M.J. Ryder is an author and academic based in Lancaster (UK). He has a PhD in English Literature, and passion for all things science fiction and fantasy. His website is www.mjryder.net. 

Phae is a girl unlike any other. Her father is the most powerful mage in the realm, and her mother is a member of the Lintari – a small, secretive band of warriors bound to the earth as its sworn guardians. With such powerful blood inside her, growing up was never going to be easy.

But when her powers bring about catastrophe and the death of her tutor, Phae finally decides she’s had enough. With her unstable magic threatening to bring about even more danger to those she loves, Phae flees her home on the Magical Isle to seek sanctuary on the mainland. Only there does she realise her problems have barely just begun…

The Darkest Hour

The morning came, and with it a brief respite from the biting cold that had swept over them in the night. Callum was sure it was getting colder  just as he was sure the blotch covering the sun was getting bigger  but right now all he could think about were the sparks he was creating between his fingers.


Lena watched with fascination as he absently clicked his fingers while they prepared breakfast. Since the second source had closed she hadn't even the slightest trace of water-magic at her disposal. 


Finally, Callum stopped what he was doing and looked up to meet her gaze. Silent communion passed between them.


Lena frowned. "I don't know. I mean they certainly appear to be sparks of magic but just why you have access to them while the rest of us don't..."


Chapter 21