Mairynne has loved, lost, and found. And now. . . she returns.

Nantai is no longer as Mairynne remembers. Her journey to find her father took too long. The City by the Sea is no more than ash, and there is only one explanation: dragon fire.

In Ise, Mairynne fulfilled her destiny and accepted a companion from the Fey Queen. Now, the great pearlescent dragon is now bound to her soul. Although her dragon is innocent, what will returning mean for them? And if another dragon is burning cities, will putting her father back upon the Serpentine Throne be enough?

As she retraces her steps, she sees Nantai from a new perspective. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends, and she no longer has the strongest person she's ever known to rely upon. Her father at her side reassures her, but she also fears his judgment when he learns of her dragon.

How will she handle the new state of her beloved country?