We have but one spark of hope against the coming press of darkness-the phoenix, harbinger of Verdigris, draws near. Upon the tangled threads of fate, we all have our part to play. A time of danger approaches. There is no alternative path. Strained alliances lead to misunderstanding and betrayal-as well as a chance, for those bold enough to seize it. To the wild magic users of Lis-Maen, this moment sparks a single chance at hope, recalling a departed soul, one destined to save their world. But to others, there are much more enticing alternatives even nearer at hand. In her unending ambition, the Sorceress sees the opportunity before her quite differently-now is the time to demand back the stolen elemental magic... and to turn it into an impossible-to-ignore force. It's the perfect time to forge the perfect weapon. In the heart of the wild forests, the question of action in the face of a coming war strikes much nearer to hand. For Andeus, recalling the lost soul means fulfilling his parents' wish for their world's future. It also means sacrificing his partner and raising their future daughter alone. This multiperspective prequel novella for the Feather & Flame dark fantasy series weaves together intrigue and betrayal, where forces war in the shadows to protect their magical legacies. The true question remains-which side will emerge victorious? When all that remains is ash, what will emerge from the remnants of the flames?