It's been decades since the Mares last attacked, nearly destroying all of civilization before they were chased off. The creatures that feed on despair, sorrow, and flesh, were formidable foes that were only ever stopped by the few people who bore the Trace- a unique magical ability that differed with each person. In the event that the mares returned, a school called SINAH Academy exists to train those with the power and protect humanity from it's greatest threat. But when Jonsin Marvello Badd finally enrolls in the school, he realizes that the return of the mares would only be the prequel to a series of horrible events that not even a Trace would be able to handle alone. Making those around him think he's deranged, he is forced to delve into the secrets of SINAH Academy and find out the deep dark truth of the beloved learning environment- before it's too late.