Book excerpt: The Fallen Kōken plunges Wakamono into a world of power and deception as he and his mentor, Red Mist, confront an old comrade turned tyrant. Shiro, once a proud Kōken, now rules a prosperous town through fear and control. As Wakamono is tempted by Shiro’s promises of wealth and power, Red Mist must guide her apprentice through the most dangerous challenge yet—choosing the right path. In a battle of ideals and swords, Wakamono faces a choice that will define his future. Will he rise to become the protector he was meant to be, or fall into the darkness that claimed Shiro?