A story about people who lost themselves on a thorny path. The heart of the cruel ranger, whose hands are up to his elbows in blood, burns with hatred. Day after day, the curse torments the soul of a once brave and determined young man, turning him into an obedient servant of higher powers. A young sorceress, who has lost her home and family, is looking for a way to revive the ancient kingdom, but her desperate desire to deceive fate leads to even greater losses. Two proud officers The Ferksian Empire, two bosom friends become irreconcilable enemies because of their own selfish desires. Unscrupulousness and disregard for the lives of people and non-humans cloud the eyes of the Ferksian mercenary with a dark haze. Will he be able to maintain his sanity and accept himself, or will he forever connect his life with the ideals of the empire? ATTENTION: the author has set an age limit, so we strongly recommend that you refrain from reading the book. Or, at least, wait until you turn 18+When creating the cover I used the work of the artist Artyom Demur