Eighteen years after a child is born, at the brink of adulthood, a mark appears on their body. This mark determines their status and their path in life.

If the mark is in the shape of a key, the child will live freely since Wielders are perceived as the highest class in society. Not only are the most important political positions filled with Wielders from old distinguished families but also in economy and showbiz, Wielders are predominant.

With the key mark comes the possibility of forming contracts with Forcebearers; blood-bonds ideally based on mutual interest and respect. But if the Forcebearer turns out to be of higher rank than expected, being in a contract might turn the life of the Wielder upside down – or end it, since not everyone is satisfied with the amount of power already in their possession.

If the mark turns out to be a sword or a shield, the child will live their life as a Forcebearer - either a Warrior or Guardian respectively. Only when a contract with a Wielder is formed can the ability that slumbers deep within each Forcebearer's soul be unlocked and only then will their rank be revealed by stars displayed below their mark.

The higher ranks promise power and prestige but the likelihood of being forced into a contract or endangering the life of the bonded Wielder grows with each star shimmering on the skin.

Wielders and Forcebearers are partners in a