Before the Dawn in Bloomington, MN

Four hundred years ago, the world of Mërn saw the first demon invasion. The Empire of Minraden fought valiantly until the Lightbringer finally expelled the forces of evil from the world, perishing in the process.
In modern days, the Empire has dissolved, and dark magic has been forbidden under the death penalty. When the demons return a second time, the weakened kingdom searches for a source of power to lean on.
Gwen, the Servant of the Crown, contacts an exiled dark mage named Malefer. She knows the way to someone who might possess that power ― the only problem is, he just might kill her on sight.