Susan L Markloff

Coming September 1, 2026

When a traitor is stolen, the Defense goes to war.

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Since opening the Zaheri armory, the Human-Borns have settled into their roles and begun to master their abilities and Elements. Relationships have bloomed. Marriages have been celebrated. Families are starting to take form. But the world looks far different through the eyes of a parent. Feeling the weight of their responsibilities as the Human-Borns, they’re focused on ending the war with Caliga.

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With the true enemy lurking behind a pawn and a Council blind to their calling, they seek answers in a mountain with no entrance and an archive lost to time.

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As their focus is fixed on the past, the enemy in the shadows works to manipulate the future, breaking their strongholds to snatch one of their own. Unity splinters, foundations are shaken, and a nation holds its breath as a fractured Council begins to wake.

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Determined to rescue the captive in Caliga, Alaster and Jen spur the Agerian Defense to march to the gates of the enemy’s foothold.

With the fate of Tilion on the line, will the captives be set free? Or will the prophecy prove true, and will all fall for one?