20 bab Bersambung Betrayed by his own blood, a young Lupian barely survives an assassination attempt.
As he waits for death's scythe, an enigmatic and eccentric old man finds him.
Fenrik begins to learn of essence, the unseen force flowing through all life, and the first fragile steps toward wielding it.
Yet survival is only the beginning. The curse of his bloodline lurks in the shadows of his soul, binding him with chains he cannot see. His body aches from relentless training, his heart from loss, but his will refuses to break.
As the seasons change, Fenrik learns to dodge blades of wind, meditate beneath crushing weights, and even face the beasts of the wilderness. Each challenge leaves him stronger-and hungrier for the strength he'll need when the time for vengeance comes.
But monsters are not the only things that stalk the wilds of Ashkarra. Whispers of old wars and dark groups stirring in secret hint that Fenrik's story is tied to far greater dangers than he can yet imagine.
A boy's struggle for survival is about to become the first step toward a destiny he never asked for.