Tales Of The Citadel Series by Viola Grace

Zeyan has lived in the shadows, keeping her talent to herself. When she tries to reach out to console a grieving loved one and is summarily arrested by her people she finds life and a new start in the Citadel, as the Soul Keeper. Zeyan has been banished by her own race and her talents have developed under the careful eye of the instructors at the Citadel... moreZeyan has lived in the shadows, keeping her talent to herself. When she tries to reach out to console a grieving loved one and is summarily arrested by her people she finds life and a new start in the Citadel, as the Soul Keeper. Zeyan has been banished by her own race and her talents have developed under the careful eye of the instructors at the Citadel. When a psychic plague breaks out that shatters the mind body connection, the locals call the Sector Guard and they, in turn, call the Soul Keeper. It is time for her to return home. Orenn has envied his cousin Fenn's life and love in the Sector Guard. As a telepath at the Citadel he recognizes a powerful will when he sees it and when Zeyan looks into his eyes, he also sees his future stretching before him, with her at his side. He had no idea it was going to be the other way around. less

Espionage was never something offered to Aliiva as a career path until the Citadel came for tea. A talent for knowing what folks were thinking was something Aliiva had come to terms with, but leaving her home and using those skills at the Citadel was not something she was prepared for... moreEspionage was never something offered to Aliiva as a career path until the Citadel came for tea. A talent for knowing what folks were thinking was something Aliiva had come to terms with, but leaving her home and using those skills at the Citadel was not something she was prepared for. Learning etiquette, deportment and self defense becomes her focus, but when the combat instructors keep running away, what is she supposed to do? Returning from a harsh assignment, Baengar is not very keen to take on a new apprentice, until he sees Aliiva. Making sure that she is prepared to take on whatever comes her way is his primary concern. As they get to know each other, the concern shifts into something much more intense, and when they are sent on a mission together he knows that they have a destiny beyond their duty. less

Exotic and talented, Bren wants nothing more than to get her hands on the man who saved her and subject him to her healing caress. Brenawyn has lived life with one goal, survival. When Tracker of the Sector Guard lands on her planet she tries to buy herself some time at his expense and ends up with him and travelling to the Citadel. Training and teaching for four years, no one is more surprised than Bren when Tracker comes in, his body desperately needing her attention... moreExotic and talented, Bren wants nothing more than to get her hands on the man who saved her and subject him to her healing caress. Brenawyn has lived life with one goal, survival. When Tracker of the Sector Guard lands on her planet she tries to buy herself some time at his expense and ends up with him and travelling to the Citadel. Training and teaching for four years, no one is more surprised than Bren when Tracker comes in, his body desperately needing her attention. After the healing he gives her another option, instead of languishing at the Citadel she can join him at Teklan base. She keeps him in suspense for the entire nine seconds that it takes her to make up her mind, and then they simply have to negotiate for her freedom. Easy. less

Being a bastard on Bassinor has been difficult enough, but Erinii Zakkata has always done her duty to family and that was what landed her in the facility to begin with. Gassed into a hallucinogenic state, she has spent four years trying to swim out of the fanciful creations of her mind, and with a little intervention from a familiar face she manages to find reality again... moreBeing a bastard on Bassinor has been difficult enough, but Erinii Zakkata has always done her duty to family and that was what landed her in the facility to begin with. Gassed into a hallucinogenic state, she has spent four years trying to swim out of the fanciful creations of her mind, and with a little intervention from a familiar face she manages to find reality again. Or did she? Until she can find a way to escape she has to appear to be a madwoman in a psych facility, and when the role comes far too easily, she has to wonder if she has made it out of her nightmares or is she still trapped in her own mind, living out an escape that seems far too good to be true? A representative from the Citadel is now featuring heavily in her fantasies, but is he real or just another illusion to keep her from escaping her imprisonment? Time and a heavy detox will tell. less

Iris has used her ability to dream her target’s location to gain recognition and to be the most efficient hunter she could be. The psychic knives that appear at the ends of her hands help her to stun rather than kill prey when a death is not necessary. Nothing escapes her, not livestock, not lost people. Anything that runs, she can hunt... moreIris has used her ability to dream her target’s location to gain recognition and to be the most efficient hunter she could be. The psychic knives that appear at the ends of her hands help her to stun rather than kill prey when a death is not necessary. Nothing escapes her, not livestock, not lost people. Anything that runs, she can hunt. When the Citadel calls on her to help find a lost object in an alien jungle, how can she resist the urge to test her skills on another world? Venin is a throw-back shifter of the Azon variety. He has the ability to embrace his peoples’ most ancient form and use the instincts that accompany it to his advantage. Partnering with Iris is not his first inclination but once he gets to know the hunter, he wants nothing more than to sprint with her in the wild and test out both of their basic instincts to the max. less

Physical talents are illegal on Resicor, they fear an uprising and so lock their active talents away. Col knows her talent for flight can get her arrested and if she dares to show it in public, her life will end in the dome. A robbery at a museum ends up with her being thrown off a roof and it is fly for her life or die a free woman. She negotiates with herself swiftly and decides that freedom might be possible if she can live to see it... morePhysical talents are illegal on Resicor, they fear an uprising and so lock their active talents away. Col knows her talent for flight can get her arrested and if she dares to show it in public, her life will end in the dome. A robbery at a museum ends up with her being thrown off a roof and it is fly for her life or die a free woman. She negotiates with herself swiftly and decides that freedom might be possible if she can live to see it. Ysyr is on retrieval duty when he meets his first Resicor and she knocks him and his instincts on their backsides. Life with this woman might be awkward, but being without her is intolerable from the moment she put her trusting hand in his. less

