Benevolent Keepers

Book excerpt: Saving the world is a bloody, ruthless endeavor.The Bridle demands absolute devotion from all citizens. The old, infirm, and unwilling are discarded, even if they possess coveted Salt abilities. Some agents are born into the empire, others harvested throughout the oblivious world, but all are trained to battle and infiltrate from childhood. Though born in different worlds, Lucy and James are both eager to prove their worth to the Bridle.As an outcast agent trainee, Lucy tries to hide the magical pink sparks spilling from her fingers. Her unflinching loyalty to the Bridle is the brightest light in her bleak existence as she sits on the cusp of gaining everything she ever wanted.Plucked from his miserable life in the clutches of Salt-traders, James struggles to survive his latest kidnapping. Grateful for his rescue, he's assigned to be the Butcher Prince's companion by his terrifying benefactor.Will either agent have the strength and cunning to see through the lies and make their escape?Seasons change. Empires fall. The Bridle watches over all.