August Samuel Hatch was born under an inauspicious pattern of stars. It's granted him what is widely considered the most unlucky of inconveniences: becoming host to a powerful but pernicious spirit that will act as his guide and protector--and one day end his life.

Sairne is sworn to stand by August's side and, when the fancy strikes her, advise him, all in the service of atoning for a past life she can’t remember having committed a grave enough offense to earn her soul indentureship in the mortal realm. Bound by a celestial contract neither one can negotiate, their fates are all they've ever known.

But in a city ruled by religious right and where magic runs deep as bedrock, their search for a missing friend leads them to a dark conspiracy that could transmute the very magic that binds them to their fates, and that might grant them the ultimate choice: do they save the city or save themselves?

Cross-posted on Wattpad and Ao3. For fans of fantasy YA story beats if they starred adults instead, 1920s inspired setting, lots of banter, larger cast of characters, somewhat soft magic system. Completed, but being actively edited prior to posting! I'm the only captain on this ship, so mind any errors.