All that stands between Alessa Li and freedom from Hellebore Technical Institute for the Ambitiously Gifted is a single carnage-filled rite of passage, or as the unspeakable teachers call it, dinner.
Bata's unique abilities make her powerful, valuable, but as she is only ten, not in any way autonomous. The adults around her are keen to take advantage.
Liu Lufeng has no desire to be the king's next bride but the arranged marriage might at least offer her the chance to accomplish a project close to her heart: murdering the groom.
Edie, unexpectedly paroled from prison, wants to leave crime behind. The former friend whose testimony sent Edie to prison has other plans for Edie and isn't willing to take no for an answer.