Magic belongs to the women. To the men—only death.

In the city of Merilaad, any boy displaying magical ability is swiftly executed. Elena, an apprentice mage with powers she resents and a past she'd rather forget, knows it has to be this way—to protect them all. To keep them safe.

But when the boy she loves suddenly and unexpectedly develops magical powers, Elena finds herself faced with a dangerous choice—should she report Jascha and sentence him to certain death, or risk everything to keep his abilities hidden?

As the two of them struggle with their deadly secret, they uncover more deception, lurking just beneath the surface of their peaceful, idyllic city. Can they reveal the truth before it's too late...or will they plunge Merilaad back into its bloody past?