Prologue

We live in a modern magical world. Nobody needs to hide their gifts, whether they come in the form of claws, spells, or wings. Seeing a person fly through the air on their way to work or spotting a mermaid in the ocean splashing in the water isn’t unusual.

Not everyone gets along perfectly, but we try our best. Most of us wouldn’t have it any other way.

Being proud of who you are and letting everyone embrace their truth applies to more than just the paranormal aspects of the world. A wizard can love another wizard openly too.

There’s a lot of good in the world, but not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Especially not when you’re Jack Blanchard, the son and heir to the long and illustrious magical legacy of Blanchard icebrands.

That’s me. Jackson Alphin Blanchard.

To understand my story, you must understand magic.

Magic isn’t a quick cure-all for any of life’s problems. Magical power doesn’t live in a wand and grant you your wildest dreams in an instant if you have a pointy hat and long white beard.

Raw, unfiltered power that can create or destroy can’t simply be contained in a wand. Or in a measly human body. Magic without limits is an explosive rush of energy, a force bigger, wilder, and more unstoppable than any human can hope to control. Using magic takes a toll. Casters must be careful not to strain our bodies so much that they give out. Or that our brush with mystical forces does not warp our minds and cause a mental breakdown.

This is where the elements come in.

Earth, wind, water, and fire are the basics, but there are more. See, the elements are forces too. Strong forces, capable of rivaling even the power of raw magic.

An element’s blessing protects us beginners from harm when learning to use magic. And if chosen, a small piece of elemental essence can safely live inside us, transforming us and giving us the strength to use magic without breaking down. Instead of trying to hold the overwhelming potential for all magic, we devote ourselves to our chosen brand of elemental magic.

All human casters seek a permanent partnership with an element. But first, we must prove we’re worthy. The elements don’t just offer their brands to anyone.

I’ve been studying magic since I was a young boy. I have the skills and the knowledge necessary. All I need is an element’s essence.

I’m so very close to becoming a real wizard.

And yet, I’m also very far.

Little do I know that I’m about to meet a man who will change everything, including how I think about magic and my place in the world.