Five adolescents, each from different regions of the vast continent of Nasetonnia, are forced to confront the challenges placed before them by unseen forces beyond their control.
Nieara, daughter of Azibo Thabiso, Warden of Kethera, one of the fabled twin cities, has always known the life planned for her. As a noblewoman, she was expected to follow a carefully carved path without question. But unexpected events force her to stray from that path and face a world she never prepared for.
Amina is a quiet maid who works at the Sea Pearl, the stronghold of the Thabiso clan. She has watched too many people live and die with nothing to show for it. She refuses to let her life pass by unnoticed. Determined to escape her station, she decides to seek a better future, regardless of the cost.
Chibi is a young man living in a brothel in Zubayra, the capital of Thandoré. His mother, a prostitute, died leaving him to care for his younger sister, Esi. For years they have lived under the roof of Ama, a woman who once offered them shelter. Now, Ama wants Esi to begin earning her place in the only home they have ever known. Chibi is unwilling to let his sister pay that price, so he must find a way to provide for them both before it is too late.
Luam is the eldest son of the king and heir to the throne of Thandoré. He watches his father lead their kingdom into decay and fears that enemies may soon take advantage of the nation's weakness. As pressure mounts, he finds himself falling for a woman who is forbidden to him, complicating everything further.
Abeba lives in the dense forests of Thelema with her people, the Sabi. She has always felt deeply connected to the land. The forest gives her food, holds the spirits of her ancestors, and will one day receive her body in rest. Her peaceful life begins to unravel when mysterious forces rise, threatening the land and the people she loves.
Lay'lani's life been hell behind closed doors-pretty smiles covering bruises, silent cries no one ever hears. Her boyfriend Man-Man? Ain't just abusive... he's obsessed. Controlling. Feared in the streets. And when she finally tries to leave, he makes one thing clear-if he can't have her, nobody can.
Then Da'joun steps in.
Lowkey but dangerous. The one who sees through her pain. He never asked to fall for her-but now that he has, he'll do anything to protect her... even if that means killing for her.
Now with a baby on the way, enemies circling, and Man-Man hunting her like prey-every moment is borrowed time. This ain't just a love story...
It's survival.
How far would you go to protect the one you love... when love itself could get you killed?