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

by Samantha Amstutz

Greetings, young draka, hear our plight, New hatchlings from earth and starlight. From distant galaxies did the whelps arrive, They stole our magic and left us deprived. They used five Hearts to bind our power in chains: Earth, Fire, Lightning, Wind, and Rain. The balance of earth, it must be restored, The Hearts must be returned to where they were forged. But the Hearts were hidden by the thieving hands, The cunning ones from otherworldly lands. Bring us the Hearts so we can restore, The harmony as we had before the war. Young draka, heed our call, For this balance of nature affects us all.

“Oh, go get scorched by a star,”

“We’re intertwined,” he said, his fingers warm, unfolding against her. “I felt your presence appear in my mind the night I portaled here. I’m assuming it was because you were untethered for the first time.”

“I know you feel it too,” he whispered in a voice as soft as dreams. “This power when we touch.”

“Our…” He grasped at the air as if he were trying to gather the right words. “Essence has the ability to form a connection with another person, linking our Wells, binding us together.”

“I see you wake up radiantly arrogant.”

“So please excuse me if my defiance doesn’t live up to your expectations. I’m broken, and all I have left to fight with are the fucking pieces.”

It’s like seeing a kaleidoscope of colors when I’ve been living in black and white. Letting the human side of you feel is nothing to be ashamed of. I’m sorry I used that against you.

Sticking his head back in the office, Vesryn said, “I wouldn’t say no if you wanted to slap my dragon sigil on your left ass cheek.”