An ancient prophecy. A mystical golem. Ascended immortals. Hayden Harstan is the seventh son of a powerful noble house, destined for greatness—or so everyone believed. When his magical aptitude test goes awry, his world collapses, and he's thrust into a dangerous game for dominance of the kingdom—perhaps, the whole world. The path to immortality is paved with treachery, and Hayden finds himself caught in a web of betrayal, magic, and fate. He must decide whether to become the lifeless puppet his enemies intend—or to fight for the freedom he never knew he had. Will he rise as a weapon wielded by his enemies, or will he find a way to reclaim his soul and shatter the forces arrayed against him? [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]