Of Spirit & Hope

THAEIA
It's too dangerous to leave the island.
On her deathbed, my foster mother left me with a clue and a cryptic message about my past. Now she's gone, and I have to know...who am I? What am I?
In a land where everyone is gifted with magic at the age of twelve, the gods cursed me to live without. Without power. Without purpose. There is an invisible void around me that temporarily swallows the magic of anyone who gets too close. The island is small and sheltered, but even here I encounter fear, disgust, even hate. After my magic failed to manifest, not even my best friend stood by my side. Nor turned on me, terrified my void would take away his magic forever. It hurts, but I understand. Nor loves his magic. I would give almost anything to be like everyone else, but I've resigned myself to my cursed existence, to my loneliness.
No more. I need to know who I am.
I just hope the answers don't get me killed.
NOR
Thaeia is leaving the island.
I threw her away. I broke us thinking it was the only way to save myself. My magic is my purpose, my reason for living, and the thought of her void stealing my power forever makes me sick. But a harsh reprimand from an old flame makes me realize I can't let Thaeia go without at least trying to put us back together. I don't deserve a second chance to be a friend to her, but I can't let Thaeia face those who will fear her curse, hate her void, and come after her to eliminate the threat to their magic. I can't leave her to face this alone.
I am leaving to compete in the magic games, so I'll use that as an excuse to travel with her, look after her, protect her. I don't know what she's searching for, and I know she is strong and capable, but she is one magicless woman against a powerful world.
I'll stand with Thaeia even at the cost of my magic or my life.
Of Spirit & Hope is book one in an adult high fantasy trilogy with magic, gods, curses, secrets, plots, found family, second chances, romance, and loads of spice.