The Elementborn Book One
Prologue The world had once been called Earth. Now it was known as the Kingdom of Dominion. After centuries of climate disasters, wars, and societal collapse, the survivors united under a single government known as the Sovereign Authority. They promised peace.
They lied. The Authority ruled from the shining city of Ironspire, a fortress of steel towers, surveillance drones, and endless laws. Citizens lived under strict control. Curfews were enforced. Independent thought was punished. Entire districts vanished overnight if they questioned Authority rule.
For generations humanity obeyed. Then something impossible happened. The Elements awakened. Teenagers across the kingdom began displaying powers that had never existed before. Fire. Water. Earth.
Air. The government called them dangerous mutations. The people called them miracles. The Authority hunted them all the same. And four teenagers were about to discover that their powers were connected to an ancient prophecy older than the kingdom itself.
A prophecy that promised either salvation… Or destruction.
Book Structure (36 Chapters) The Boy Who Burned the Rain 1. The Wind Runner 2. The Girl Beneath the Waves 3. The Earthshaker 4. The Four Unite 5. Secrets of the Old World 6. Training Begins 7. The First Mission
8. The Shadow Knight's Trap 9. The Lost Pages 10. The Hunter General 11. The Crimson Eclipse 12. The Storm Beneath the Kingdom 13. The City of Shadiws 14. The Fifth Symbol 15. Betrayal 16. Siege of Rivergate 17. Rise of the Elementborn 18. The King’s Hunters 19.The Underground City
20.Stormborn 21.The Frozen Wastes 22.Battle of Skybridge 23.The Four Masters 24.The Ancient Temple 25.The Shadow Program 26.Revolution Ignites 27.Fall of the Generals 28.The Final Rebellion 29.Siege of Ironspire 30.The Last Guardian 31.The Elemental Throne 32.War of the Kingdom 33.Destiny Unleashed
34.The Final Battle 35.A Better World
Chapter 1 The Boy Who Burned the Rain Lucian Voss Hated the Rain. Not Because It Was Cold. Not Because It Soaked Through the Patched Jacket He Wore Every Day.
But Because Rain Reminded Him How Powerless He Was. The Gray Sky Stretched Endlessly Above Blackstone District. Factories Towered Over the City Blocks Like Giant Metal Monsters. Smoke Poured Into the Clouds. Children Hurried Through Puddles.
Soldiers Patrolled Every Corner. The Authority’s Red Banners Hung From Buildings Like Warning Signs. OBEDIENCE IS PEACE. QUESTION NOTHING. SERVE THE KINGDOM.
Lucian Rolled his Eyes. “Same Old Lies.” At Sixteen Years Old, Lucian Had Learned One Thing. Nobody Was Coming To Save Them. Not the Authority. Not the Nobles. Not the Soldiers. Certainly Not the Mysterious Elementborn
Rebels Whispered About in Secret. Everyone Was on Their Own. A Siren Wailed in the Distance. Workers Immediately Lowered Their Heads. A Convoy of Armored Vehicles Rolled Through the Streets. Lucian Stepped Aside.
His Silver Eyes Watched Carefully. He Hated Authority Soldiers. Three Years Earlier They Had Taken his Parents. No Trial. No Explanation. No Return. Just Gone. Like Thousands of Others.
A Familiar Voice Interrupted his Thoughts. “Lucian!” He Turned. His Best Friend, Finn, Sprinted Through the Rain. “You’re Late.” Lucian Shrugged. “You’re Early.” Finn Laughed. “That Makes no Sense.”
“It Does to Me.” They Headed Toward the District Workshop Where They Repaired Machines for Extra Food Credits. Life Wasn’t Glamorous. But It Kept Them Alive. That Was Enough. Or So Lucian Thought. The Workshop Was Crowded.
Steam Hissed From Broken Pipes. Metal Clanged Against Metal. Workers Repaired Generators Under Flickering Lights. Their Supervisor Barked Orders From an Elevated Platform. “Move Faster!” Nobody Argued.
Lucian Grabbed his Tools and Started Working. Hours Passed. Rain Hammered the Roof. Everything Seemed Normal. Until the Explosion. BOOM! The Entire Building Shook. Workers Screamed. Machines Toppled.
A Generator Erupted Into Flames. People Ran. Smoke Filled the Room. Lucian Froze. A Little Girl Stood Trapped Beneath Fallen Metal. The Fire Spread Rapidly. Nobody Could Reach Her. The Heat Was Unbearable. The Girl’s Terrified Eyes Locked Onto his.
“Help Me!” Something Snapped Inside Him. No. Not Again. He Wasn’t Going To Watch Someone Disappear. Not Again. Lucian Rushed Forward. The Fire Surged Higher. The Heat Became Unbearable.
His Skin Burned. His Lungs Screamed. Yet He Kept Moving. Then the Impossible Happened. The Flames Stopped. Every Fire in the Room Suddenly Bent Toward Him. Workers Gasped. The Inferno Spiraled Through the Air.
Lucian Stared in Disbelief. The Fire Obeyed Him. It Twisted Around his Body Like Living Snakes. Warm. Powerful. Alive. His Heart Pounded. The Flames Weren’t Hurting Him. They Were Protecting Him.
“What…” The Fire Exploded Outward. A Ring of Blazing Energy Filled the Room. Metal Melted. Smoke Vanished. The Trapped Girl Was Freed. Silence Followed. Everyone Stared. Lucian Stared Too.
He Had no Idea What He Had Just Done. Then Someone Screamed. “Elementborn!” Panic Erupted. Workers Backed Away. Fear Filled Their Eyes. Not Admiration. Not Gratitude. Fear.
