In the kingdom of Athelren, twelve towering structures form a magical barrier that shields the land from a deadly miasma—a foul energy that poisons the air and sickens all who breathe it. Each tower is guarded by a dedicated Guardian, responsible for maintaining the purity of the air and ensuring the kingdom’s safety. But this balance is shattered when Elysia Valance, the Guardian of the Tower of Goldmere, is found brutally murdered. Her death is violent, marked by a disturbing rage, and the location—a locked room deep within her tower—raises urgent questions. How could someone penetrate the tower’s defenses, and why would anyone target a Guardian? The capital, Eldros—a province without a tower—sends Lorian Vale, a seasoned investigator of the Order of Inquest, to uncover the truth. Lorian is no stranger to grim cases, but the murder of a Guardian within the very heart of a tower leaves him unnerved. He brings along Toran Wyle, a sharp-minded apprentice from Goldmere, whose familiarity with the local culture and tensions brings valuable insight. As they dig deeper, Lorian and Toran encounter troubling signs that suggest Elysia’s death may reveal long-buried secrets about the Twelve Towers themselves. Though some believe the miasma is a myth or has vanished with time, others see Elysia’s death as an omen of looming danger. Their investigation leads them to allies, adversaries, and suspects—a mysterious noblewoman, a reclusive scholar obsessed with the tower's ancient magic, and other figures whose motives may be anything but pure. With the stability of the kingdom and trust in the towers at stake, Lorian and Toran must uncover the truth before doubt and hidden agendas tear Athelren apart.