Vi pulled her hand away quickly, pushing aside the thinly woven blanket covering her bed along with the thought.

For a brief second, Vi watched the fire dance around her fingertips and imagined the stable little flame was her own. The wick caught the heat, ignited, and she breathed a sigh of relief. White lightning flashed in the darkness between her fingers. “It’s just a candle,” Vi repeated aloud, searching for a sliver of magic. The burnt wick drew a dark line of soot across her hands, nearly invisible in the night.

Her fingers relaxed, and she reached out. On the other was the power of her forefathers. She was on one side, barely able to do more than dredge up a spark of magic. Deep within her was an insurmountable wall. Vi’s hands balled into fists, clutching her bed sheets over her knees. She should have been able to do the same. Most Firebearers could light it with a thought. Yet she was more daunted by this one candle than she would have been facing down a beast in the jungle. It was ridiculous, laughable even she was a Solaris for the Mother’s sake. Vi took a deep breath, trying to quell her nerves. One single candle in the holder at the edge of her bedside table. In the darkness, a bitter smile crossed her lips. “You did well, but things are only beginning now. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form without permission.Ĭover Artwork illustration by Livia Prima

Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.Īll rights reserved. The names, characters, and events in this book are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Vortex chronicles the complete series