Hearts and Stones — Robin D. Owens

Before Celta … Passage Through Stone: In the UStates Colorado Area, Levona Martinez is determined to find a berth on the starship, Lugh's Spear, and escape the psi mutant ghetto for a new life on a new planet. But she's missed her chance and the ship is full. The leaders might not consider her worth taking, but what about Pizi, her prodigy cat?

Celta, a place of magic, telepathic animal companions, and adventure! Five stories highlighting some fan favorite characters:

Homing Stone: As his magic emerges through fever fugues, nobleman Holm Holly fights death duels in the Downwind slums … and catches the attention of blacksmith Rand Ash, who needs a noble to help him with his revenge on an equally noble family …

Fractured Stone: Struggling with his disinheritance and the loss of his identity, Holm Apple strives to make a new life in a new city with his HeartMate and their Fams.

Hidden Stone: Garrett Primrose didn't expect to be hired by a Cat, let alone two of them, and their idea of payment doesn't match his. When a GreatLord appeals for Garrett's help, he's reluctant to take the case, but finds that solving the mystery unexpectedly leads him to inner answers.

HeartStones: Losing his sight and psychic power, treasure hunter Zane Aster wants to make one more score. He discovers a House on the cusp of sentience, but missteps might trigger their deaths.

Stone in Zanth's Paw: It's time for the best FamCat on the world of Celta to return the irritating sea turtles to their mother in the ocean. Perhaps time to learn a big lesson, too.