Two people are transported to a world with magic, but it is no Wonderland. When the god of light died, he decided to take the world with him. At least, that’s what many believe in the Kingdom of Rhine, a once vast kingdom of which only a small corner remains — and even that is threatened. On one side, by the Twisted Forest, a corruption spreading from the deathplace of the gods that has already swallowed up most of Rhine. On the other, by the resurgent Kagrathan Empire, resurrected by the infallible God-Emperor Karlatz. A holy order of knights carry out their mission despite the death of their god. A band of talented misfits prepare for a heist out of their league — by stealing. Mages hunt for secrets even as the world ends. A ruler does what must be done to save the living, no matter the cost. Into this world of magic and murder, two adrift souls are inexplicably dragged: a mother estranged from her young daughter due to her own mistakes, and a young man with a love of fantasy who has gradually drifted away from his friends and family. As they each struggle to find their place in this world, they must also answer the question: do they want one?***Content Warning: I've drafted about 100,000 words (most of the first volume), and there is no sexual content so far, though I may add it in the future. There is occasionally gore and traumatising content as the story demands. I commit to keeping all of the above non-voyeuristic. [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]