The Game Begins

White opens the board with a impudent jibe at Black's ranks; some countermoves later, they feint a run at Grey's key pieces.

A quartet of siblings bound by duty and unspoken mutual dependence, each guilt-ridden and lost in their own ways - yet predators in hiding - live the easy life of a gladiator 'til the proverbial devil comes knocking at their door, and when the ultimate occupational hazard befalls one of their own, each wrestles with demons they've buried un-dead.

A young Gifted deracinated and enslaved to an amoral, malapert conquerer fights the darknesses within himself even as his own relentlessly cheerful light falters, finding rest and comfort only in his faith - in the Schrijver.
But when the page comes, when the choice is given him - to be free - the darkness bites - and he lets go.

The daughter of a king turned all-rounder artist evades the spotlight her collections, galleries, and increasing fame throws her way, either unaware or blatantly ignoring the rumors of unrest rising both about her and in her homeland, where her cousin shoulders the void she left, handling courtiers and blades alike with ease.

The Téméraire Circus & Théâtre has come to Thessalonica, capital of Evondell. They who are known for spreading fun and entertainment to everyone have a new trick up their sleeve: a series of nigh-impossible heists for the finale of their magic show.