Ikari has enjoyed life on the family farm until a neighbour turns her in for being a talent, from that point on, things spiral rapidly beyond her control. She is put in a restrictor suit, shipped off world and sent to Teklan base to try to remove the suit without killing her. Ikari has an assignment as the courier on Dorali, and her new partner is waiting... moreIkari has enjoyed life on the family farm until a neighbour turns her in for being a talent, from that point on, things spiral rapidly beyond her control. She is put in a restrictor suit, shipped off world and sent to Teklan base to try to remove the suit without killing her. Ikari has an assignment as the courier on Dorali, and her new partner is waiting. Khivon has known his flier was coming to him for over a year, but when she shows up and her eyes spark memories of far-off nebulas, he feels his instincts taking over when his logic should have been holding fast. less

Naka can use her mind to destroy a world, or she can save it. When nothing seems right, she calls the moon. Naka was adrift with no means to focus, but accidentally starting a tremor in her hometown lets everyone know what she is and sentences her to confinement. The Citadel sends a representative to take her away, but the information that he is given will make sure that she finds no friends off Resicor... moreNaka can use her mind to destroy a world, or she can save it. When nothing seems right, she calls the moon. Naka was adrift with no means to focus, but accidentally starting a tremor in her hometown lets everyone know what she is and sentences her to confinement. The Citadel sends a representative to take her away, but the information that he is given will make sure that she finds no friends off Resicor. Her life is no longer her own, but her talent begs to be used, and on the planet of Piq, she finds something very wrong. The empty world should not be empty. Its mind has been stolen and lodged in the moon. In his efforts to escape, the living mind of the planet has almost ripped his old body apart. With skills she didn’t know she had, Naka steps in to carry one mind back to its home. She hopes she will survive the process. less

Her element is fire, her mind is missing memories and a dream master is her keeper. Hahvi’s dance will reshape a world. Hahvi has spent eight years in the dome with other physical talents. Her body is wrapped in a restrictor suit, but she keeps her mind free to dream of possibilities. She is given to the Citadel, and when she meets the dream master, her world and her options shift dramatically. Rackon dreamed of a woman wreathed in flame, dancing across lava... moreHer element is fire, her mind is missing memories and a dream master is her keeper. Hahvi’s dance will reshape a world. Hahvi has spent eight years in the dome with other physical talents. Her body is wrapped in a restrictor suit, but she keeps her mind free to dream of possibilities. She is given to the Citadel, and when she meets the dream master, her world and her options shift dramatically. Rackon dreamed of a woman wreathed in flame, dancing across lava. This was the woman his people needed to help them save their city and the last of their civilization. Research pointed to Resicor, and after severe negotiations, she is handed over to them so that they can take on the trouble of her maintenance. Released from the restriction, she is free to use her talent for the first time in her life, unfortunately, she has to pick her outlet carefully or she could kill them all. less

Freedom to use her power has finally come, but the ball of mist Kiiki is partnered with causes a riot in her new reality. Kiiki has spent ten years in the Dome, the first to be dumped there when she was fourteen. Now, the Citadel is offering her a chance to get out and she is not hesitating. Her family will keep, she needs out NOW. Harken is a cloud-formed Nishan and Kiiki’s new partner... moreFreedom to use her power has finally come, but the ball of mist Kiiki is partnered with causes a riot in her new reality. Kiiki has spent ten years in the Dome, the first to be dumped there when she was fourteen. Now, the Citadel is offering her a chance to get out and she is not hesitating. Her family will keep, she needs out NOW. Harken is a cloud-formed Nishan and Kiiki’s new partner. How can she trust a man who can choose any shape he wishes on a world where they want her to use her power talent for hours a day? Her attraction to her strange companion grows with his appreciation of her skills. By the end of the assignment, she is incomplete without him, and he is obsessed with protecting her. Her injuries have occurred because of the nature of her talent, and there is nothing more frustrating than a protector who cannot protect his charge from herself. less

Syrella was born to nobility and cursed by her talent. The last thing she expected was to be called to power. Syrella was a talent in a noble family where talents were not normally accepted. Her parents decided that learning how to control her skills would be better for her than being shunned at home, so they sent her to the Citadel school at Thoola. Sy learned everything she could, including the surprising side benefit to her talent and shifted from student to instructor as the years passed... moreSyrella was born to nobility and cursed by her talent. The last thing she expected was to be called to power. Syrella was a talent in a noble family where talents were not normally accepted. Her parents decided that learning how to control her skills would be better for her than being shunned at home, so they sent her to the Citadel school at Thoola. Sy learned everything she could, including the surprising side benefit to her talent and shifted from student to instructor as the years passed. Sy receives a call that changes her life. She is the last inheritor of an ancient throne, and she must leave the Citadel immediately. Dorium is the bodyguard that the Citadel assigns to her and he just happens to be the man that Sy has had a crush on all her life. Death threats, greedy nobility and facing a deadly grandmother are all precursors to the one thing she is looking forward to, the Vexa Day of the Dead. less

Dev auditions for a place in the Citadel and her strength and resilience get her a position but is it what she really wants? Dev’s talent makes her unwanted on her own world so she chooses to join the Citadel in an effort to find another where acceptance will be offered. Helsin is the physician who tests her talent and when he confirms her strength he offers her a position in the Lowel Citadel, a base that is still in the planning stages... moreDev auditions for a place in the Citadel and her strength and resilience get her a position but is it what she really wants? Dev’s talent makes her unwanted on her own world so she chooses to join the Citadel in an effort to find another where acceptance will be offered. Helsin is the physician who tests her talent and when he confirms her strength he offers her a position in the Lowel Citadel, a base that is still in the planning stages. Dev becomes the first employee of Lowel Citadel, based in the Udell base and trained by the Sector Guard. With a resume like that it is no wonder that on her first assignment she is told that she has a talent for crisis management. Her living arrangements are crisis enough. less

