The Commanders

The sound in the arena faded out. All Tarot could hear was her breathing mingled with her opponents. He was shrouded in a shadowy cloak, but she felt that she could still see him somehow. Into his soul. They both spoke at once.

"Pas de la terre."

Not of the Earth.

"Des étoiles."

From the stars.

Angels.

Commanders.

Her mind felt on the verge of collapse. Sudden rage burned through her veins, making her body tremble and her skin flush. A tear ran down her face. She couldn't understand why; she couldn't care.

"You." Her voice was quiet, but she knew he could hear. She pointed a shaky finger at this stranger. "You will die by my hand."
~~~~~
For centuries, the people of Atlas have been waiting for the return of the Commanders: four Angels of the lost Aerial Race. Passing down a single consciousness for generations, they are the originators of Talent Energy, allowing a select few in Atlas to control one of four elements: water, fire, wind, earth.

Every two years, Herring City hosts the Grand Test of Talents, a competition to find the bravest and most skilled Talent Wielders in Atlas. It is designed to draw out possible Commanders.

Tarot, an orphan who received her name for her uncanny accuracy when reading tarot cards, is constantly surrounded by religious fanatics at the Herring City Circus. She has never placed much merit in the legend of the Commanders, chalking it up to an overblown religious fad.

Until she comes face-to-face with the only known Commander in existence: Prince Phoenyx of Atlas.

And she starts to remember things that happened lifetimes ago.

Another Commander has awoken in the midst of the politically charged Grand Test of Talents, where the best fighters have come to win a single gift from the Queen. Will the two join forces to protect their loved ones or continue a rivalry decreed a thousand years ago?