the result of knowing how precisely an error had been committed and what it had cost. "The First Power," I said. "You called it that." "That is what the texts name it," Marcus said. "It is imprecise. The older accounts contradict each other on what it does and what it is. But they are all in agreement on the most important point, that it is not controllable in the sense that the Royal power is controllable."

"Tell me…what do you think power is?" Elena considered. "Strength? The ability to enforce your will?" "Common misconception." Morgan handed her a cup. "Power is the ability to shape reality. Physical strength is just one tool. True power comes from understanding forces beyond the physical." "Like?" "Economics. Information. Perception. Fear. Love." Morgan's smile was sharp. "A goddess-born who masters only physical strength wastes their potential. We're meant to influence the world on every level." "Is that why you built this place? Not just sanctuary but a power base?"