Sixteen-year old Kris Banton is no stranger to turmoil. After his parents mysteriously disappear, Kris manages to carve out a life on his own in the city of Aerilguard. For most of his life, he has managed not to draw too much attention from the City Guards that patrol the city streets. As a Higher, someone who possesses magical abilities, Kris is often looked over or forgotten, which suits his needs just fine.

But Kris' entire world is changed when the Councilmen of Aerilguard announce a a new set of laws that challenge the way of life for all Highers. Before long, rumors arise of an uprising across the four regions of Mandors.

Soon, Kris finds himself caught between the struggling powers of the Councilmen of Aerilguard and a group of Highers called the Alliance that seek to usurp the Council and gain control of Mandors. As the promise of war emerges, Kris must decide between the life he has made for himself and the freedom promised by the Alliance.