Life is simple for Vespera.

Despite her family being forced into seclusion for her safety, she is thankful for the peace. If only her lifelong, debilitating headaches weren't getting worse. The last thing she wants for her twentieth birthday is to be even more of a burden on her family.

When her headaches finally do begin to subside, her eerie pale eyes, blood red hair, and too pale skin are no longer the only things that make Vespera strange. Her reflexes are sharper, her vision and hearing are heightened, and her strength increases tenfold. Vespera doesn't know anything about magic. Besides, magic is illegal.

Vespera is used to hiding, though, and with the two kingdoms of Devtera at peace and her headaches are gone, Vespera finally begins to look forward to the future.

Hope is always dangerous.

When the Prince of Rokellia tries to arrest her, a matching, glowing brand appears on each of their arms, further implicating her guilt. Before the prince can put her in chains, the city is attacked and they are separated. The flames destroy everything of the life Vespera once knew.

Full of grief and rage, Vespera vows to avenge her family by whatever means necessary.

First, the fanatical militia, the Bloodied Men.

And then the entracing Prince Aleron.