First Stop — Michael Todd

Magic is a currency. Power is a debt. Freedom comes at a cost. Luke never planned on becoming a caretaker to a chaos fairy. Breaking the seal on an old puzzle box was supposed to be a simple job—appraise the relic, pocket the profit, and move on. Instead, he unleashes Riven, a mischievous, mana-hungry sprite bound to his life force. Every step forward drains his energy, and every mistake could expose them both to the ruthless enforcers of Eastern law. Survival in the lawless frontier means keeping Riven hidden, but she has other ideas. Chaos follows wherever she flits, and Luke soon realizes that her power could be the key to unlocking greater secrets—or dooming them both. The East hunts creatures like her, branding them as abominations. The West sees opportunity, eager to exploit whatever magic they can control. Caught between rival factions and a bond he never asked for, Luke must decide: will he fight to sever the tether binding them, or embrace the unpredictable magic at his fingertips? The frontier offers no mercy. Will he master the chaos, or will it consume him?