The first rendition. A time of chaos and unknown powers. Few know the story of how the Awakened grew so quickly, or why they went to battle with the Evolved. Even less know of the one who started it all. This is that lost story.  Tajo is a boy filled with promise. Smart, fast, and a quick learner, he yearns for more than what his provincial family can supply. His father, Johnathon, sees this and only wishes for the world to be a different place. A world where his son can use his exceptional gifts to change things, perhaps even the world. So, his father makes a deal with a visitor who comes calling on an auspicious day, Tajo's 15th birthday.  Now, things have gone awry. Tajo's family is gone, the farm nothing but ashes, and he has to watch after his younger sister, Alma. They're being hunted and nobody can provide any help, as assistance to him and his sister means death to all. Tajo will have to use his newly gained power, and find a way to change things. Even if that means burning everything down so they can start anew.  [Paticipant in the Royal Road writathon challenge 2023] Alma is a prequel to the Symphony series and focuses on magic, oppression, resistance, and the growth of the main characters power.   You can expect chapters to publish quickly as part of the writathon, and I hope to finish the novel at around 30 chapters, with the potential for more books in the series at a later date.  Average chapter length is 2-2.5k.