Taking pain from those in need cost her nothing until her freedom was ripped away and a life of adventure was offered in exchange. Alda-Xeri enjoyed her life in her small town, helping those who needed surcease from pain during surgery or the last moments of life. When she is taken to the court to attend the duke’s final days, her life is altered forever and her talent twists in a way she never could have imagined... moreTaking pain from those in need cost her nothing until her freedom was ripped away and a life of adventure was offered in exchange. Alda-Xeri enjoyed her life in her small town, helping those who needed surcease from pain during surgery or the last moments of life. When she is taken to the court to attend the duke’s final days, her life is altered forever and her talent twists in a way she never could have imagined. The Sector Guard helps her leave her home for a life in the stars, helping more than the wealthy. She agrees to an assignment she cannot remember and soon finds herself in the clutches of Raiders, taking pain from victims of experimentation and wondering how she is going to find the freedom promised her when all hell breaks loose and she leads the charge. less

Powerful, alone and far from her family, Wia has found a path of her own but she is surprised to find it leading her to the arms of an Avatar. Born to a star, Wiali faced fifteen hundred years of stasis followed by ten years of work in the Citadel. While frozen, the entire Archive of the Alliance ran through her mind, her education was controlled by her whims... morePowerful, alone and far from her family, Wia has found a path of her own but she is surprised to find it leading her to the arms of an Avatar. Born to a star, Wiali faced fifteen hundred years of stasis followed by ten years of work in the Citadel. While frozen, the entire Archive of the Alliance ran through her mind, her education was controlled by her whims. When her father went nova, she was finally and definitely alone until the moment Suek’s last Avatar came to tell her she was transferred from Citadel Aria to Citadel Lowel, the adjunct to Sector Guard Base Udell. Braenar knew that Suek had chosen him for Wiali, but the mechanism by which they would meet again was a mystery until she walked into his life with a group of students trailing behind her. From that moment on, he kept tabs on her until the day he could tell her that she was stuck working with him in deadly and dangerous situations. Planets, power and infinite peril…What girl doesn’t want that sort of thing in her life? less

Wisdom comes at a cost, but if knowledge can be shared, it might not kill her. Yavil suffers from an intellectual infection. Her mind absorbs every detail of everything she sees, and she can force understanding on her students when she goes into lecture mode. Her brainstorms have gotten the attention of the Alliance, and after she speaks with one of their representatives from Citadel Morganti, she is on her way to working as an educator to the best and brightest of talents... moreWisdom comes at a cost, but if knowledge can be shared, it might not kill her. Yavil suffers from an intellectual infection. Her mind absorbs every detail of everything she sees, and she can force understanding on her students when she goes into lecture mode. Her brainstorms have gotten the attention of the Alliance, and after she speaks with one of their representatives from Citadel Morganti, she is on her way to working as an educator to the best and brightest of talents. Hosh is a first aid instructor assigned to Citadel Morganti, and when he listens to Yavil’s lecture on the local flora and clotting properties of minerals on Tebr, he is filled with complete understanding of the topic. This is a new experience for him, so he signs up for the entire series of lectures, and by the time they are complete, he knows more than just how to grow plants in a vacuum, he knows that Yavil is the group educator that the Sector Guard has been looking for. less

Forced to retire, Jiska must leave her world to ratify a treaty by partnering with a man who sees the truth in everything. Jiska has grown up as her people’s fiercest general. When peace breaks out, she is reassigned to Citadel Lowel and given a partner who needs a bodyguard. After a few minutes in his presence, she knows why. She is assigned to protect him, even if she wants to kill him. Deskin is a Negotiator specializing in hostage situations... moreForced to retire, Jiska must leave her world to ratify a treaty by partnering with a man who sees the truth in everything. Jiska has grown up as her people’s fiercest general. When peace breaks out, she is reassigned to Citadel Lowel and given a partner who needs a bodyguard. After a few minutes in his presence, she knows why. She is assigned to protect him, even if she wants to kill him. Deskin is a Negotiator specializing in hostage situations. He needs a bodyguard to watch his back while he plies his trade, and General Jiska Irthano is far more than he could hope for. Jiska has grown up denying her needs from clothing and shelter to companionship and love. The Citadel offers a solution to her denial in every category. less

A brutal attack changed her life and turned her into a monster with the power to defend those who cannot or will not defend themselves. Priina lived on a farm, and one night, she broke the laws of Cial and ventured through the wall to find some lost herd animals. She finds the remains of her beasts and is attacked by a creature that is far beyond her experience. She survives the encounter but is changed forever more by the exposure to the alien beast... moreA brutal attack changed her life and turned her into a monster with the power to defend those who cannot or will not defend themselves. Priina lived on a farm, and one night, she broke the laws of Cial and ventured through the wall to find some lost herd animals. She finds the remains of her beasts and is attacked by a creature that is far beyond her experience. She survives the encounter but is changed forever more by the exposure to the alien beast. Her people ship her off world so that her contamination will not spread into a susceptible population. Six years at Citadel Thoola gives her an education, self-control and an appreciation for the variety of species in the Alliance with their differences embedded in their very genes. She is summoned to active duty at Citadel Lowel and the man sent to collect her is the one who saved her six years earlier. Can Rhanos induce her into a partnership when she refuses to let her instincts rule her, even a little bit? less

An open mind is a terrible thing to waste, so armour it up and send it to the Citadel with a fanged shape-shifter watching her every move. Veera’s mind broke wide open during a tragedy. A telepathic call for help sent her into a coma where every mind around her was open to hers. A stint on an island where no one spoke or thought a harsh word was just what she needed, but when she was offered a chance to live a life out in the open, she agreed to everything that the shape-shifter asked... moreAn open mind is a terrible thing to waste, so armour it up and send it to the Citadel with a fanged shape-shifter watching her every move. Veera’s mind broke wide open during a tragedy. A telepathic call for help sent her into a coma where every mind around her was open to hers. A stint on an island where no one spoke or thought a harsh word was just what she needed, but when she was offered a chance to live a life out in the open, she agreed to everything that the shape-shifter asked. Life was something that she needed to find. Stanik trained to be Veera’s link for eighteen months. When he finally met her, her physical presence sent his senses reeling. The reality was much better than the images her family had sent him to entice him into agreeing to share his mind with hers. He gives her stability, and she gives him attitude, a challenge and someone to protect. It is a fairly even swap. less

