In a kingdom haunted by old rivalries and fragile Young alliances, Aaru Kolayn has a single aim: Survive the ruthless trials and earn a place in the coven, an elite legion of battlefield sorcerers.
Yet from the moment he steps into arid's marble halls, suspicion tags his every move. Born in the enemy nation of Adelia and adopted at nine by a high council member, Aaru's homeland-stained heritage makes him the perfect target for whispers of disloyalty.
This year's trials force him into an uneasy partnership with Malin Tayiro, the one Man Aaru trusts least. As arcane tests grow deadlier and bodies begin to surface, old loyalties fracture and hidden agendas unravel. With each new secret, the line between ally and assassin blurs. Can Aaru drive past prejudice to uncover the real threat lurking in the shadows, or Will the coven's darkest betrayal spell his doom?
A tense, magic-charged thriller where every spell cast risks igniting war.