In a world of mystical Gifts, the nation of Ophelia was once a harmonious land, governed by the four Courts and favored by the stars. Since its beginnings, the Ash, Terris, Zephyr, and Aquae Courts have allied firmly to serve their people, each bestowed with a power at birth by their ruling entity. Despite their differences, however, the unity of the people remained taut for many centuries.   But alas, the balance was fated to tip. Those in authority have begun to fall to corruption and dominion. A deadly attack on innocent villagers finally exposes their true nature, setting the stage for a kingdom poised to crumble.  At the center of it all lies an unlikely cast: a young Runner training for life as a guard in the Terris mountains to fulfill the visions of his esteemed father. A Persuader heir to a family of wealthy politicians, stuck between her parents’ expectations and her rebellious nature. A Levitator apprentice learning the ways of an apothecary before his peaceful life is uprooted by an unsettling tragedy. And a Breather girl whose entire world yielded to an unusual occurrence within herself, with no one to turn to for her peculiar ailment. When it seems their kingdom is on the brink of war, a mysterious woman offers them a solution, and the four Ophelians are drawn to her noble path.  An unlikely alliance. Underlying motives. A dangerous weapon. Yet one thing is clear: if they do not rise up to meet this looming threat, then the fate of their people and the lives they yearn for will be in jeopardy. ---------- The first novel in a working series. Written by two co-authors under one account. Chapters are aimed to be released every Friday and Sunday.