Using heat to skim along ice delivers her into the arms of a botanist who has more than a casual interest in her and her talent. Kescu has been raised under ice. Under the surface of Wanlio 6, the locals live and thrive with the Ice Runner moving emergency and experimental supplies from one city and base to the other. Her talent is heat, but she channels it through metal plates, and she skates along the frozen surface of her world... moreUsing heat to skim along ice delivers her into the arms of a botanist who has more than a casual interest in her and her talent. Kescu has been raised under ice. Under the surface of Wanlio 6, the locals live and thrive with the Ice Runner moving emergency and experimental supplies from one city and base to the other. Her talent is heat, but she channels it through metal plates, and she skates along the frozen surface of her world. Lorvik is a new botanist who is assisting a researcher at another base to develop fast-growing fruiting plants for starving populations. When the Ice Runner first arrives in his base, he knows she is more than she seems, but a kiss and genetic testing proves that his path has led him to the right woman. His woman. Negotiations do not go too smoothly, but Kes knows she is meant for another world. Life in the ice is beginning to hurt. She agrees to his suit, and he only has one more hurdle to pass. Her mother. less

A Guardsman wakes a deadly weapon of mythic proportions, Rathi, and she must choose sides with only his earnest gaze to go on. Hidden does his work in secret and silence. Searching for the deadly weapon known as the Destroyer of Ichadra, he insinuates himself into an archaeological team looking for the ancient power. The woman he finds is young, strong and can rip him apart at the molecular level with the wave of her hand... moreA Guardsman wakes a deadly weapon of mythic proportions, Rathi, and she must choose sides with only his earnest gaze to go on. Hidden does his work in secret and silence. Searching for the deadly weapon known as the Destroyer of Ichadra, he insinuates himself into an archaeological team looking for the ancient power. The woman he finds is young, strong and can rip him apart at the molecular level with the wave of her hand. Rathi can remember over sixteen hundred years, but she has slept for the last thousand. The handsome male who wakes her entreats her to do what is right and that alone wins her agreement. When she sees that her world is dead, she must choose to align herself with a current power, and nothing will convince her like a kind word and an offer to help discover what happened to those who came before. less

Control over the elements is dull until a man walks onto her world and makes her senses burn. Vexaniali has spent her life in solitude, finding ways to entertain herself on an empty world that has become her prison. She was ordered to keep anyone from landing, but it was just a make-work job to keep her out of the way. Burn arrives and offers her a chance to use her skills on a variety of worlds under the aegis of the Citadel Arcani... moreControl over the elements is dull until a man walks onto her world and makes her senses burn. Vexaniali has spent her life in solitude, finding ways to entertain herself on an empty world that has become her prison. She was ordered to keep anyone from landing, but it was just a make-work job to keep her out of the way. Burn arrives and offers her a chance to use her skills on a variety of worlds under the aegis of the Citadel Arcani. Moving a cure around a world using her mastery of air is time consuming and tiring but not difficult. It is a good start, and when Burn offers himself to top up her flagging energies, how could she refuse? less

Needing help to free her creation, Rain turns to an agricultural specialist who has more than furrows on his mind. After centuries of waiting, Rain has an opportunity to retrieve a creation that she designed and it means far more than a simple machine should. Her memories are wound around the weather machine and it has been used to destroy the natural order of Jarko... moreNeeding help to free her creation, Rain turns to an agricultural specialist who has more than furrows on his mind. After centuries of waiting, Rain has an opportunity to retrieve a creation that she designed and it means far more than a simple machine should. Her memories are wound around the weather machine and it has been used to destroy the natural order of Jarko. When she completes her introduction to the local mayor, he ends up leaving office suddenly and his replacement is first a member of the Citadel before he is acting mayor. He is more than willing to help her with the weather machine. Of course, being from the Citadel, there will be a price, but Rain has learned that there always is when it is for something she really wants. less

Out of her body and lost in space, Wiyra finds solace and help in the form of a tracker who has his own designs on her physical self. Wiyra is an astral investigator. She can leave her body and search any specific point in space that she wishes. She merely has to know its location before she leaves herself. A problem arises when she leaves to examine some mineral deposits and returns to the place her body should be, only to find it missing. Her entire home is missing... moreOut of her body and lost in space, Wiyra finds solace and help in the form of a tracker who has his own designs on her physical self. Wiyra is an astral investigator. She can leave her body and search any specific point in space that she wishes. She merely has to know its location before she leaves herself. A problem arises when she leaves to examine some mineral deposits and returns to the place her body should be, only to find it missing. Her entire home is missing. Her cousins, grandfather and brothers are all gone with no trace. There is only one person she can turn to, and while it makes her grit her astral teeth, she heads to Citadel Reevish. Master Tracker Burin is woken from a sound sleep by an astral hand in his head, and while he is startled, delight soon follows. Wiyra has come to him for help and the Citadel does nothing for free. He has her right where he wants her…as soon as he finds her. less

Yohwen enjoys her life, but when the Citadel comes knocking she has to face change, danger and a man whose touch can set her on fire. Yohwen has finally reached the pinnacle of her art. She is the Master Haunt and during the festival week, she wakes the dead for their friends and families for one night only. The next day she is invited to help the Citadel on a world where the entire population died without a whimper. They were Ysheer, the same species as Yohwen... moreYohwen enjoys her life, but when the Citadel comes knocking she has to face change, danger and a man whose touch can set her on fire. Yohwen has finally reached the pinnacle of her art. She is the Master Haunt and during the festival week, she wakes the dead for their friends and families for one night only. The next day she is invited to help the Citadel on a world where the entire population died without a whimper. They were Ysheer, the same species as Yohwen. She can talk to them and let them talk to others in a way that no other being can manage. When her assistant asks to go, there is no choice. She has to go. Scorcher Orkill was not expecting the lovely creature to agree, but when she did, his heart raced and his body heated in a way he was only used to when his talent was in overdrive. She is here to do a job, and he is here to help, but once the work is over he has every intention of pursuing her. Unfortunately, something goes horribly wrong. less

