Content Warning: This novel contains references to self-harm, domestic abuse, and intense violence.

A little boy play-wrestles with his shadow. He uses a knife to cut open his finger and feed the shadow a drop of his blood, as he learned from watching TV. The boy introduces himself as Remy and names his shadow Red.

Charlie Hall is bartending at the Rapture Bar & Lounge, where she is trying to make a fresh start. Nearby, a young woman is showing off her newly modified shadow. An old acquaintance, Doreen, arrives and asks for Charlie’s help tracking down her missing boyfriend, Adam. Adam has recently become engaged in the magical criminal activity that Charlie has left behind. Charlie agrees to help on the condition that Doreen use her connections to the university to help defer the student debt owed by Charlie’s sister, Posey. Using a fake name, Charlie texts Adam to verify that he is still alive. As Charlie wraps up and leaves the bar, she finds her car won’t start.

Charlie gets out and walks home. On her way, she sends a follow-up text to Adam detailing a book she wants him to steal. Then, she gets a text from her reliable boyfriend, Vince.