The forest surrounding the Mage City of Acaria, Shadowfel, is a dangerous place. Lycans patrol and hunt in the trees of Shadowfall Forest, and navigating safely would be difficult work even for a pairing of Virin on their own. Getting safely into the city without Mage protection from inside isn't something taken on lightly, nor is dealing with the beings between the party and their destination.
The darkness living inside alters their journey entirely, when they're led to a Black Mage alone inside the forest, and Taeryn finds herself determined to save him.