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

by Samantha Amstutz

“Our deployments will ready the humans to rise to our aid,” Elashor said, nodding his thanks. “We were discussing the logistics when you arrived,” the queen said. As if Serenna’s presence had interrupted something important. “So, I’m needed here, then?” Serenna asked, glancing between them. Her heart felt as heavy and hollow as the chalice she placed back on the table. “To help prepare the humans to address this conflict?” Elashor shook his head. “We need you, but not in Vaelyn.” Serenna settled back into her seat as he continued. “We found it prudent to establish an academy for the half-breeds born in Alari. Around the same time the wraith escaped their prison, we completed the construction of Centarya in a place that is wholly impossible for anyone to breach.” “Jassyn has told me about Centarya,” Serenna said, eager to show she’d heard about the prestigious research facility. “But what does the academy have to do with the wraith?” “Centarya’s…priorities have shifted beyond education.” Elashor drummed his fingers on the table. “The wraith have backed us into a corner. We are out of options. The High Council decreed we must assemble all mature half-breeds from the human realms.” Elashor paused while the shutters rattled from the wind howling outdoors, announcing the storm’s imminent arrival. “In efforts to preserve our pure-blooded population, we need to utilize any advantages over the wraith. This begins with including your generation in our academy’s training.” “Training...