The Word Spread Instantly. “Elementborn!” “He’s One of Them!” “Call the Soldiers!” Lucian’s Stomach Dropped. No. No No No. Authority Law Was Clear. Elementborn Were Arrested Immediately.
Most Were Never Seen Again. Sirens Blared Outside. Fast. Too Fast. Someone Had Already Reported Him. Finn Grabbed his Arm. “We Have To Run.” Lucian Nodded. Together They Sprinted From the Workshop.
Authority Vehicles Screeched Into the Street. Soldiers Poured Out. Weapons Raised. A Loudspeaker Crackled. “CITIZEN LUCIAN VOSS.” His Blood Froze. “YOU ARE UNDER ARREST.” The Soldiers Advanced. Lucian Backed Away.
Fear Surged Through Him. The Strange Power Answered. Fire Burst From his Hands. The Soldiers Jumped Back. One Opened Fire. Energy Bolts Streaked Through the Air. Lucian Instinctively Raised his Arms. A Wall of Flame Erupted.
The Bolts Vaporized. Everyone Stared. Including Lucian. “What Am I Becoming?” A Voice Echoed From Above. “You’re Becoming Exactly What This World Needs.” Lucian Looked Up. A Hooded Figure Stood Atop a Nearby Rooftop.
The Stranger Leaped Down Effortlessly. The Soldiers Immediately Aimed at Him. The Hooded Man Smiled. “Bad Idea.” The Wind Exploded. A Massive Gust Hurled Soldiers Across the Street. Cars Flipped. Metal Signs Twisted. Lucian’s Eyes Widened.
Another Elementborn. The Stranger Lowered his Hood. A Teenage Boy. Maybe Seventeen. Dark Hair. Blue Eyes. Confident Grin. “Name’s Kael.” He Offered a Hand. “We Need To Leave.”
More Sirens Approached. Dozens. Maybe Hundreds. Lucian Hesitated. “Why?” Kael Looked Toward the Approaching Soldiers. “Because You’re Not the Only One.” Before Lucian Could Ask What That Meant, Another
Explosion Echoed Across the City. Far Away. A Tower Collapsed. Water Surged Through the Streets. Then the Ground Itself Began To Shake. Kael Smiled. “Looks Like the Others Just Awakened Too.” “The Others?”
Kael Nodded. “The Four Elementborn.” Lightning Flashed Across the Sky. For a Moment the Entire City Seemed To Tremble. Then Kael’s Expression Became Serious. “The Rebellion Begins Tonight.” And Somewhere Deep Beneath Ironspire City…
The Ruler of Dominion Opened his Eyes. The Supreme Chancellor Watched Security Footage of Lucian Controlling Fire. His Expression Darkened. “So It Begins.” Ancient Symbols Glowed Across a Hidden Stone Chamber. Symbols Older Than the Kingdom Itself.
Older Than History. The Prophecy Had Awakened. And the Chancellor Knew Exactly What It Meant. The Four Elementborn Had Returned. The Only Force Capable of Destroying his Empire. He Pressed a Button. Thousands of Soldiers Received the Same Order.
“Hunt Them.” His Eyes Narrowed. “Find Them Before They Unite.”
Chapter 2 The Wind Runner The City Was Alive With Sirens. Red Warning Lights Flashed Across Rooftops. Drones Buzzed Overhead Like Angry Mechanical Hornets. Authority Soldiers Flooded the Streets of Blackstone
District, Sealing Roads and Searching Buildings. The Hunt Had Begun. And Lucian Voss Was Running for his Life. The Wind Howled Around Him. Lucian Leaped Over a Pile of Rusted Machinery as Kael Sprinted Ahead.
The Mysterious Boy Moved Like He Had Done This a Thousand Times Before. Every Step Seemed Effortless. Every Movement Precise. Meanwhile Lucian Felt Like his Heart Was Trying To Escape his Chest. “Can You Slow Down?” Lucian Shouted. Kael Glanced Back.
“No.” “Why Not?” “Because They’re Trying To Kill Us.” That Was a Fair Point. Lucian Jumped a Broken Fence. Behind Them Came the Distant Sound of Engines. Authority Transports. Closing Fast. Kael Pointed Ahead.
“Warehouse District.” “What About It?” “That’s Where We’re Not Going.” Lucian Blinked. “What?” Kael Grinned. “Exactly.” Before Lucian Could Ask Another Question, Kael Suddenly Changed Direction.
They Darted Down a Narrow Alley. A Second Later Armored Transports Thundered Past the Street They Had Been Heading Toward. Lucian Stared. “You Knew.” Kael Shrugged. “Authority Soldiers Think in Straight Lines.”
The Alley Opened Onto a Maze of Abandoned Buildings. Old Factories Loomed Like Giant Skeletons Against the Stormy Sky. Rain Poured Harder Now. Thunder Rolled Across the Horizon. The Whole City Seemed Nervous.
As if It Knew Something Important Had Changed. They Finally Stopped Inside an Abandoned Train Station. Lucian Collapsed Onto a Dusty Bench. His Lungs Burned. His Legs Felt Like Jelly. Kael Didn’t Even Seem Tired.
“How Are You Not Exhausted?” Kael Laughed. “Practice.” “Practice Doing What?” “Running From the Government.” Lucian Stared at Him. “That’s a Real Answer?” “Unfortunately.” Silence Settled Between Them.
Rain Tapped Against Broken Windows. Lucian Looked at his Hands. Tiny Sparks of Flame Flickered Between his Fingers. He Quickly Clenched his Fists. The Fire Vanished. His Stomach Twisted. “What Happened to Me?”
Kael Sat Across From Him. “The Same Thing That Happened to Me.” “You Can Control Wind.” Kael Nodded. “Air.” “Since When?” “Three Years.” Lucian’s Eyes Widened. “Three Years?”
