Spread throughout the stars are the victories of an endless war between the Starfallen and the Divine Pantheon of Light, every planet, every source of life, and every ounce of magic is a sign of their victory. On Ektos, in the binary star system Arate, their balance between life and spirit is just another tribute to their victories against their foes. Because on Ektos, the Bound Beast of Spirit is kept in its forced slumber. There, its Blood is let. There, the people of spirit are Branded with the Beast’s Blood and become mages as they have for over three thousand years. Today, Haru of House Sela prepares for his Branding, as many have before him. If he succeeds, being Branded will be his introduction into true magic, and the life that awaits him beyond. But, wielding the power of spirit is no easy task, and the price of magic is bought and paid for in Blood.