Shardless (Tempris #1)

-From the personal notes of Ivain Castaro, Marquess of Tempris

The 22 nd day of the month Meridian, during the 236 th year of the Empty Throne

It’s days like this that make me question whether we truly deserve to endure as a species. Last night, Vale, Plum, and Bago were burned to the ground. I had heard there was a rumor that someone saw a time crystal near the old palace, but I never thought that a mere rumor would warrant this level of destruction. After almost five decades without a death that could be attributed to the Hunt, I had hoped that the Sanctorum had finally managed to curb their bloodlust. It seems I was wrong—so horribly wrong.

Vale was hit the hardest, and I accompanied Sarina and young Skye to inspect the burn site this morning. I had almost given up hope that we would find anyone alive, but Skye somehow managed to find a small mortal girl—Talya. Her home was burned, but, by some miracle, the child’s basement bedroom was nearly untouched. For as long as I live, I don’t think I shall ever forget the sight of those two younglings walking down that ashen lane, hand-in-hand and both completely covered in soot.