With the magic of ascension crystals at the heart of all scientific advancement; the Imperium requires all citizens to obtain a crystal from the trial of ascension. Those who fail or are found magically inept loose all social privileges. while those deemed to dangerous are secretly culled from society. After years of preparation, and a brush with death, Tess emerges from the trial only to find her self classified as magically inept. As her world crumbles a family friend takes Tess under his wing, and at last unlocks the truth behind Tess's powerful magic. Even as the Imperium realizes their error and their peril, the events that could shatter the proud society are already in motion.