“Yep.” “And You’ve Just Been Hiding?” Kael Laughed Bitterly. “You Think the Authority Would Let Me Live if They Knew?” Lucian Didn’t Answer. Because He Already Knew the Answer. No. They Wouldn’t.
Kael Became Serious. “You’ve Heard the Stories, Right?” “What Stories?” “About Elementborn.” Lucian Nodded Slowly. Everyone Had Heard Them. Secret Rumors Passed Between Citizens.
Whispers Exchanged in Dark Corners. Stories About Teenagers Who Could Command Impossible Forces. Some Claimed They Were Myths. Others Claimed They Were Monsters. Most Disappeared Before Anyone Learned the Truth.
“I Thought They Were Fake.” Kael Smiled. “So Did I.” He Lifted his Hand. The Air Stirred. Dust Spiraled Upward. Broken Papers Danced Through the Station. A Miniature Tornado Appeared Above his Palm. Lucian Stared.
The Tornado Spun Faster. Then Vanished Instantly. “I Stopped Thinking They Were Fake After That Happened.” Lucian Couldn’t Argue. He Looked at his Own Hands. Fire Answered Immediately. Orange Flames Flickered Across his Fingers.
Warm. Comforting. Alive. Almost Like a Friend. He Extinguished Them Again. “This Is Insane.” Kael Nodded. “Welcome to my Life.” A Loud Crash Interrupted Them.
Both Boys Jumped to Their Feet. Someone Was Inside the Station. Footsteps Echoed From the Darkness. Heavy. Deliberate. Approaching. Kael Immediately Raised his Hands. Wind Swirled Around Him.
Lucian Felt Flames Awaken Beneath his Skin. The Footsteps Grew Louder. Closer. Closer. Then a Figure Emerged From the Shadows. A Girl. Maybe Sixteen. Dark Skin. Black Braided Hair.
Bright Blue Eyes. She Looked Soaked From the Rain. And Completely Unimpressed. “There You Are.” Kael Lowered his Hands. “Oh Good.” Lucian Frowned. “You Know Her?” The Girl Rolled her Eyes.
“Unfortunately.” Kael Grinned. “Lucian, Meet Zara.” Zara Crossed her Arms. “The Fire Boy.” Lucian Blinked. “You Know Who I Am?” “The Entire Kingdom Knows Who You Are.” She Tossed a Small Holographic Projector Onto the Floor.
A News Broadcast Appeared. Lucian Nearly Choked. His Face Filled the Screen. Footage From the Workshop Replayed Repeatedly. Flames Spiraled Around Him. Workers Screamed. Soldiers Fired.
The Headline Flashed Across the Image. DANGEROUS ELEMENTBORN THREAT IDENTIFIED The Announcer Spoke Dramatically. “The Terrorist Known as Lucian Voss Remains at Large. Citizens Are Advised To Report any Sightings Immediately.”
Lucian Stared. “Terrorist?” Kael Laughed. “Congratulations.” “I Didn’t Do Anything!” “Doesn’t Matter.” Zara Nodded. “The Authority Needs Enemies.” Lucian Suddenly Felt Sick.
The Entire Kingdom Was Now Hunting Him. A Deep Rumble Shook the Station. Everyone Froze. The Floor Vibrated Beneath Their Feet. Dust Fell From the Ceiling. “What Was That?” Lucian Asked. The Rumble Came Again.
Stronger. The Ground Cracked. Stone Split Apart. Metal Twisted. Then Something Exploded Upward Through the Floor. Lucian Stumbled Backward. A Massive Column of Earth Rose From the Station Platform.
Chunks of Concrete Hovered in the Air. Rock Spun Like Orbiting Moons. And Standing in the Center Was a Boy. Tall. Broad-Shouldered. About Seventeen. Brown Hair. Green Eyes. Very Annoyed Expression.
The Floating Rocks Crashed to the Ground. The Boy Dusted Himself Off. “There You Are.” Kael Groaned. “Took You Long Enough.” The Newcomer Crossed his Arms. “I Got Chased by Soldiers.” Lucian Pointed at the Shattered Floor.
“You Came Through the Ground.” “Yes.” “The Actual Ground.” “Still Yes.” Lucian Looked Between Them. “Who Is This?” The Boy Extended a Hand. “Darius.” Lucian Shook It Automatically.
Darius’ Grip Felt Like Iron. “The Earth Guy?” Darius Nodded. “The Earth Guy.” Lucian Stared. First Fire. Then Air. Now Earth. The Stories Were Real. All of Them.
Before Anyone Could Continue, Zara Suddenly Looked Toward the Station Entrance. Her Expression Changed. Danger. “Get Down.” The Others Immediately Obeyed.
A Second Later Laser Fire Blasted Through the Windows. Glass Exploded. Soldiers Stormed the Station. “Elementborn Identified!” “There They Are!” “Capture Them!” Lucian Cursed. “They Found Us!”
Kael Peeked Around a Pillar. “There Are Dozens.” Darius Cracked his Knuckles. “Good.” Lucian Looked at Him. “Good?” Darius Grinned. “I’ve Been Wanting To Try This.”
The Earth Beneath the Soldiers Erupted. Stone Walls Burst Upward. Several Soldiers Were Launched Into the Air. Others Stumbled Backward. Kael Joined in. A Powerful Gust of Wind Blasted Through the Station.
Soldiers Flew Like Leaves in a Hurricane. Lucian Felt Adrenaline Surge. Fire Ignited Across his Arms. The Flames Roared Brighter Than Before. For a Moment He Hesitated. Then He Remembered the Workshop.
