Seleta is an adder-scarred; her mysterious lineage grants her strange magic that allows her to burst things with her mind. Common teachings say the adder-scarred are those whose ancestors dabbled in forbidden union with the devils known as "adders," gaining otherworldly magics in exchange. Raised isolated in a rural forest by a stern, harsh man with a secret agenda, she wonders at the usefulness of her powers. While her guardian seems intent on training her powers for destruction, her soft heart wavers at the thought of using her magic in such a way. She finds herself wishing she could live a simple life without any sort of supernatural abilities. Before she is able to discover the truth of her childhood and supposed path in life, her guardian is suddenly killed, and she is left alone and in danger. With her childhood home no longer safe, she ventures out into the harsh world, where adder-scarred are scorned and despised. Identified by the inky birthmark on her neck that all those with her lineage possess, she must hide her true nature from everyone around her. Just as she thinks she has found a safe haven to live out a quiet, peaceful life, her dearest friend in the world is cut down before her eyes. Driven by guilt she sets out once again, determined to unravel the mystery of why and how her friend was murdered. There she will encounter Tiecer, a rugged fighter who will help her discover some of the truths of her heritage. As she battles alongside him in an ancient, dark forest against strange, shadowy creatures, she soon learns that perhaps her magic has a purpose after all.
5 parts