History made them enemies. Chance made them master and slave. Love overcame it all. But love isn't always enough... Bridging the hatred of centuries did not come easy for Freyrík Farr and Ayden Vaska. As prince of a war-torn human province, Freyrík could ill afford to fall for an enemy. And Ayden, an elven warrior with three hundred years of bitterness in his heart, wanted no part of love-not elven, and especially not human. Yet they came together despite themselves and despite the will of their peoples, joining heart and mind to fight a race of Dark Beasts threatening the extinction of mankind. But the Dark Beast threat pales beside the dangers of the human High Court, home of the Aegis Exalted and the harshest test yet of Ayden's and Freyrík's fledgling love. While Ayden is stripped of his magic, Freyrík is forced to choose between his love for elf, Aegis, and brother, all the while seeking the one uncertain path that might save his doomed race. Time is fast running out for mankind, and only by making peace amongst themselves and with their ancient elven enemies can they end the Dark war--and undo the tragedy that's plagued humans, elves, and Dark Beasts alike for the last three hundred years. The hottest name in network news is Daniel Halstrom. He is a sensation, a rising star. He is also a slave, owned wholly and completely by NewWorld Media. But before he was a star, he was a frightened child from a bad place with a promising, if limited, future ahead of him. In ''The New Kid'', young Daniel begins his schooling. Then, for a slave, the simple pleasure of a ''Bathroom Break'' is sometimes the only pleasure to be had. Later, Daniel doesn't know it, but ''A Chance Encounter'' might be the most important of his life. Next, in ''Camera Obscura'', one of Daniel's colleagues reflects on the fact that as much as the camera may show, it can hide even more. Finally, when you're a slave, ''Independence Day'' is just another day. "Bridging the hatred of centuries did not come easy for Freyrik Farr and Ayden Vaska. As prince of a war-torn human province, Freyrik could ill afford to fall for an enemy. And Ayden, an elven warrior with three hundred years of bitterness in his heart, wanted no part of love--not elven, and especially not human. Yet they came together despite themselves and despite the will of their peoples, joining heart and mind to fight a race of Dark Beasts threatening the extinction of mankind."--Page 4 of cover
