For fans of multi-POV political conspiracy and rules-based, high-stakes tactical magic, this intricate thriller features a dual magic system with a brutal physical toll, a slow-burn romance, and a "chosen one" epic turned whodunit.

The prophecy had a savior. Zeta killed her.

Sampi was the “Brightest Born,” the golden child destined to defend the island nation of Aios. In reality, she was a selfish narcissist. Now she is dead, and Zeta, her fellow soldier, sits in a cell awaiting execution for her murder. Zeta claims it was an accident. The government calls it treason.

But with the Chosen One gone, the ruthless colonialist X’Os empire is poised to strike, threatening to eradicate Aios’ magic, religion, and freedom. On the eve of her execution, Zeta is offered a shady backroom deal: her life in exchange for smuggling a priceless artifact off the island.

A desperate group of outcasts must uncover the truth behind the savior's death before the empire closes in. Each one brings a piece of the puzzle to light: a fugitive soldier fleeing her own guilt, a brooding rebel hunting rare magic, a cynical sapphic journalist fighting state propaganda, a deadly assassin bound by a fatal magic pact, and a patriotic captain torn between duty and state-sanctioned violence.

In a world where magic comes with conditions, from the loss of Gift magic gems to a Trade magic drain on life force, this found family must solve the murder before an invasion strikes, and the erasure of ancient, vanished gods dooms them all.