A woman with a talent for destruction is partnered with a Guardsman with a flair for bringing things to life. Winera showed her talent as a Scorcher in a spectacular first display of heat and destruction. The Citadel welcomed her with open arms. Years after joining the Citadel, she is finally a full-fledged Scorcher and ready for her first official mission with a member of the Sector Guard... moreA woman with a talent for destruction is partnered with a Guardsman with a flair for bringing things to life. Winera showed her talent as a Scorcher in a spectacular first display of heat and destruction. The Citadel welcomed her with open arms. Years after joining the Citadel, she is finally a full-fledged Scorcher and ready for her first official mission with a member of the Sector Guard. She had no idea that she was getting more than just a partner when a bundle of feathery fluff claims her as his own, much to her new partner’s amusement. Hyl has been waiting for the matchmaker to find him a partner that he can do more than go into battle with. One look at Winera and he knows that this fiery woman could set his senses ablaze. Smudge is a Yaluthu who has been patiently waiting for his person. When he sees the woman of fire, he knows she is the one that he is destined to be with, and he flings himself into her arms. Let’s not talk about the ship. She has too much attitude. less

Iara lives her life for calm, partnered with a species she despises. She has to fight for what she brings so easily to others. Iara was a Kozue whose talent was peace and tranquility. Her parents sold her as a bodyguard to a royal house when she was just nine years old. Twelve years as a bondservant gave her an education that the Citadel continued when she escaped from a fate worse than death. Partnered with Lock of the Sector Guard, she stifles her urge to scream... moreIara lives her life for calm, partnered with a species she despises. She has to fight for what she brings so easily to others. Iara was a Kozue whose talent was peace and tranquility. Her parents sold her as a bodyguard to a royal house when she was just nine years old. Twelve years as a bondservant gave her an education that the Citadel continued when she escaped from a fate worse than death. Partnered with Lock of the Sector Guard, she stifles her urge to scream. There is one man guaranteed to shake the calm she brings to others and she is stuck in a ship with him. Lock admires Iara for her skill, her poise and her beauty. Finding a female Kozue without family or clan to protect her makes her a target, but her talent makes her formidable and very sexy to his senses. less

Stirring a tempest is the easy part, controlling it is the issue and depending on a jerk of a healer is annoying. Kedna has been consigned to fostering on the empty world of Iskan when her power and her health become dangerous. Being mentored by a planetary Avatar is difficult, but moving the weather for an entire world is second nature. When she is older and her skills are needed off world, she is paired with her first member of the Sector Guard... moreStirring a tempest is the easy part, controlling it is the issue and depending on a jerk of a healer is annoying. Kedna has been consigned to fostering on the empty world of Iskan when her power and her health become dangerous. Being mentored by a planetary Avatar is difficult, but moving the weather for an entire world is second nature. When she is older and her skills are needed off world, she is paired with her first member of the Sector Guard. He is a pain in the butt and harbours resentments toward her for hogging his ancestral planet. She simply concentrates on the job and earns his respect in the bargain. Fast forward to her twenty-third birthday and they cross paths again. This time, she knows his measure and he knows hers. Respect turns to fascination and progresses into a flirtation that crosses the stars. less

Born to mimic any talent she sees, Lieta is asked for help in taking down those of her own kind. A new career in Breaking Gods. Abandoned at the doors of an abbey, Lieta began life with knowledge of how to use any talent she was in contact with. As she grew, so did her collection of accessible power. When the Citadel came to the abbey to ask for her assistance, she was astonished to learn she was not only not the only one of her kind, but she was one of the only sane ones... moreBorn to mimic any talent she sees, Lieta is asked for help in taking down those of her own kind. A new career in Breaking Gods. Abandoned at the doors of an abbey, Lieta began life with knowledge of how to use any talent she was in contact with. As she grew, so did her collection of accessible power. When the Citadel came to the abbey to ask for her assistance, she was astonished to learn she was not only not the only one of her kind, but she was one of the only sane ones. Her species enjoys being worshipped and that is rarely a good result for their people. Lieta has to stop them, nullify them and make sure that they won’t hurt others. Running into one of her previous arrests and finding out that she is expected to let him be her shadow is a shock. Muraz once fancied himself a god, but after being shown that he was not alone, he has decided that working with the only being more powerful than himself might be educational less

Enslaved by her own people, she breaks free and joins the Citadel in her capacity as a water elemental. Her destiny is fluid. Mora was identified to the Resicor government as a talent, and on the way to the interview that would lock her up, she was diverted and hidden in the mountains. After a year on her own, she was captured and her time in service to the Resicor government began, deep underground where the public would never know... moreEnslaved by her own people, she breaks free and joins the Citadel in her capacity as a water elemental. Her destiny is fluid. Mora was identified to the Resicor government as a talent, and on the way to the interview that would lock her up, she was diverted and hidden in the mountains. After a year on her own, she was captured and her time in service to the Resicor government began, deep underground where the public would never know. Tranoth was assigned by the Citadel to break her free, but as a technician, he had to go where he was sent. By chance, he ended up with her on two occasions, and it was enough time to set things in place for the breakout. By the time they are able to move, she has been alone for six years with only minimal contact by other beings. Her mind is fragile but she is determined. If they give her a place to run and hide, they will have to catch up to her because she is going. less

