In a world where magic and technology intertwine, twelve-year-old Alden lives in the remote Veilwood Shroud forest. The Galactic Council has sent an ambassador to Alden's home world to restart the induction process that failed several decades ago, when a coup broke out on the planet. The murder of Alden's parents lead to unforeseen developments, placing Alden in a position to shape not just his home planet, but the course of the stars themselves.