The Raven Thief
Born of the wastelands, Spheris Arnadel, a young skilled thief, finds himself subject to a twist of fate when he steals a powerful relic and becomes a Bearer — humans gifted with powers from the Gods. As a punishment for his theft, he is cast into an otherworldly realm alongside other Bearers, where he faces off against monstrous beasts and powerful enemies. Yet, in his determination to return to the Continent and save his dying mother, Spheris is hell-bent on surviving the abyssal world. Even if it means giving his body to the Dark God whose powers he had stolen... even if it means losing all of his humanity.
• Head Bounty
Lirael's eyes widened as she gazed at the sharpness of the blade, and the blood oozing out of the dead driver's head. The clink rang in her ears and the blade suddenly evaporated into smoke.
Still shocked, Lirael moved her eyes to where Spheris sat and realized that he wasn't there any more.
"What in Hailfire's name?"
Spheris's instincts had kicked in the moment the blade had pierced the ceiling. He [Leaped] into the shadow beneath and emerged on top of the vehicle. His eyes instantly fell upon the perpetrator.
Kneeling atop the caravel was a woman clad in sleek, tight black gear. Her face was obscured by a strange devil mask, with reddish ugly features that seemed to be mocking at him.
Spheris demanded, "Who are you?"
Her gaze instantly lifted to him, but she said nothing. Her response however, was swift and violent. Out of smoke, she conjured a long, menacing spear from thin air and lunged at him.