The Soldiers. His Parents. The Fear. Enough. He Thrust his Hands Forward. A River of Fire Surged Across the Station Floor. The Soldiers Retreated Instantly. Chaos Erupted. Wind.
Fire. Earth. Three Elements Unleashed Simultaneously. The Entire Station Shook. Yet Despite all the Destruction, One Thing Became Obvious. They Were Winning. Easily.
Then the Temperature Dropped. Instantly. Ice Spread Across the Floor. Everyone Froze. Including the Soldiers. A Wave of Water Burst Through the Station Entrance. It Spiraled Upward Like a Living Dragon.
The Massive Serpent of Water Hovered Overhead. Soldiers Screamed. Lucian’s Eyes Widened. Kael Smiled. “There She Is.” Standing at the Entrance Was Another Teenager. A Girl. White Hair. Silver-Blue Eyes.
Water Swirled Around Her Like Dancing Ribbons. The Storm Outside Seemed To Answer her Presence. Rain Bent Toward Her. The Water Dragon Roared. And Every Soldier Immediately Fled. The Girl Stepped Inside. Calm. Confident.
Powerful. She Looked at the Others. Then at Lucian. “So.” She Smiled Slightly. “You’re the Fire One.” Nobody Spoke. Because Everyone Understood What This Meant. Fire.
Air. Earth. Water. The Four Elementborn. Together at Last. Outside, Thunder Shook the Sky. Far Away in Ironspire City, Ancient Symbols Began Glowing Brighter Than They Had in Centuries.
The Prophecy Was Moving Forward. And Somewhere Beneath the Capital, the Supreme Chancellor Stared at a Hidden Map. Four Lights Had Appeared. One Red. One Blue. One Green. One White.
His Face Darkened. “They Found Each Other.” For the First Time in Many Years… The Ruler of Dominion Felt Fear.
Chapter 3 The Girl Beneath the Waves For Several Seconds, Nobody Spoke. The Abandoned Train Station Stood in Ruins Around Them. Broken Windows Rattled in the Wind. Chunks of Earth Littered the Floor.
Steam Rose From Scorched Metal Where Lucian’s Flames Had Struck. And in the Center of It all Stood Four Teenagers Who Had no Idea How Much Their Lives Had Just Changed. The Water Dragon Coiled Above the White-Haired Girl Like a Living Guardian. Its Glowing Blue Eyes Scanned the Room.
Watching. Waiting. Ready To Strike. Lucian Swallowed. “That’s…” He Pointed Upward. “…A Dragon Made of Water.” The Girl Glanced at It. “Oh.”
The Dragon Dissolved Instantly Into Floating Droplets. The Water Spun Around her Wrist Like a Bracelet. “Is That Unusual?” Darius Barked out a Laugh. Kael Nearly Fell Over. Even Zara Smirked. The Girl Frowned. “What?”
“Nothing,” Kael Said. “It’s Just That Most People Don’t Casually Summon Dragons.” The Girl Considered This. “Fair.” She Stepped Forward. Rainwater Followed her Movements. Tiny Streams Danced Across the Floor. “My Name Is Lyra.”
Lucian Nodded. “I’m Lucian.” “I Know.” “How?” “The Entire Kingdom Knows.” Lucian Groaned. “Right.” “The Terrorist Thing.” “The Terrorist Thing.”
Zara Checked the Station Entrance. “No Time.” Everyone Immediately Became Serious. Soldiers Could Return at any Moment. The Authority Would Not Stop Hunting Them. If Anything, the Discovery of Four Elementborn
Together Would Make Things Worse. Much Worse. “We Need To Move,” Zara Said. Kael Nodded. “The Safehouse?” “The Safehouse.” Lucian Frowned. “Safehouse?” Kael Looked Surprised.
“Did I Forget To Mention the Rebellion?” “Yes.” “The Secret Resistance?” “Yes.” “The Underground Network Fighting the Government?” “YES.” Kael Scratched the Back of his Neck.
“Probably Should Have Mentioned That.” Darius Sighed. “He’s an Idiot.” “I Prefer Creatively Disorganized.” “You’re an Idiot.” Minutes Later They Slipped Through the Storm-Soaked Streets.
Blackstone District Looked Different Now. Dangerous. Every Screen Displayed Lucian’s Face. Every Authority Patrol Seemed Larger. Citizens Hurried Indoors. Nobody Wanted To Be Outside Tonight. Not With Soldiers Everywhere.
The Group Moved Carefully Through Alleys and Abandoned Structures. Zara Led the Way. She Seemed To Know Every Hidden Route in the District. Every Shortcut. Every Secret Passage. Eventually They Arrived at a Massive Drainage Canal.
Dark Water Rushed Below. The Canal Stretched Toward the Edge of the City. Kael Pointed Downward. “There.” Lucian Blinked. “There What?” “The Entrance.” “To Where?” “The Safehouse.”
Lucian Looked Around. There Was Nothing Except Water. Then Lyra Smiled. “I See It.” She Stepped Forward. The Water Parted. Lucian’s Jaw Dropped. The Canal Split Down the Middle. Like Invisible Hands Were Pulling It Apart.
A Hidden Tunnel Appeared Beneath the Water. Ancient Stone Stairs Descended Into Darkness. Darius Whistled. “Still Creepy.” Lyra Shrugged. “I Like Creepy.” The Group Entered the Tunnel.
Water Sealed Itself Behind Them. Darkness Swallowed the Entrance. Glowing Lanterns Illuminated the Passage Ahead. Lucian Felt Like He Had Stepped Into Another World. The Tunnel Stretched Deep Beneath the City.
Far Below the Authority’s Surveillance Systems. Far Below its Soldiers. Far Below its Control. For the First Time all Day, He Felt Slightly Safe. “Who Built This Place?” He Asked. “Nobody Knows,” Zara Replied. “Some Say It Existed Before Dominion.”
