Chapter 1
Prologue
Sweat glistened off Sorcha’s skin as she pulled the bowstring tight, releasing a deep exhale.
“We haven’t got all day princess,” Drystan cupped his hands around his mouth as he yelled across the field. “Some of us still have battle exams.”
Riona elbowed Drystan, he winced as he playfully shoved her back, both laughing. Sorcha watched Lumora’s cadets, soon to be field officers, watch her. All eyes locked onto her as she steadied herself and aimed at the targets ahead. Druid elders stood nearby, whispering among themselves.
Commander Nethran pointed toward the field and called out, “Ready?”
Sorcha inhaled and focused on the Commander. “Ready.”
Runes flared along Commander Nethran’s skin as a sudden rush of air circled around the targets, setting them in motion. Erratic and fast as lightning, they flew across thefield as one charged toward her. Sorcha ducked into a roll and loosened an arrow. It struck the target dead center, dropping it instantly.
“Lucky shot” Eirin called out, his black hair falling across his face.
“Do it again,” Drystan hollered.
Riona cheered as the others whopped and shouted, “You’ve got this!” Her frost white hair catching in the breeze.
Sorcha rolled her eyes. “Thanks, guys. I’ve got it.”
Another target she didn’t notice slammed into the side of her head, wood splintering on impact. The world blurred, ringing filling her ears, but she fired another arrow and hit her mark. Crimson dripped onto her hand as she wiped her nose, her vision slowly coming back into focus. In front of her, Rhosyn, Eirin, Riona and the others shouted and pointed behind her, but she couldn’t make out the words when another blow struck the back of her head, sending her stumbling forward. Targets buzzed overhead when a loud snarl cut through the ringing in her ears. Her eyes followed the sound to canine teeth gleaming in the sunlight as it crept close. Large paws vibrated the ground as it stalked forward, a loose rendering of a wolf was in front of her. Its skin stretched too tight over a frame that was decayed and falling apart. It was at some point a livingcreature but now its reanimated form was glowing a faint blue as an elder flicked her hand.
Suddenly, the runes on her arms glowed faintly, pulsing with an unfamiliar golden light. The animal lunged and Sorcha let her arrows fly. Lodging themselves deep into the animal’s skull and chest, the creature falling just short of her feet. She pivoted firing again and again without a single glance, each target falling from the sky in a perfect circle around her.
Commander Nethran stood before her now, arm outstretched. Sorcha grabbed his hand as he pulled her upright.
“Did I pass?” she asked, smiling as he met her gaze.
“I’d say you more than passed.” He laughed, clapping her on the back. “Welcome to the Circle of Light. Let’s get you your runes.”
The Elders approached, congratulating Sorcha as they placed their hands on her arms.
“Welcome to the Circle of Light, Ranger.”
They began to whisper, and fire erupted across Sorcha’s skin. Her teeth clenched as she held her breath, the runes burning into her flesh. The magic felt like pins and needles spreading through her when suddenly light surged outward. The elders gasped as they stepped back. For just amoment Sorcha was nothing but light. Then it vanished, leaving gold flecks dancing across her skin. Sorcha looked to the Commander, the Elders and the silent cadets. An elder stepped forward, resting a hand on her shoulder.
“It was just an unexpected magic outburst. Magic can be unpredictable at times.” She smiled gently and returned to the elders, walking away toward town.
Chapter 2
Hunters Watch
Crouching low, Sorcha steadied her bow as she inhaled the scent of damp earth and wild roses. On the exhale her gaze scanned the trees as loud cracks split the limbs.
At first, each snap was separated by a breath, a moment in the brittle stillness. Then the sounds began to quicken, splintering closer together, until they echoed the rapid beat of her heart.
The brush in front of her began to tremble.
Leaves shivering in endless motion before a white rabbit leapt out. It sat curiously as it examined her, its silver-threaded eyes catching the last of the daylight. Light seemed to gather within them, swirling like liquid starlight as it tilted its head with a slow, deliberate twitch of its ear.
Before Sorcha could react, it turned and vanished backinto the trees.
“For Lugh’s sake,” she muttered, relief loosening her grip.
She slid the bow across her back, rubbing at her temples since the sleepless nights had left her painfully on edge. A chuckle escaped her lips, half anxiousness and half exhaustion.
