Lost Ember Found

 The experiments took pieces of me that I will never recover, but my hope of being reunited with my family remained intact.

Three months before my twenty-fifth birthday, I finally received my wish.
A brash rescue pushes me into the arms of my twin brother and the father I never met. They weren’t the only ones eager for my return, and by the time we found out, it was too late.

I’m an Anchor, a damaged one that wields magic unlike any other female Changed. Despite that, the Conclave is determined to pair me with a ‘suitable’ Sept, meaning one that would solely be advantageous to them.

But I refuse to be a pawn in their game. I will follow their rules for now, but once all the pieces align, I will soar like the phoenix I am named after.

I am Ember, the Anchor for the Changed, and the fire within me will not be smothered. 

My freedom was short-lived, but this time, being a test subject is my choice. To save one of the men called to me, I’m willing to play the Conclave’s game.

The sooner this week is over, the sooner I can return to my family and to the three men called to my Sept so far. I want to focus on living, forming friendships, pushing boundaries, and strengthening the bond with my men.

But when my birthday comes early, and the rest of my Sept are revealed along with hidden secrets, tensions rise.

Factions are working in the shadows to try and break me, forgetting I’m not alone anymore. I have reasons to fight, and those reasons will keep my hope and fire alight.

 Our bonding night was meant to be special, but that’s been ripped away from me. I was once willing to play the Conclave’s game. Not anymore.

It’s time for change. Our society cannot continue on this path with leaders so corrupt they think they’re above all laws.

I think it’s time I ignite, like the phoenix Vertus calls me, and show those who seek to control me just how far I’ve come. Dom may think he’s got his favourite pet back, but I’m not the weak-willed girl he knew.

It’s time I embrace who I am. Ignite the depths of power within my soul and ensure my Sept and I can live in peace.

My name is Ember. I am an Anchor. And I will not allow myself to be caged again.