Since the demise of Blacksmoke, Oxe has hunted wisps and echoes, chasing his mate who vanished into smoke. But when he finally finds Kasai, he's trapped in the tangled vines of Ironwood Thukuli—a ruthless pyrate who never lets go of what's his. Desperate, Oxe infiltrates Thukuli's crew in disguise, only to discover Kasai is no longer the man he once knew. But when Thukuli uncovers the truth, Oxe may not make it out alive.

Kasai has spent his time learning how to survive, no matter the cost. He's buried his past, silenced his doubts, and burned every bridge behind him. When old ghosts rise and his own fire turns against him, he must face the truth: dreams are memories, secrets refuse to stay buried, and sometimes, the only way to be free... is to let everything burn.