Chris Rathburn

Qiang is a tetrachromat—a young woman born with a rare genetic mutation that gives her color vision a hundred times more nuanced than ordinary eyesight—and she is being hunted. Living on her own for the first time, Qiang was eager to begin her college career and develop herself as an artist. Then, she began noticing people with subtle markings that no one else could see. At first, she was curious, but when the strange people learned she could see them for what they were, Qiang had no choice but to leave her life behind and run.

The truth is shapeshifters live among us. They wear our faces and make use of our lives as it suits them. Sometimes, that means doing away with the few who can see through their lies. Trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Qiang must learn how to survive the reason why her gift is so rare.

Behn is a young Wyrd. His abilities are essential. Wyrdwork is the only cure for thred. Without it, the parasite will spread to finish what it started generations ago.

In the new world, Lords carve Holdings from the dead cities of the old civilizations, gathering those who remain to salvage what they need. Wyrds are kept as slaves to ensure the cure for thred is not lost. Resistance is brutally punished, and Wyrds in the same kennel suffer together. Now, Behn has escaped a culling and fled for his life, and his Lord wants him back.

Shaenne is a young wailan. Before the Fall, her species shared the world with humans. When thred migrated and began to infect their sister species, humans hunted wailan nearly to extinction. Shaenne’s family survived for generations by concealing their heritage. They protected other wailan who remained, but they have been discovered, and their House has fallen. Now, Shaenne is alone, and she is being hunted.

Both of them are running, looking for a place where they can live in peace. Alone, there is little hope. Together, they might have a chance.