A tech from Resicor meets a bodyguard with sedating spikes. When she wakes up, she is on her way to the Citadel. Ainora has been spotted by the government of Resicor and identified as an active talent. Her ability to identify the repairs needed for any situation makes her a valuable tool and turns her into a slave for the government. Her family makes arrangements to get her off world, and when the rescue comes, he simply knocks her out and carries her away... moreA tech from Resicor meets a bodyguard with sedating spikes. When she wakes up, she is on her way to the Citadel. Ainora has been spotted by the government of Resicor and identified as an active talent. Her ability to identify the repairs needed for any situation makes her a valuable tool and turns her into a slave for the government. Her family makes arrangements to get her off world, and when the rescue comes, he simply knocks her out and carries her away. Lyon has worked as a bodyguard for years but never has he run across a woman who not only recovers from the toxin on his spikes with incredible speed, but also manages to dodge his next volley with surprising instincts. less

A woman with vision finds a man who can help her reach heights she never imagined. Riasa has been working with the resistance to warn talents of the scanning bots flying overhead on schedules. The warning of eyes in the sky saved lives and families. Rescued before she could be caught, Riasa begins life at Citadel Teklan, but she knows something is very wrong... moreA woman with vision finds a man who can help her reach heights she never imagined. Riasa has been working with the resistance to warn talents of the scanning bots flying overhead on schedules. The warning of eyes in the sky saved lives and families. Rescued before she could be caught, Riasa begins life at Citadel Teklan, but she knows something is very wrong. Confronting her suspicions, she calls in help and destroys the only home she has been offered before getting assigned to a flyer with wings of stone. Natu was disgruntled to be picking up a farmer’s daughter on Resicor, but once he met Riasa and saw her talent in action, he had to admit that he had been in the right place at the right time. less

Working in the Resistance, Amly Hyde has specialised in hiding other talents from notice. Now, she has been spotted, and she is hiding in plain sight until she just can’t hide anymore. Rescued from a capture event, Amly is swept off her feet and through the floor, leaving Resicor in a way she had never really considered. Alive with her feet on the deck plates had never seemed like an option. She is destined for the Citadel and her companion is going to make sure she arrives safe and sound... moreWorking in the Resistance, Amly Hyde has specialised in hiding other talents from notice. Now, she has been spotted, and she is hiding in plain sight until she just can’t hide anymore. Rescued from a capture event, Amly is swept off her feet and through the floor, leaving Resicor in a way she had never really considered. Alive with her feet on the deck plates had never seemed like an option. She is destined for the Citadel and her companion is going to make sure she arrives safe and sound. Walking Shadow has known his match was on Resicor, and the moment he saw her, he was sure that she was the one. The blue hair was a giveaway, but her strong-minded fixation on survival was a bit of a turn-on. He has time to convince her they are meant to be together but patience has never been one of his virtues. less

A jump into a crevice leads to life as an Avatar and a loss that breaks Trala’s heart. The moment that the administrators decide to use Trala and her sister Noma as holders to confine the mind of the planet, they have to act. Their plan has always been to surrender themselves to the world but when Trala is taken and Noma is sent elsewhere her heart breaks as her twin disappears... moreA jump into a crevice leads to life as an Avatar and a loss that breaks Trala’s heart. The moment that the administrators decide to use Trala and her sister Noma as holders to confine the mind of the planet, they have to act. Their plan has always been to surrender themselves to the world but when Trala is taken and Noma is sent elsewhere her heart breaks as her twin disappears. Trala has her work cut out for her in remaking the social structure of her world and defending against layers of invasion she was not prepared for. Improvising becomes her watchword but when a man made of shadows watches her back she doesn’t feel so alone. less

Noma feels the pain of separation from her sister keenly, but the light that she stumbles across belongs to a man with beautiful eyes. In a city of the rejected, she finds a purpose, and in the investigation of her destiny, she takes people with her out of the shadows and into the light. The Citadel takes shape under her focus, and when it comes time for their first actions, her training on Resicor is used to help the talents that it had kept under control... moreNoma feels the pain of separation from her sister keenly, but the light that she stumbles across belongs to a man with beautiful eyes. In a city of the rejected, she finds a purpose, and in the investigation of her destiny, she takes people with her out of the shadows and into the light. The Citadel takes shape under her focus, and when it comes time for their first actions, her training on Resicor is used to help the talents that it had kept under control. It goes to show that education is never a waste. less

Leyhara is a talent of Resicor and she took full advantage of her new freedom to hold off attackers by grounding their craft, by having the ground under them melt. After the attack, she is given the choice to stay or leave and go somewhere she can use her power. It takes her minutes to make up her mind and she is on the next shuttle out... moreLeyhara is a talent of Resicor and she took full advantage of her new freedom to hold off attackers by grounding their craft, by having the ground under them melt. After the attack, she is given the choice to stay or leave and go somewhere she can use her power. It takes her minutes to make up her mind and she is on the next shuttle out. Bohrvin has been waiting centuries for a woman who answers the call of his mind, and when he finds she has the ability to melt rock, he decides he had better tread carefully while courting a woman standing on burning stone. less

Sonic senses and determination take her to the Citadel, but only a sense of purpose can keep her there.Yllin has been raised in privilege and has never felt like it was the right life for her. She honed her skills for sonar as a waitress at a busy restaurant and jumped at the chance to apply for a position in Citadel Ohkhan.Her acceptance is a delightful surprise that isn’t enjoyed by her family... moreSonic senses and determination take her to the Citadel, but only a sense of purpose can keep her there.Yllin has been raised in privilege and has never felt like it was the right life for her. She honed her skills for sonar as a waitress at a busy restaurant and jumped at the chance to apply for a position in Citadel Ohkhan.Her acceptance is a delightful surprise that isn’t enjoyed by her family. With reluctance, they give her their blessing and she sets out to be the best Citadel Novice she could be.Her first assignment as a Specialist lands her in an archaeological dig in an ancient buried city. She throws herself into the day-to-day routine and wishes for something more exciting. Unfortunately, she gets it.Specialist Nearing was her flight instructor and is now her pilot. Despite his urge to fly free, he finds himself drawn to her over and over. His mother really needs to stop assigning them together. less