Lucian Frowned. “Before Dominion?” Kael Nodded. “Before the Wars.” “Before the Collapse.” “Before Everything.” Lucian Stared. That Was Impossible. Nothing Survived From the Old World.
At Least That’s What Everyone Had Always Been Taught. After Nearly an Hour of Walking, the Tunnel Opened Into a Vast Underground Cavern. Lucian Froze. The Sight Was Breathtaking.
Thousands of Glowing Crystals Illuminated an Enormous Hidden City. Stone Bridges Crossed Underground Rivers. Gardens Flourished Beneath Artificial Sunlight. Buildings Carved Directly Into Cavern Walls Rose Several Stories High. People Filled the Streets. Families.
Workers. Children. Hundreds. Maybe Thousands. An Entire Secret Community Hidden Beneath the Kingdom. Lucian Could Barely Process It. “What Is This Place?” A Voice Answered Behind Him.
“Hope.” Everyone Turned. An Older Man Approached. His Long Gray Coat Swayed as He Walked. Silver Hair Framed a Weathered Face. A Long Scar Crossed One Cheek. Yet his Eyes Shone With Warmth. And Intelligence.
Zara Immediately Straightened. Kael Did the Same. Even Darius Looked Respectful. “Commander.” The Man Smiled. “Welcome Home.” His Gaze Shifted to Lucian. Then Lyra. Then the Others.
For a Moment his Expression Became Unreadable. Almost Emotional. “As I Live and Breathe.” “What?” Lucian Asked. The Commander Shook his Head. “Nothing.” His Eyes Lingered on the Four Teenagers.
“Just Seeing History Repeat Itself.” The Commander Introduced Himself as Elias Thorn. Leader of the Rebellion. Enemy of the Authority. Most Wanted Man in the Kingdom. Lucian Nearly Choked When He Learned That.
The Government Had Spent Years Hunting Elias. They Blamed Him for Attacks, Sabotage, and Uprisings Across Dominion. Yet He Didn’t Seem Dangerous. He Seemed Tired. Like Someone Carrying a Burden Far Too Heavy.
Elias Led Them Into a Circular Chamber Deep Within the City. Maps Covered the Walls. Screens Displayed Troop Movements. Rebel Officers Studied Reports Around Large Tables. This Was Clearly the Heart of the Resistance. Elias Sat Down.
The Others Followed. Finally He Spoke. “You all Know Why You’re Here.” Lucian Shook his Head. “I Really Don’t.” The Commander Smiled Slightly. “Fair Enough.” He Pressed a Button. A Holographic Image Appeared Above the Table.
Ancient Symbols Rotated Slowly in Blue Light. Symbols Unlike Anything Lucian Had Ever Seen. “What You’re Looking at Is Older Than the Kingdom.” The Room Became Silent. “Thousands of Years Ago,” Elias Continued, “an Ancient Civilization Recorded a Prophecy.”
Lucian Exchanged Glances With the Others. He Wasn’t Sure He Liked Where This Was Going. The Commander Pointed Toward Four Glowing Symbols. Fire. Water. Earth. Air.
“The Prophecy Speaks of Four Elementborn.” Everyone Leaned Forward. Elias’ Voice Became Quieter. “When Darkness Controls the Throne and Freedom Dies Beneath Iron Rule, Four Children of the Elements Shall Rise.” A Chill Ran Down Lucian’s Spine.
The Commander Looked Directly at Them. “Fire.” He Nodded Toward Lucian. “Water.” Toward Lyra. “Earth.” Toward Darius. “Air.” Toward Kael. The Symbols Brightened.
“The Four Shall Stand Together Against the Shadow Crown.” Lucian Frowned. “The Shadow Crown?” “The Ruler of Dominion.” The Room Became Silent. Even the Distant Sounds of the Underground City Seemed To Disappear. Elias Folded his Hands.
“For Centuries Every Ruler of Dominion Has Hidden a Secret.” “What Secret?” Lyra Asked. The Commander’s Expression Darkened. “The Kingdom Was Built on a Lie.” Before Anyone Could Ask Another Question, Alarms Suddenly Erupted Across the Chamber.
Red Lights Flashed. Officers Jumped to Their Feet. The Room Exploded Into Activity. “What Happened?” A Rebel Raced Inside. His Face Had Gone Pale. “Commander!” Elias Stood Immediately. “What Is It?”
The Scout Swallowed Hard. Then Delivered Words That Froze the Room. “The Authority Found Us.” Silence. Absolute Silence. Then Panic. People Rushed Toward Exits. Officers Shouted Orders.
Screens Filled With Warning Signals. Lucian Felt his Stomach Drop. “How?” “No Idea,” the Scout Replied. “But They’re Coming.” Elias Looked Toward the Monitors. His Face Became Grim.
Thousands of Red Markers Appeared Across the Display. Not Hundreds. Thousands. An Army. The Commander Slowly Turned Toward the Four Elementborn. His Expression Was Heavy. Almost Haunted.
“They Shouldn’t Have Found Us This Quickly.” Kael Frowned. “What Are You Saying?” Elias Didn’t Answer Immediately. Because Deep Down… He Already Feared the Truth. Someone Had Betrayed Them. And if That Was True…
The Rebellion Was in Far Greater Danger Than Anyone Realized.
Chapter 4 The Earthshaker The Alarms Continued To Scream Through the Underground City. Red Lights Flashed Across Stone Walls. People Ran Through the Streets. Parents Gathered Children.
