North Emblem by Cherry Seniel

The Chief of Aplon is dead. The entire village rejoices. His death serves as a reminder to everyone. Never defy the law of the land or succumb to the consequences. Loving a Samardian is against the rule. Did the spirit forbid it or is it a law mandated by man? No one gets immunity—not even the Chief.

Ingrid—the woman he loves. She can’t escape the wrath of the people, including the life she carries. But she will take her chances. Her baby will survive and rule Aplon one day to correct these idiosyncrasies. She will protect this claim even it will cost her life. It shall be done. This is her vow.

Elijah sees nothing but darkness the first time he opens his eyes while in the care of his newfound family. But thanks to his crystal, he pictures the world in black and white. He wants to believe he is normal, but his heart tells otherwise. And with his fatal touch—he knew he isn’t ordinary. He must conceal this secret. It’s the only way not to hurt anyone. But with Hayleya, the world he knew becomes the opposite. He can look into her eyes and feel her touch without fear. And she holds his heart captive the first time their gaze met. If only he can swap his reality with that kind of world he knew in his dream. He would stay in that place where there is no fear and darkness, but love and freedom. Their love is real. The story repeats itself. He fell in love with a Samardian—just like his father. But this time, he will fight for it and he must succeed. The life of Hayleya and the discovery of his true identity hang by a thread. There’s no room for failure. Saving Hayleya means unleashing the words written by a powerful Samardian—his mother.