Prisca is a young woman living in Eprotha under King Sabium's oppressive rule. She possesses time-stopping magic, which marks her as a target in a society that executes those with hidden powers. Living in constant fear of discovery, she desires a normal, safe life but is forced to flee her village and strike a bargain with a dangerous mercenary group to survive.

Lorian is the pragmatic and demanding leader of a group of mercenaries. He has striking green eyes, dark hair, and features that appear carved from stone. He operates with cold calculation and views the world through a lens of survival, making him a dangerous but necessary ally for Prisca as she attempts to travel through the wilderness and evade the king's guards.

King Sabium is the cruel and paranoid ruler of Eprotha. He uses a twisted system of magic-taking ceremonies to strip his citizens of their powers, hoarding the stolen magic for his court's luxury. He ruthlessly hunts down anyone who retains their magic, enforcing his absolute authority through fear, propaganda, and public executions.

Tibris is Prisca's older brother, a healer who has already undergone his Gifting ceremony. He is fiercely loyal and selfless, frequently draining his own energy to heal others. Beneath his quiet devotion, he harbors secrets about his involvement with a growing rebellion against the oppressive king.

Demos is a rebel who is imprisoned and tortured in the king's dungeons. He acts as a leader among the other captives and bears severe physical and emotional trauma from the king's cruel regime. Despite his suffering, he maintains a quiet strength and focuses on the well-being of his fellow prisoners.

Madinia is a noblewoman and one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. Initially appearing aloof, calculating, and disdainful of those she considers beneath her, she guards her own precarious position in a court filled with suspicion and intrigue.

Asinia is Prisca's best friend from her home village. When she is captured by the king's guards and condemned for possessing magic, her subsequent imprisonment in the castle dungeons becomes a primary motivation for Prisca to join the rebellion.

Vicer is a dedicated member of the rebellion working to overthrow King Sabium. He operates covertly in the capital city of Lesdryn, organizing resistance efforts and helping fugitives secure false identities to evade the king's guards.

A deeply protective woman who raises Prisca with constant warnings about the dangers of the king's regime. She prioritizes Prisca's survival above all else, enforcing strict rules to ensure her daughter's illicit magic remains hidden from the authorities.

Thol is a kind-hearted and attractive young man from Prisca's village. As the son of the village's head councilor, he represents the ordinary, safe life that Prisca desires but knows she cannot have due to her hidden magic.

Galon is a reserved mercenary in Lorian's company who possesses the ability to control water. He offers Prisca small kindnesses, such as his cloak, and eventually takes on the role of teaching her basic combat skills.

Marth is a mercenary traveling with Lorian who possesses the magical ability to see into a person's past. He is relatively open about his powers and helps provide a sense of camaraderie within the group.

Rythos is a mercenary with an easy charm who travels under Lorian's command. He helps alleviate some of Prisca's fears by offering her basic necessities and maintaining a friendly demeanor.

Patriarch Farrow is a prominent noble in King Sabium's court and a staunch supporter of the practice of burning those with illicit magic. His fanatical hatred of those with hidden powers drives much of his political maneuvering.

Auria is a chatty servant working in the royal castle who quickly befriends Prisca when she arrives under a false identity. She is a devout believer in the kingdom's religious practices and readily shares valuable court gossip.

Wila is a standoffish servant working in the royal castle. Despite her initial hostility, she harbors her own grievances against the king's regime and eventually volunteers to help the rebellion create a dangerous distraction.

The wealthy and privileged wife of King Sabium. She surrounds herself with ladies-in-waiting and turns a blind eye to the atrocities happening in the kingdom, concerning herself entirely with maintaining her own comfort and status.

Telean is a seamstress working in the royal castle. She possesses significant historical knowledge about the kingdom and maintains a quiet existence while outfitting the queen's ladies.