Rebel Soldiers Rushed Toward Defensive Positions. The Hidden City That Had Seemed So Peaceful Only Minutes Earlier Now Felt Like a Fortress Preparing for War. Lucian’s Stomach Twisted. He Had Arrived Less Than an Hour Ago. And Now the Entire Place Was Under Attack.
“How Long Do We Have?” Zara Asked. The Scout Checked a Holographic Display. “Maybe Twenty Minutes.” Darius Nearly Laughed. “Twenty Minutes?” “That’s all?” “No.” Darius Stood. His Green Eyes Hardened.
“That’s Plenty.” Commander Elias Moved Quickly. Years of Leading a Rebellion Had Taught Him How To Function During Chaos. “Seal the Eastern Tunnels.” Officers Nodded. “Deploy Defense Teams.”
More Officers Rushed Away. “Evacuate Civilians Deeper Underground.” The City Sprang Into Motion. Lucian Watched in Amazement. The Rebels Weren’t Disorganized Criminals. They Were an Army.
Not As Large as the Authority’s Forces. Not Nearly As Equipped. But Determined. And Desperate. Sometimes That Was Enough. Sometimes It Wasn’t. Elias Turned Toward the Four Elementborn. “You Should Leave.”
“What?” Kael Said. The Commander Nodded. “The Authority Wants You.” “We’re Not Running.” “You Have To.” Darius Stepped Forward. His Broad Shoulders Seemed Even Larger Somehow. “We Can Help.”
The Commander Shook his Head. “No.” “Why Not?” “Because if the Prophecy Is Real, Your Survival Matters More Than This City.” Silence Followed. Nobody Liked Hearing That. Least of all Darius.
The Earth-Bender Crossed his Arms. “You Expect Us To Abandon Everyone?” Elias Didn’t Answer Immediately. Because There Was no Good Answer. Finally He Spoke. “I Expect You To Stay Alive.”
A Deep Boom Echoed Through the Cavern. The Entire City Shook. Dust Drifted From the Ceiling. Everyone Froze. Another Explosion Followed. Closer. Much Closer. “They’ve Reached the Outer Tunnels,” Zara Said.
The Commander’s Face Darkened. “So Soon?” The Scout Nodded Nervously. “They Brought Tunneling Machines.” Darius Cracked his Knuckles. “Good.” Lucian Glanced at Him. “You Keep Saying That.”
Darius Grinned. “I Like Punching Impossible Problems.” The Earth Beneath Their Feet Suddenly Vibrated. Darius Stopped Smiling. He Crouched. Placed One Hand Against the Stone Floor. Closed his Eyes.
For Several Seconds He Remained Perfectly Still. Then his Expression Changed. Shock. Confusion. Concern. “What Is It?” Lyra Asked. Darius Slowly Stood. “There Are Thousands of Soldiers.” Nobody Spoke.
Thousands? Underground? That Wasn’t an Attack. That Was an Invasion. Darius Continued. “And Something Else.” “What?” The Earth-Bender Frowned. “I Can’t Explain It.”
The Stone Floor Trembled Again. “It Feels…” His Voice Lowered. “…Wrong.” Minutes Later the Four Teenagers Stood Atop a Defensive Wall Near the City’s Outer Entrance. Rebel Soldiers Prepared Weapons.
Energy Cannons Powered Up. Sharpshooters Took Positions. The Tension Felt Like a Drawn Bowstring Ready To Snap. Lucian Looked Down the Massive Tunnel Leading Toward the Surface. Darkness Filled It. Nothing Moved.
Nothing Breathed. Nothing Stirred. Then Came the Sound. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. Massive Impacts Echoed Through the Tunnel. Each One Stronger Than the Last. The Ground Shook.
The Walls Vibrated. Somewhere in the Darkness, Something Enormous Was Approaching. “What Is That?” Lucian Whispered. Nobody Answered. Because Nobody Knew. Then They Saw It. A Giant Machine Emerged From the Shadows.
The Tunneling Vehicle Resembled a Metal Beast. Rotating Drills Spun at its Front. Red Lights Glowed Across Armored Plating. Authority Symbols Covered its Sides. Behind It Marched Hundreds of Soldiers. Then Hundreds More. And More.
An Endless Army. Lucian’s Heart Sank. The Scout Hadn’t Exaggerated. There Really Were Thousands. The Tunnel Became a River of Armored Troops. A Sea of Steel. A Tidal Wave of Soldiers. The Rebellion Suddenly Felt Very Small.
A Loudspeaker Crackled. An Amplified Voice Filled the Cavern. “THIS IS GENERAL MALREC OF THE SOVEREIGN AUTHORITY.” The Giant Machine Stopped. Soldiers Formed Ranks. The Voice Continued.
“SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY.” Nobody Moved. “SURRENDER THE ELEMENTBORN.” Still Nobody Moved. General Malrec Sighed Dramatically. “Very Well.” The Machine’s Weapons Activated.
Red Energy Flooded the Tunnel. Lucian Felt his Pulse Quicken. This Was It. The Battle Had Begun. The First Shot Exploded Against the Wall. Stone Shattered. Soldiers Charged.
The Cavern Erupted Into Chaos. Rebel Defenses Opened Fire. Energy Bolts Streaked Through the Darkness. Explosions Lit the Underground City. People Screamed. Weapons Thundered. The Rebellion Fought Desperately.
But the Authority Kept Advancing. Wave After Wave. Relentless. Unstoppable. Lucian Felt Fear Rising. Then Something Else Rose With It. Fire. His Fire. The Flames Awakened Beneath his Skin.
Hotter Than Before. Stronger. Hungrier. Without Thinking, He Thrust Both Hands Forward. A Torrent of Blazing Fire Exploded From his Palms. The Tunnel Became an Inferno. Authority Soldiers Scattered.
