Sinvik Shielding is a Folly child, born at the tail end of a hard war and the great Reaping that followed it. Though even as the lands continue their slow mend, she lives a life of guarded privilege, sheltered by her family’s wealth. And yet, having it all, she yearns. She doesn’t know what for exactly. Maybe it’s adventure she craves. A purpose. Something more, something past the weight of her name. Or maybe it’s freedom of the voice in her head, that ever-present echo in her bones which hushes her dreams and muffles the world’s persistent whispers.

That, she thinks, would certainly be a start.

Trindram Hawks knows life before the Folly only from his studies – and he knows well enough that nothing has changed for him and his kin, nor will it ever. Born marked, a Sare, but free, he lives his life avoiding shackles (or worse) and tries hard not to dream.

To dream is to be disappointed. To see a future you can’t have washed away by circumstances you can’t escape. But turns out dreams care little for his reluctance – and come find him. Whether he likes them to or not.

Together, they’ll be drawn into a web of secrets made of doors yearning to be opened, and a race towards the promise of a key meant to bring all Reapers to heel.