The Grantzian Empire faces its darkest hour. To the south, the Vanir Triumvirate and the Free Folk march to war. To the north, the treacherous House Brommel schemes to overthrow House Scharm, its supposed opportunism concealing a far more malign and ancient darkness. Hordes of monsters beat upon the wall of Friedhof and none come to its aid. Soon, the curtain will rise on a climactic battle for the fate of Soleil. Yet first comes a prelude. Far to the west, Liz and Hiro meet once more—not as allies but as foes. When Lævateinn clashes with its fellow Spiritblades, who will emerge victorious?