In the sprawling and untamed world of Lumina, where ancient secrets lie buried beneath every stone and shadow, destiny bestows its Gifts with stringent expectations rather than favor. For Cael, a determined and cunning youth marked by poverty, the upcoming Rite of Essence is more than a mere passage into adulthood—it is a gateway to alter his precarious fate. The Rite of Essence, a revered and daunting ceremony, offers him a rare chance to break the cycle of hardship that has tethered him. Success in the trial promises a Gift—supernatural powers granted by the world’s essence, capable of lifting him from poverty and into prominence. However, the stakes are perilously high, as failure means a dissipation into raw mana, feeding the very land that has both cradled and cursed his existence. Note - This is my first book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it. I have spent hours planning and organizing my thoughts so a rough idea for an ending is planned along with the story but as i gain experience in writing things may change. I want to hear your feedback and any suggestions you may have for the novel. Also if you notice any grammatical errors please let me know i will fix them right away.