Lucille J. Knight

Legend tells that the dragons of Ryuutachi gifted mankind the power of elemental magic long ago. Humans born attuned to one of the seven elements are forced to hide their gifts or be persecuted for the sins of their ancestors. When betrayal is necessary for survival due to poverty, famine, and the crazed whims of bloodthirsty warlords becoming a jaded loner seems inevitable. Kentai, haunted by ghosts and old wounds alike, has spent much of his life depending only on himself.
Until he meets the handsome young Wujun, a sheltered noble aching for truth and connection. But Kentai knows what Wujun does not: a merciless horde is ravaging Sunaizo Province and their small village is next. War is coming to Baisho Province and Lian is determined to defend her home from invading forces, but volunteering to serve in the army runs the risk of revealing her fire magic. When Lian loses control and captures the eye of Baisho's fearsome warlord, it's her father she turns to for aid.
Taoru cares little for the traditions of the past and even less for battle; he aims only to protect his daughter, but what can he do when the greatest threat Lian faces is her own impatience?Are those who call upon the elements destined to return balance and stability to Ryuutachi? Or will their magic plunge the land into eternal chaos?