Glass Strings

"When a saint dies, verra demands a replacement," he whispered, as if a toddler telling a friend a secret. "Saints are dying, girl, and lifeblood drains only to find a new host."

"Damn us all, then,"

•••

As war is pending between humans and the otherworld at the hands of two corrupt rulers, the Twelve Saints rise from the shadows, whether newly selected by verra or aged as the seas themselves. Despite bearing the title as Saint, these individuals live ordinary lives in Lovenia, whether in mountains or in the capital city, Molin. As such, townspeople hunt these saints down, blaming their inactivity for the unfortunate state of Molin's northern and southern districts. Poverty, disease, violence, and an intricate class system plagues the people, threatening to destroy the once great empire.

Yelena de Cousse is no exception to the harsh living conditions; selling herself as a dancer is her only form of income to not only afford housing but care for her ill mother. Appearing to be just another poor young woman, Yelena hides a terrible secret: her ability to crystallize objects and creatures with one breath.

When a stranger by the name of Andre comes to learn of Yelena's ability, the man becomes infatuated with Yelena in a way he did not expect. Between a twisted romance and a dark, forgotten history founding Lovenia and the Saints, Yelena and Andre are both faced with the hardest decision they will ever face: abandon love, or watch the empire burn.

• updated every Friday