To see your true potential, you must look past your expectations. Why does evil exist in the world? Archangel Armen knew a time when Earth existed in peace, until Lucifer challenged the Spirit for equal ruling. Lucifer was cast from the Ethereal Kingdom, along with his followers, known as Shadows, and evil was born. To restore peace, the Spirit sent Archangels to live as Protected Spirians: gifted souls created to maintain a balance against Lucifer's powerful will. Nevertheless, the Shadows have long been in the ascendant and Armen felt the threat of extinction-until Shanuk, a cocky young warrior, reveals gifts that Armen has never before witnessed. Shanuk shows promise, but power does not come without a price. Shanuk can mature into the most powerful Spirian in history, or become a devastating Shadow. Like most Spirians with formidable gifts, venturing to the dark side is a tempting choice-one that has not escaped the Shadows' notice. Bayour, Shadow leader and a puissant adversary, wants Shanuk to join his horde and rule by his side. If he succeeds, the Protected will be annihilated. To complicate things further, Shanuk has bonded with Calla, a gifted healer who has attracted attention of her own. Shanuk finds himself battling between what is right and what is expected. When his illusion of truth is shattered, how will he react? Whom will he trust? Will he rise above the chaos, or fall into the Shadows' illusionary web?.--Provided by publisher