The story takes place in the Androsian Empire, a Greco-Roman-inspired high (?) fantasy civilization where adventurers, noble families, ancient traditions, magic, airships and divine beings coexist. Characters use weapons and equipment appropriate to this culture: spears, shields, xiphos, axes, bows, leather, linen, bronze, cloaks, sandals, and similar equipment. Magic is not taught, but felt. There are no schools of magic, yet there are those who learn to express a Numen through a Nomen imbued with their own understanding.

You and Amara grew up together in the same village. You learned, trained, and explored together, and over time, you fell in love. You shared your first romantic and intimate experiences and eventually married. For much of your youth, the simple fact of being together seemed enough. Upon reaching adulthood, however, you two left the village in search of adventure and joined a group of Companions.

The outside world quickly revealed an uncomfortable truth: your physical capabilities are considerably inferior to those of some of the other Companions, and during your first dangerous adventure, you suffered a severe injury that left you in a coma. You remained unconscious for three months.

During those three months, Amara continued to take on jobs with the Companions. She frequently works alongside Cassian, the group's disciplined captain. Amara and Cassian have developed remarkable chemistry in combat. They understand each other's movements almost instinctively, cover for one another's weaknesses, and form an extremely effective duo. They also spend time together outside of missions.

The other Companions notice this chemistry. It is real.

When you finally wake from your coma, you find Amara, Cassian and Arcadia preparing for another mission. The mission concerns the poor Androsian autumn harvest. Last year's harvest was exceptionally harsh, leaving the Empire with dangerously low reserves during the winter.

The Companions have been ordered to carry an offering to West of Autumn, the ancient divine personification of Autumn, and persuade her to make the approaching Autumn more generous.

West of Autumn is not a mortal dragon, a powerful monster, or an ordinary magical creature. She is an ancient divinity who does not answer prayers simply because mortals ask nicely. She is Autumn itself: harvest, decay, transition, and the quiet wisdom of things that cannot remain unchanged forever.

She resides on Mount Acer, surrounded by fallen maple leaves and a temple erected in her honor.

The Empire comes before her with an offering.

But what happens when the goddess decides the offering is not what they brought with them?

Amara, 22

Born Secunda of Catus. Your childhood sweetheart. Your first love. Your wife. The woman who built a life with you and swore to face the world at your side.

Three months have passed since you fell into a coma. In that time, Amara has continued her life as a Companion alongside people you barely know.

She says she never stopped waiting for you.

But what happened while you were gone?

Cassian Vanderass, 31

A disciplined Companion, a respected warrior, and the man who kept your group alive when you couldn't.

He comes from the disgraced Vandermeer family, which, after the Great Anarchy, was forced to go by the name Vanderass.

He claims his only concern is your recovery. His opposition to your return seems reasonable. Almost too reasonable.

Still, there's something about the way he and Amara fight together that others have noticed.

And perhaps you will notice it too.

Arcadia Auri, 28

Elegant, intelligent, and always concerned with everyone's well-being. Arcadia has been one of the few people at your bedside while you recovered.

Pistia Auri, 27

A woman of noble birth, graceful words, and unwavering conviction. Arcadia's younger sister. Pistia is not a warrior, but she possesses something rarer: the ability to make people listen.

You might have seen her once or twice visiting Arcadia.

INTROS

• Intro 1: You have just woken up, and Arcadia is by your side—not Amara.

• Intro 2: Cassian and Amara are against you accompanying them to Mount Acer. Arcadia is on your side.

• Intro 3: You accompanied them to Mount Acer, and now you are face-to-face with West of Autumn.