A northern orphan, trapped in an imperial assassin’s guild, must uncover the truth of his heritage before the empire decides he’s more trouble than he’s worth.

Maegwyn is a city of tall shadows and deeper secrets, and fourteen-year-old Ali walks them all alone. When a high-profile assassination collapses into chaos, Ali is blamed for the failure—and the death of a fellow assassin.

Now the empire’s most dangerous factions are circling, and Ali’s Employer is losing patience. The Lost Monks know exactly what he is, and they want him silenced before his heritage becomes a threat.

Hunted, cornered, and desperate to prove his worth, Ali must master the talent he barely understands… before the empire decides to erase him for good.