Armor Glowed Red-Hot. The Advancing Line Broke Apart. Gasps Erupted From Nearby Rebels. Lucian Stared. The Flames Stretched Farther Than Ever Before. Much Farther. His Power Was Growing.
Nearby, Kael Leaped From the Wall. Wind Exploded Around Him. The Air-Bender Spun. A Miniature Hurricane Formed Instantly. Authority Troops Were Lifted off Their Feet. Weapons Flew Through the Air.
Entire Squads Crashed Into Tunnel Walls. Kael Landed Lightly. Grinning. “This Is New.” Lyra Raised Both Arms. Water Surged From Underground Reservoirs. Massive Streams Spiraled Upward.
They Merged Into Towering Waves. The Water Crashed Forward. Sweeping Soldiers Away Like Leaves in a Flood. Ice Followed. Entire Sections of Tunnel Froze Solid. The Authority Advance Slowed Dramatically.
Then Came Darius. The Earth-Bender Stepped Forward. Calm. Focused. Silent. The Battlefield Seemed To Hold its Breath. Darius Slammed Both Fists Into the Ground. The World Exploded. Stone Erupted Upward.
Massive Pillars Burst From the Earth. Entire Sections of Tunnel Collapsed. Walls Rose. Barricades Formed. The Ground Itself Obeyed Him. Lucian Watched in Amazement. Darius Wasn’t Just Controlling Rocks.
He Was Reshaping the Battlefield. Commanding the Earth Itself. No Wonder his Power Was Called Earthshaking. For a Moment It Seemed They Might Actually Win. The Authority Advance Stalled. Soldiers Retreated.
Rebels Cheered. Hope Flickered Across the Cavern. Then Everything Changed. A New Figure Emerged From the Tunnel. A Single Man. Tall. Dressed Entirely in Black Armor. No Insignia. No Rank Markings.
Just Darkness. The Soldiers Immediately Stepped Aside. Even General Malrec Looked Nervous. The Stranger Walked Forward Calmly. Almost Casually. As if the Battle Meant Nothing. Lucian Felt Something Cold Settle Into his Stomach.
The Others Felt It Too. Even Darius. Even Lyra. Whoever This Man Was… He Was Dangerous. The Armored Figure Stopped. Then Slowly Removed his Helmet. A Pale Face Appeared Beneath.
Silver Eyes. Expressionless Features. A Thin Scar Crossed One Cheek. He Looked Young. Too Young. Maybe Twenty. Maybe Twenty-One. Yet his Eyes Felt Ancient. The Stranger Looked Directly at the Four Elementborn.
Then Smiled. Not Kindly. Not Warmly. Predatorially. “Interesting.” His Voice Echoed Strangely. Like Two Voices Speaking at Once. “The Prophecy Lives.” Kael Frowned. “Who Are You?”
The Man’s Smile Widened. “I Am Called Varis.” Nobody Recognized the Name. Except Commander Elias. The Rebel Leader’s Face Instantly Drained of Color. “No.” Varis Looked Toward Him. “Hello, Old Friend.” The Commander Stepped Backward.
Lucian Had Never Seen Fear Like That Before. Not Fear of Losing. Not Fear of Death. Fear of Something Worse. “What Is It?” Lucian Asked. Elias Whispered the Answer. “The Shadow Knight.” Silence. Varis Bowed Dramatically.
“Still Remembered.” The Cavern Suddenly Grew Darker. Shadows Stretched Unnaturally Across the Walls. The Temperature Dropped. Rebels Backed Away. Authority Soldiers Did the Same. Even They Seemed Afraid.
Varis Slowly Raised One Hand. Black Energy Gathered Around his Fingers. Lucian Stared. It Wasn’t Fire. Or Water. Or Earth. Or Air. It Was Something Else. Something Wrong.
Something Ancient. The Shadows Twisted Like Living Creatures. And for the First Time Since his Powers Awakened… Lucian Felt Truly Terrified. Because Deep Down He Understood Something. The Four Elementborn Weren’t the Only Ones With Powers.
And Whatever Varis Could Do… It Might Be Even Stronger.
Chapter 5 The Four Unite The Cavern Seemed To Grow Darker With Every Step Varis Took. Black Shadows Slithered Across the Stone Floor Like Living Snakes. Even the Flames Around Lucian Dimmed Slightly. The Shadow Knight Smiled.
“Do You Feel It?” Nobody Answered. “The Fear.” Varis Spread his Arms. “The Darkness Remembers.” Suddenly the Shadows Erupted. Black Tendrils Shot Across the Battlefield.
Rebel Soldiers Screamed as They Were Thrown Backward. Stone Cracked. Weapons Shattered. Entire Barricades Collapsed. Darius Stepped Forward. “Enough.” He Slammed his Foot Into the Ground.
A Wall of Stone Surged Upward. The Shadow Tendrils Smashed Into It. The Impact Shook the Cavern. For the First Time, Varis Looked Impressed. “Interesting.” Kael Moved Next. A Tornado Burst Into Existence.
The Wind Roared Through the Cavern. Shadows Twisted and Scattered. Lyra Followed. Water Spiraled Around Her Like a Silver-Blue Storm. Lucian’s Flames Blazed Brighter. The Four Elementborn Stood Together.
Fire. Water. Earth. Air. The Cavern Trembled. Something Ancient Awakened. For a Brief Moment Glowing Symbols Appeared Beneath Their Feet. The Same Symbols From the Prophecy.
Varis Stopped Smiling. “You’ve Synchronized Already?” Elias Looked Stunned. “Impossible…” The Shadow Knight’s Eyes Narrowed. “This Is Happening Faster Than Expected.” Then He Vanished. A Cloud of Darkness Swallowed Him.
