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.
• The Incarnate Abode (1)
Spheris's thoughts contorted with shock and confusion. "Uh... what?"
"Daligarth's Academy For Incarnates," Eseranka repeated, with a calm and steady tone.
"Yes. What is that?"
The two ladies exchanged glances before returning to Spheris. "Why don't you come with me and I'll show you? Smallbutter wanted to see you when you woke up."
More and more waves of confusion swarm through Spheris's mind. 'Daligarth's Academy... Incarnates? And who in the world is Smallbutter?'
He regarded the warm expression on Eseranka's face with a silent, skeptical one and then directed his gaze to the Essence Blocker strapped around his wrist.
"When does this leave my arm?" he inquired.
Eseranka gave him a soft expression, implying that they didn't mean anything malicious by placing the Blocker on his wrist. "When we are certain you're not going to try to leave."
Spheris narrowed his eyes. "But I do want to leave."