Chapter 1

The Havenwood Commune expected a new Harbinger.

Our Sunstone Lineage held this promise.

The Old Sage prophesied it.

Every ten years, the High Elder chose a woman.

I am Sarah.

My Aura was the strongest.

This was my blessing, my curse.

High Elder Josiah chose me in that first life.

My sister, Eleanor, her Aura weaker, married Warden Marcus.

She watched me, her eyes cold.

I gave birth to Abigail.

She looked wrong, "Blighted," they whispered.

The Shadowcat, a dark creature of folklore, had touched her.

Josiah' s face was stone.

He believed I consorted with dark powers.

"Purify them," he commanded.

It was a death sentence.

Eleanor' s own child was stillborn, a secret sorrow.

But she had a plan.

She stole my other twin, Daniel, healthy and bright.

She presented him as the true, blessed child.

Her jealousy was a fire.

She made sure my spirit, what little remained after the ritual, was crushed, scattered.

No peace for me.

Just oblivion.

Then, light.

Air filled my lungs.

I was back.

It was the day of The Choosing.

My heart hammered.

Josiah stood before the commune.

His eyes met mine.

No recognition.

Just pure, raw disgust.

He knew. He was reborn too.

His voice boomed, "Sarah of the Sunstone Lineage has a tainted Aura!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

He held up the Unity Locket, the ceremonial token of engagement.

He walked past me.

He placed it in Eleanor' s hand.

Her smile was a victory.