Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles, #1)

by T.A. White

"You know the rules, Silas," Graydon rumbled in warning. Silas waved his statement away. "Relax, old friend. I don't intend more than this. I just wanted to see the lost gem you were so kind to see returned to Luatha."

They remained guarded but not tense. There was a difference.

Another man, attired similarly with a cloak covering him, joined them. His expression was interested and watchful as he took in Kira and Graydon.

She didn't think he'd like to know what her first memory was, but it wasn't the gentleness of a mother's touch.

"Welcome back to your people, little one."

That wasn't what caught Kira's attention and held it. No, it was the power that roiled around her, a tidal wave battering her senses. It surged and frolicked around the Overlord like a well-trained dog. Liara smiled. It was the type of expression poets would have once written sonnets about.

a bunch of perfectly formed spheres on them. They represented every color imaginable, polished until they gleamed. The air above the table had the faintest haze over it, like heat coming off pavement.

felt a deep sense of peace emanating from the table. This was like the planet's consciousness on an immeasurably smaller scale. It lacked sapience but held an impossible depth of emotion. Right now, those rocks were happy and content in their place.

she plucked one of the spheres up. It lit up at her touch, glowing a light bluish green. "A melder. A fine affinity," Liara said.

He picked a sphere that blazed white hot in his hands. "Well chosen, young Joule. A shield is always welcome in our ranks. Our master architects will be happy for an apprentice with an affinity for earth,"