For the last year, Ellis Dantreon has worked to make a place for herself among the first class of cadets at the War College of Amiestrin. It's been a struggle, but she feels they've begun to accept her.

But a plot that would have put Ellis' very life in danger unravels, and it seems that the Separatists may have been behind it.

Ellis has to decide quickly where she'll place her trust. Are the Separatists trying to remove her from the line of succession? Or trying to frighten her into joining their cause? In the end, will friendships prove stronger than family?

And will the Gifted find the truth of the plot in time?