Some destinies are chosen. Hers is waiting to be born. Every student at Highbranch Academy belongs. Guided by the ancient vine in the Tower of Leaves, bonded to their owl, they step into a future shaped by magic. Except her. The vine remains still. The egg in her hands is black, lifeless. The laughter of her classmates rings louder than the forest around them. But when she steps onto the narrow branch and touches the vine, it does nothing. Her egg is black as night, silent and still. Everyone says it's rotten. She almost believes them. Until the first crack appears...