When It Cleared, He Was Gone. The Authority Army Immediately Began Retreating. General Malrec Barked Orders. Within Minutes the Soldiers Disappeared Into the Tunnels. The Battle Was Over. But Nobody Celebrated.
Because Everyone Knew This Had Only Been the Beginning. Later That Night, Elias Gathered the Four Elementborn. “The Prophecy Is Real.” Lucian Leaned Forward. “You Keep Saying That.” “Because It Is.”
Elias Activated Another Hologram. Ancient Images Appeared. Four Warriors Stood Against a Black Crown. “The First Elementborn Lived Over a Thousand Years Ago.” Darius Frowned. “That’s Impossible.” “The Records Say Otherwise.”
The Commander Pointed Toward the Dark Crown. “The Shadow Crown Created Varis.” Silence. Lyra Spoke First. “What Exactly Is the Shadow Crown?” Elias Took a Deep Breath. “The Greatest Evil Ever Discovered.”
Chapter 6 Secrets of the Old World The Next Morning the Four Teenagers Descended Deeper Into the Underground City. Elias Led Them Through Ancient Ruins Hidden Beneath the Rebel Headquarters. Stone Pillars Lined the Corridor.
Symbols Glowed Faintly on the Walls. The Deeper They Traveled, the Older Everything Appeared. Finally They Reached a Massive Circular Chamber. Lucian Stared. The Room Looked Ancient Beyond Imagination. In the Center Stood a Giant Crystal.
It Pulsed With Soft White Light. “What Is This?” Kael Asked. “The Heartstone.” Elias Approached Carefully. “It Survived the Fall.” “The Fall?” Lyra Asked. The Commander Nodded. “The Destruction of the Old World.”
Images Suddenly Appeared Inside the Crystal. Cities Filled the Air. Flying Vehicles Crossed the Sky. Towering Structures Reached the Clouds. Lucian’s Jaw Dropped. “This Was Earth?” Elias Nodded. “A World Far More Advanced Than Ours.”
The Images Changed. A War Appeared. Massive Explosions. Entire Continents Burning. Dark Energy Spreading Across the Planet. Then Came a Crown. Black. Twisted. Terrifying.
The Moment It Appeared, Everyone Felt Cold. “The Shadow Crown.” The Crystal Flickered. “We Still Don’t Know Where It Came From.” The Images Showed Kings Placing the Crown Upon Their Heads. Each Ruler Became Stronger. Crueler.
More Corrupt. “The Crown Grants Immense Power.” Elias’ Voice Grew Darker. “But It Slowly Consumes its Wearer.” Darius Crossed his Arms. “And Dominion’s Rulers Have Been Wearing It?” “For Centuries.” Silence Filled the Chamber.
Everything Suddenly Made Sense. The Oppression. The Violence. The Endless Fear. The Kingdom Wasn’t Merely Corrupt. Something Was Poisoning It From the Top Down. The Crystal Flashed Again.
Four Glowing Symbols Appeared. Fire. Water. Earth. Air. “The Elementborn Were Created To Oppose the Crown.” Lucian Stared. “Created?” The Commander Nodded.
“The Elements Awaken Whenever the Darkness Grows Too Powerful.” Kael Blinked. “So We’re Basically Destiny’s Emergency Response Team?” Nobody Answered. Because That Description Was Surprisingly Accurate.
Chapter 7 Training Begins Three Days Later. Lucian’s Face Met the Training Floor. Again. “Ow.” Kael Stood Over Him. “You Keep Trying To Overpower the Fire.”
“I’m Literally Controlling Fire.” “Exactly.” Kael Offered a Hand. Lucian Accepted It. “The Element Isn’t Your Servant.” “What Does That Even Mean?” Kael Pointed Toward the Flames. “It Works With You.”
Nearby, Lyra Practiced in Complete Silence. Water Danced Around her. Each Movement Looked Effortless. Beautiful. Precise. Meanwhile Darius Repeatedly Punched Giant Boulders. Every Strike Shattered Stone.
The Training Area Looked Like It Had Survived a Meteor Shower. Zara Watched From the Sidelines. “Subtle as Always.” Darius Grinned. “Thank You.” “That Wasn’t a Compliment.” Days Became Weeks.
The Four Elementborn Grew Stronger. Lucian Learned To Create Walls of Fire. Kael Learned To Ride Air Currents. Lyra Mastered Ice. Darius Could Move Entire Sections of Earth. Yet Something Felt Strange.
Every Time They Trained Together, Their Powers Became Stronger. Far Stronger. One Afternoon Elias Finally Explained Why. “The Prophecy Never Speaks of Individual Strength.” “What Does It Say?” Lyra Asked. The Commander Smiled.
“It Speaks of Unity.” The Four Exchanged Glances. Elias Continued. “The Elements Were Never Meant To Stand Alone.” That Night They Tested the Theory. Fire Met Air. The Flames Became Enormous.
Water Combined With Earth. Stone and Ice Fused Together. Then all Four Powers Connected. The Training Chamber Exploded With Light. Ancient Symbols Appeared Once More. This Time Everyone Saw Them.
The Heartstone Itself Began Glowing. And Somewhere Far Away… Varis Felt It. His Silver Eyes Opened. “They’re Awakening.” A Smile Crossed his Face. “Excellent.” Chapter 8
The First Mission The Rebellion Celebrated Cautiously. For the First Time in Years They Had Hope. But Hope Alone Would Not Free the Kingdom. Action Was Required. Elias Summoned the Four Elementborn. “You Have a Mission.”
Lucian Sat Up Immediately. “A Real Mission?” “A Dangerous One.” Kael Grinned. “Those Are the Best Kind.” “They’re Really Not,” Zara Muttered. A Holographic Map Appeared.