Automatically I'm frozen. He's back, he's gonna kill me! A hand touches my bare, bruised back and I choke back a sob. "Don't...don't hurt me..." I whisper, my voice full of pain. The sound of crying causes me to look up. "Mom..?" My mother sits beside me covering her face. "Matty forgive me for bringing you into this world." I sit up and tears stream down my face as she continues, "I wish I could take away your pain, but I know I would die trying. Your father, he...." At her words a figure appears in the doorway and I look at my mother and her eyes show naked fear. I touch her hand ever so slightly. I won't let him touch her again. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Matty is a boy who's never been shown anything but cruelty. His father is abusive, and his mother murdered by his father. In a town where only darkness lurks, he finds himself at the mercy of a nearby gang as he flees from the horror of his unsafe home. Will being forced to join this gang cost him his life, soul, or both? (In progress)

Thief. Murderer. Mage. Prince. Warrior. Heroes. 16 year-old Sabin's plans to join the army change when he learns he is a Serien - a warrior who wields an element. With a sentient sword, he must find the other Seriens. His goal: unite them into a force capable of defending humanity from the Guan, a humanoid race believed to be extinct. His charges are a belligerent thief, sarcastic assassin, adorable mage and arrogant prince. Each with their own agenda. Stand together or die alone. The hero price is never fair. ------------ Book 1 of the Path of Light and Fire series. Book 2 - Dragon & Phoenix (Completed). Book 3 - Frozen Light (Under Construction) The Appendix and extras can be found in the companion book "A World of Light and Fire."