Nathaly has been preparing for this moment for years, but she is still surprised when she is given the signal and has to run for her life. Her mother is arrested and her father is already in prison. She is the last of the line and staying free is her priority. Rescued by the Sector Guard, Nat agrees to train to use her passive talent as a weapon and Station 13 is her training ground. Strobe is her rescuer, and he keeps an eye on her while she is working to master her talent in new ways... moreNathaly has been preparing for this moment for years, but she is still surprised when she is given the signal and has to run for her life. Her mother is arrested and her father is already in prison. She is the last of the line and staying free is her priority. Rescued by the Sector Guard, Nat agrees to train to use her passive talent as a weapon and Station 13 is her training ground. Strobe is her rescuer, and he keeps an eye on her while she is working to master her talent in new ways. When he is offered the chance to partner with her in a new Citadel, he jumps at the chance to keep proximity to the woman now known as Shiver. With her, his future is Bright. less

Astral projection is great, but taking possession of a Guardian half a universe away is a job for a hero, not a ghost.Simry enjoyed her escape from a world of shunning and rules that did not apply to her. Life in the Citadel could be difficult, but it had its rewards in the shape of education and friendships.Being asked to seek out a Guardian and keep him sane from dozens of worlds away was one of the hardest assignments she had ever taken on, and it was also the most rewarding... moreAstral projection is great, but taking possession of a Guardian half a universe away is a job for a hero, not a ghost.Simry enjoyed her escape from a world of shunning and rules that did not apply to her. Life in the Citadel could be difficult, but it had its rewards in the shape of education and friendships.Being asked to seek out a Guardian and keep him sane from dozens of worlds away was one of the hardest assignments she had ever taken on, and it was also the most rewarding. She rescued the Guardian’s soul, kept his spirits up and made sure that he was able to survive until physical help could arrive.N’kad was on the edge of giving up when the ghost entered his mind and took over his situation by lodging herself in his soul. The stranger in his mind was brash, annoying, and yet, she kept his attention every moment that she was with him. He would travel quite a way for a woman like that. She was his hero, after all. less

Her life as a recruiter has taken Enher-Dahl to places that she had not imagined, but when the Citadel lends her out to the Sector Guard for a spying mission, she is a little confused to be the only choice. She has no skills in espionage and even less tact. Her contact is a mystery until she meets an Enjel on a tour who seems to know a bit about her. Ulises is a Guardian in search of the same things she is...perhaps... moreHer life as a recruiter has taken Enher-Dahl to places that she had not imagined, but when the Citadel lends her out to the Sector Guard for a spying mission, she is a little confused to be the only choice. She has no skills in espionage and even less tact. Her contact is a mystery until she meets an Enjel on a tour who seems to know a bit about her. Ulises is a Guardian in search of the same things she is...perhaps. Confronting a broken world, a kidnapped Enjel and hostages in soul form used as a power supply is way above her pay grade. less

On a world where everyone has a superpower and the powerless die before puberty, Imgrace is not in for a long and lustrous future. She learns at nine that she will never have a talent, and when her family pretends she never was, her life becomes a routine monitored by bots. Being asked to help the Guardians in an experiment is one thing, finding out that she has something to offer her people is another. Imgrace is shocked... moreOn a world where everyone has a superpower and the powerless die before puberty, Imgrace is not in for a long and lustrous future. She learns at nine that she will never have a talent, and when her family pretends she never was, her life becomes a routine monitored by bots. Being asked to help the Guardians in an experiment is one thing, finding out that she has something to offer her people is another. Imgrace is shocked. Shadow was indifferent to the young woman who had lived her life powerless, until she kissed him. One moment turned his focus from his people to this young, frail woman who had been rejected by every means. He was about to pursue her when his commander shipped her to the Citadel, and then, he had to wait. Training at the Citadel is surreal, and finding out that she isn’t what she thought shocks her to her core but fills her with purpose. She left a void, but she is returning a Guardian. less

Koara has always loved being able to predict the effects of social change and what is needed to make it happen. On her own world, she set matters in motion when she was twelve years old, and it cost her her planet. While some folk enjoy an evolving society, others fight to remain the same, and their actions can take a violent turn. Citadel Lowel becomes her home, and a Yaluthu adopts her as its own... moreKoara has always loved being able to predict the effects of social change and what is needed to make it happen. On her own world, she set matters in motion when she was twelve years old, and it cost her her planet. While some folk enjoy an evolving society, others fight to remain the same, and their actions can take a violent turn. Citadel Lowel becomes her home, and a Yaluthu adopts her as its own. Life is going along well until she is given an assignment that removes her from her comfort zone and she has to alter the way she sees the worlds around her or disaster will take over. less

With a firm grasp on shifting her shape, she meets a man who can always see through her, and she doesn’t mind. Illuma was born of two different species and it created a rift between her parents. Growing up as an elegant young woman crossed with a being of mist made knowing what she was supposed to look like difficult. Recruited as a young adult, she joined the Citadel and pursued xenobiology. Her fascination with alien appearances extended into work with espionage and species assessment... moreWith a firm grasp on shifting her shape, she meets a man who can always see through her, and she doesn’t mind. Illuma was born of two different species and it created a rift between her parents. Growing up as an elegant young woman crossed with a being of mist made knowing what she was supposed to look like difficult. Recruited as a young adult, she joined the Citadel and pursued xenobiology. Her fascination with alien appearances extended into work with espionage and species assessment. She could make any member of a species look like any other species or race that she wanted. Olwick had served his time in the Citadel, but when Illuma came to his sister’s rescue, he felt a connection to her, and he certainly owed her. Seeking out the Breethin-Nishan cross in the Citadel was difficult but making a connection beyond a shared origin would tax his skills and her patience. less

Abitika grew up with a talent for changing the way people think. When she used that talent on behalf of her sister, it gained her five years of confinement. The Citadel has been checking Jrinka colony for years, and Abitika was one of the most promising sightings. They pry her out of her confinement and send her to Morganti in the nick of time. Recovering from her incarceration, Bits is shocked to find out that her talent for pheromonal manipulation also extends to her mind... moreAbitika grew up with a talent for changing the way people think. When she used that talent on behalf of her sister, it gained her five years of confinement. The Citadel has been checking Jrinka colony for years, and Abitika was one of the most promising sightings. They pry her out of her confinement and send her to Morganti in the nick of time. Recovering from her incarceration, Bits is shocked to find out that her talent for pheromonal manipulation also extends to her mind. Turnari is the only one willing to take the risk of training the new specialist and teaching her what her mind was capable of. They have a true meeting of the minds but they both want more. less

Brenn has spent her life being quiet and avoiding the attention of her father, the psychopathic emperor. He keeps her close and anyone who befriends her is in immediate danger.

