Source

The Source holds all the powers. The elusive binding shares the secrets. Many search. Some will be ruthless. Few understand the death it promises. When Rixsander of Pax Valley leaves home to avoid a fixed marriage and joins a ragtag crew hired to search for the legendary Source, he never expected to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. He literally falls into the clutches of a princess set on making his life miserable. He discovers that his special ability makes him a very rare Talent. But, most surprising of all, he wins the prestigious title of Imperial Shield.

Syersi, Empress Heir to Gnomera, has a gift. She can make anyone's life miserable. Escaping through the gates of her palace home, she saves a stranger's life when he literally falls into her path. And when she becomes a pawn in the hunt for the Source, and is forced to face down the dangerous, invisible Shade, it's the stranger's training that keeps her alive. But there is a price, for her heart will awaken, and yet be broken, at the same time.

As the search for the Source heats up bringing the power-hungry to Gnomera, the Empress Heir has the Intimus and an army to watch over her, but only one Talent can truly protect her, and he can barely tolerate her. It may not matter - for in the end, when the Source is finally found, its powers will change everything.