In a realm carved by the clash of gods and men, Agni Kazirian defied both to become the empire’s greatest warrior. But no one knows what guides him, the wisdom of an ancient shade that leads him to both genius and savagery. As dark forces awaken, Agni must decide which to follow—one threatens death, the other, something worse. Will he rise as the savior of his people, or the architect of their ruin?
Raised in the shadow of war, I rose from a forgotten lineage to bring Emperor Taran Solant’s two greatest foes to their knees. Now, I live to protect a fragile peace as Lord Guardian of the East and stand betrothed to Duchess Sara. But I did not rise by my strength alone. None knows that the spirit of an ancient emperor guides me—shaping my victories, sharpening my mind—nor that he hungers to reclaim his lost empire through me. When the time comes to rise, he promised me a crown that will last a thousand years. The Dragonlands united, my people would live at the peace I have coveted. Would such a prize be worth the torrent of spilled blood? I PROTECT.
Final son of the Dragon God, I was born to unite the squabbling Dragonlands under one eternal crown. The Empire Kazia, the Jewel of Eternity, was mighty in peace and war. But my divine father deemed us unworthy and struck us down. For two thousand years, it has pained me to watch my people forget their legacy. But I have shown my scion the vision—no man who sees our splendor could bow to another. For twenty years, I have forged him into a weapon. The Dragonlands will either rise behind our banners…or burn beneath them. I PREPARE.
I have spent my life in the shadows of men—my father’s court, Agni’s armies—but I have learned to thrive where men fail to see. Firstly, courts and armies run on coin, and I know the levy better than any treasurer. Second, I have watched them while they believe me unaware. Does Father believe I miss how he dangles my betrothal to Agni over other lords? Does Agni realize that his fighting men only obey him because their lord demands it? I will not be known as someone’s daughter or wife—I will carve my name into the halls of power myself. I WATCH.
I did not seize power in a day. I earned it through years of patience and guile. The sword of my youth struck down foes, but it was my wisdom that secured Emperor Taran’s trust. None more so than when I elevated a borderland boy to High General over greater names. I shaped Agni’s loyalty, and he delivered us victories. Some call him blessed, others call him mad—I call him useful. Were he wise, he should strive to say so. For from the heights of power he has ascended, any fall can kill. I COMMAND.
The son of a Tarkan sailor and his Solantian wife, I came of age on the Great Sea and learned to weather storms and steel. When the Black Moon War broke out, I pledged my sword to Solantia. But it was not until I was assigned to Agni Kazirian that I found my true calling. With my wife passed and my sons of age, I had no other family. I protect him from not only battle foes and jealous officers, but more so, from the unspoken darkness that swirls in his heart. I will stand by his side through war and ruin. And if he falls, I will carry his sword. I GUARD.
I am a daughter of the Aloi, in a land that expects both to submit. Orphan, thief, entertainer, I survived by my wits and weapons alone. Then, I met Agni Kazirian—warrior, scholar, hero—and he showed me a world beyond my next meal. A world of books and knowledge that captivated me. Finally, a man loved my heart, and I his, even as his were pledged to another. Someday, we will belong to one another, but all will know me not just as his, but an author of her own fate—and many great books. I SURVIVE.