Salika has grown up on her own with her sand dog, Saluk, at her side. Foraging in the sands and stealing in the city, she finally gets caught and pays the penalty. Death. Thrown into the sand pit, she faces a certain demise until her sand dog comes to her rescue. She finds the only stranger on her world who can take her away and demonstrates her ability to move sand. As a talent, she is just what the recruiter is looking for... moreSalika has grown up on her own with her sand dog, Saluk, at her side. Foraging in the sands and stealing in the city, she finally gets caught and pays the penalty. Death. Thrown into the sand pit, she faces a certain demise until her sand dog comes to her rescue. She finds the only stranger on her world who can take her away and demonstrates her ability to move sand. As a talent, she is just what the recruiter is looking for. Salika is as surprised as everyone around her when her talent turns out to be electrical in nature and entirely under her control. less

Zez joins the Citadel at age eleven, with a colourful history behind her. Her skills grow with every year, and in a decade, her ability to stop time in a confined area draws the attention of the Sector Guard. Immune is paired with the young woman with the dark past, and he sets his mind to keep her under control and save the innocents she might sweep away with her actions. Somewhere in the mire of distrust, a partnership is formed... moreZez joins the Citadel at age eleven, with a colourful history behind her. Her skills grow with every year, and in a decade, her ability to stop time in a confined area draws the attention of the Sector Guard. Immune is paired with the young woman with the dark past, and he sets his mind to keep her under control and save the innocents she might sweep away with her actions. Somewhere in the mire of distrust, a partnership is formed. The partnership has the potential to grow into something else, but resentments and accusations will slow the development. less

Niad has controlled herself since returning from the Citadel. She has kept out of the public eye and kept off the Guardians’ radar. Her talent is not encouraged by her people, and she is not legally allowed to participate in a rescue, a natural disaster or any law-enforcement actions. She keeps her head down and continues her work as a vehicle repair specialist until the day that her careful actions mix with a disaster... moreNiad has controlled herself since returning from the Citadel. She has kept out of the public eye and kept off the Guardians’ radar. Her talent is not encouraged by her people, and she is not legally allowed to participate in a rescue, a natural disaster or any law-enforcement actions. She keeps her head down and continues her work as a vehicle repair specialist until the day that her careful actions mix with a disaster. She finds a fire where a repair job is supposed to be and takes steps to do the best she can for those trapped inside. That one act is observed by one of the Guardians and evolves into an arrest, a charge, freedom and a change in position. She is ready to gear up. less

Aymin lived a normal life until she was told that her brand of talent was forbidden. A tattoo, nanites and a life as a social reject were the result. Backers were supposedly protected by law, but there were ways to torment them, and that is what wracked Aymin each and every day. When the Backers started disappearing, Aymin got worried, and when she was the last woman standing, she gave herself to the inevitable. Waking on a space station was a shock... moreAymin lived a normal life until she was told that her brand of talent was forbidden. A tattoo, nanites and a life as a social reject were the result. Backers were supposedly protected by law, but there were ways to torment them, and that is what wracked Aymin each and every day. When the Backers started disappearing, Aymin got worried, and when she was the last woman standing, she gave herself to the inevitable. Waking on a space station was a shock. Seeing what they were doing to the other Backers was worse. An escape thwarted and a rescue by strangers starts a new phase in Aymin’s life if she can prove herself to those around her. less

Zeeat has spent her life in contemplation, education and empathy. Given a chance to join the Citadel to learn what she is completely capable of, she takes the opportunity to move to her next level of experience. In Citadel Morganti, she learns to use the peculiar structure of her mind for the benefit of those around her until the day she is selected for an espionage mission. Minders have been going missing, and Zeeat is going undercover to find out where... moreZeeat has spent her life in contemplation, education and empathy. Given a chance to join the Citadel to learn what she is completely capable of, she takes the opportunity to move to her next level of experience. In Citadel Morganti, she learns to use the peculiar structure of her mind for the benefit of those around her until the day she is selected for an espionage mission. Minders have been going missing, and Zeeat is going undercover to find out where. Her life, sanity and sense of self are all hanging in the balance as she takes on the mastermind of Ikappi. less

Life started awkwardly and became a game of survival for Kiala. Hunted by the Assassins Guild for her parents’ illicit union, their little family ran from planet to planet until Ki put her foot down. She performed the entry exam for the Assassins Guild and sold her services to them for five years. When her years as a bodyguard were up, she tried to work as an auditor, an investigator, and attempted to find her place in world without danger around every corner... moreLife started awkwardly and became a game of survival for Kiala. Hunted by the Assassins Guild for her parents’ illicit union, their little family ran from planet to planet until Ki put her foot down. She performed the entry exam for the Assassins Guild and sold her services to them for five years. When her years as a bodyguard were up, she tried to work as an auditor, an investigator, and attempted to find her place in world without danger around every corner. The Citadel made her an offer, and she agreed to time as a sidekick to a recruiter. When the contract is up, she is given another choice, another chance and another fresh start. Seeing a familiar face is the first shock of many as she works as a Citadel liaison in Nyal space. less