His mother-- Queen Elira-- was the picture of fierce grace. Obsidian hair, braided with strands of gold thread, framed her sharp, striking features. Her silver eyes shimmered with something ancient and wild-- a power that radiated from her with both warmth and danger. She held Quinn as if he were the most precious thing in the world, yet there was no softness in her stance. Even in repose, she looked ready for war.
Elira was no mere figurehead. She was the sword of ebonreach, the protector of it's people, a warrior forged in flames of catastrophe.
Her gift, soulfire, was a rare and devastating force. It allowed her channel her very spirit into cleansing flame-- fire that could seat flesh, purify corruption, and incinerate the plague-born dead that haunted the world outside the walls. It was said that in the siege of Third Breach, she had stood alone atop the shattered gate, burning back a tide of undead until nothing remained but ash.
"Such quiet strength", she murmured now, brushing a thumb across Quinn's cheek."just like your sister".
Sofia
Quinn turned his tiny head and saw her: a girl with wide hazel eyes brimming with wonder. Though only five, Sofia carried herself with the unshakable confidence of someone twice her age. Golden curls crowned her head like a sunlight incarnate, and her smile held both innocence and fierce devotion.
She reached out gently, touching his hand with reverence." He's so small", she whispered. "I'll take care of him, promise".
Her gift, Gravitic touch,had awakened early. She could manipulate mass-- rendering herself light as air or dense as stone. Her play had cracked floors and bent iron rails.
" This sanctuary is still safe",a deep voice said nearby.
Quinn turned toward the man looming over them-- the blood-king,ruler of Ebonreach. His father.
And this, Quinn's second life began--born of flame and bone, into a world on the brink.