Sonny Preyer is an Illumenae. Only one can walk the Earth at a time. The Illumenae came about because some wise souls believed that those who cherish peace should not have to suffer those who relish war. They are individuals bred for one purpose, to renew the Promise that gives peace to the people of the Realm. It is a genetic promise, kept through propagation. And Sonny does not yet know that he is one of them. At Eighteen, Sonny doesn't want to remember who he is or the promise he made before his birth. He will die before he admits to being the source that ended all wars, all starvation, and all strife. In the guise of a troubled teenage boy, convincing to himself and the world around him, he has run from this truth all his life. But his body is a constant reminder, his aversion to intimacy a persistent defense, and everyone he knows is a conspirator to the lie that keeps him safe. But all of that fails when he is found by the only two forces that can make him keep his promise. One human, the other not. Both will fight to possess what he is. One will win.