In a future where the mention of magic is banned, one paranoid man rules the entire country. Adopting children to become his private bodyguards, they are raised together in a strict institute where sixteen-year-old Aurora struggles to follow the rules. Finding herself disciplined often, she doesn't particularly like her endless life of servitude. Soon, she will have to take part in the institute's annual Unity ceremony where she could end up engaged to a complete stranger! Aurora's fears of being different are realised when she discovers something about herself, something which will make most fear her, and her adoptive father will want her killed for. Friends, bullies, and a touch of something magical, Aurora's first year in the grown-ups' quarter is far from ordinary. **************************************** Pitch Wars Winner Incipere Award Finalist **************************************** "I really enjoyed it and would've read for another 100 pages." (Desiree B.) "There were times I almost teared up right along with Aurora. The emotions were very believable." (Julie T.)