Cree Lin is being stalked by his past in dreams of fire, pain and power he's unable to control. Upon waking, he can't remember fully the events that have left him scarred and ashamed, but he does know that his reckless magic use brought ruin to an entire village. Innocent people died, and he's to blame. For that reason, he's sworn off all magic. Desperate for closure, he returns to the village he destroyed, hoping to recover what he's lost and somehow make restitution for his sins.

In the village he meets a blacksmith who should hate him, but instead Benjamin seems determined to help him make peace with his past. At the blacksmith's urging, Cree sets out to find the village healer. Locating Mirayla means forcing himself to delve into the dark recesses of his mind...places he fears hold the key to unlocking his potential for unequalled power—and even greater destruction.