Prologue
My name is Gwendoline Powell. I'm 18 years old, and I'm part of a secret organization called Umbra.
Umbra was founded by the British Royal Family to protect the United Kingdom from threats related to the Gifted. For generations, it has recruited and trained young people with special abilities, forming small squads for reconnaissance, containment, and protection missions.
Unlike a regular army, Umbra works like a family. We grow up together from childhood under one rule:
"All are brothers."
We hide the existence of the Gifted — and the dangers that come with them — from the world. We work from the shadows to keep the balance. No recognition. No glory.
I've lived there for years. Training. Growing up. Making friends. Learning how to survive. For a long time, I thought my future was already written.
But this isn't a story about someone saving the world.
This is just a piece of my story. The moment that defined my life.
