Champions of Itaro

Dreiki has a promise to keep. His mother is a Venator Knight. The rank given to the most elite warriors of xiozian military who lack a noble bloodline. Dreiki doesn't know much more about what it means to be a Venator Knight. All he knows is that his mother had to leave him the day he turned ten years old, and that the brand on his shoulder must not be shown to anyone, especially those belonging to a noble house. Dreiki promised his mother he would survive for the year until she can visit him, but that promise is proving difficult to keep.

Kaara has a curse. Everyone in the Tibur clan knows Kaara as an energetic, helpful, and compassionate young lady. No one would believe that she's been cursed since birth. Terrible creatures of malice and bloodlust called Malaki flock to her if she is even a mile away from them. Her parents have kept it a secret from her and the rest of the tribe for her entire life. But one night, after pretending to be asleep, Kaara overheard the truth. Her friend Rorik was the first to notice her change in mood. But how does she tell him that his parents were killed because of her?

Amaro has a burden. The scar across Amaro's nose is lauded by others as a symbol of his strength. For a xiozian noble like Amaro- who can usually recover from any wound- a scar is a badge of honor. But to Amaro, it's a reminder of what his father became when he was no longer his 'father' but 'The head of the Xirxus Noble Household'. It's a reminder of the only duel he's ever lost and a burden he never asked for. So what is Amaro to do with such a heavy burden? Refuse to carry it of course! Much to the chagrin of the rest of his family.