The Aspect of Essence (The Aelfyn Archives, #1)

by Samantha Amstutz

“Nosing through books was my brother’s specialty,” Vesryn said with a sad smile, his eyes reflecting the memories of his past. “Even so, he was probably still a more formidable swordsman than me—at least back then. Though, I suppose he trained as much as he did so he had an excuse to spend more time around our captain.” The prince shook his head and gave a snort. “Anyway, Aesar believed our race was removed from the origins of our magic for too long—perhaps a reason why Essence has started to fade.” Serenna studied the sky with an uncomfortable weight settling against her chest as the prince confided in her. The conversation seemed important to him, even though she couldn’t guess why he shared more about his brother. Vesryn turned pensive, staring out across the horizon, his eyes becoming as distant as the stars. “All we know for certain is that Aelfyn history began over five thousand years ago. What little else we know is hardly more than stories, passed down from the remnants of their people who crashed on the mortal shores.” “Do the legends say why the Aelfyn never tried sailing back across the Cerulean Sea? Couldn’t they portal?” Serenna asked. “The Maelstrom was to blame, and I think it’s more than a storm.” Vesryn split the illumination into dozens of glittering jewels that floated around them like hummingbirds. “I can’t explain it. I’ve flown near the tempest on Naru, and the energy it emits is like nothing I’ve ever sensed before.” He traced his lower lip in though...