For eight hundred and seventeen years, the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty has ruled beneath Heaven. Li Renji was born at the very bottom of it. The six-year-old son of a low-ranking palace maid, Renji owns nothing but his name. He sleeps with his mother in a tiny room hidden among forgotten Imperial storehouses, eats what the palace kitchens can spare, and knows that by fifteen, boys like him are expected to leave the servants' quarters and become soldiers. He should have lived an ordinary life. There is only one problem: Li Renji can read. In a palace where knowledge belongs to the powerful, a forgotten storehouse filled with centuries of discarded books, maps, cultivation records, weapons, and relics becomes a kingdom of his own. Then, at seven years old, his Qi awakens. And something ancient awakens with it. While the Imperial Court devours itself through corruption, paranoia, and bloodshed, a slave boy watches. He listens. He learns. And piece by piece, he begins to understand the empire that has kept his mother on her knees. One day, the Heavenly Dragon will fall. And from its ashes, a Fire Dragon will rise.

Celestina Virellith has spent her entire life being feared. Known as the Red Witch of Virellith, she was raised among assassins, secrets, and enemies. Strong enough to protect herself and too proud to ask for help, she has only one exhausted wish: To live a life where she doesn't always have to be strong. Ellenora Serenade has spent her entire life being protected. A beloved only daughter, a perfect noble lady, and the future Crown Princess, every meal, friendship, outing, and decision has been carefully chosen for her. She has everything-except the freedom to actually live. Her wish is simple: To have the chance to become strong. Then, during their coming-of-age ceremony, they fall together into the sacred spring. A comet crosses the night sky. Two girls make the same desperate wish. And the Goddess answers. Celestina awakens in Ellenora's fragile body. Ellenora awakens in Celestina's dangerous life. Neither gets the escape she imagined. Neither can go back. Because the Goddess granted exactly what they asked for: another life. Making it better is their responsibility.