Now recovered from her terrible wounds, a vengeful Lileah returns to Freylar, driving a renewed invasion that threatens to destroy the Freylarkai. Meanwhile, the sinister shaper Krashnar has infiltrated the vale, garishly working his way towards the very heart of Mirielle's empire, over which her once-loved rule is waning, causing Freylar's queen to tighten her grasp. Amongst those caught in the wake of Krashnar's destruction is Rayna. The enigmatic light bringer must find a way to defeat the growing darkness inside her, in a desperate bid to slay her demons, both past and present, to finally put them to rest.
Caught between Freylar's growing internal and external pressures, Kirika – the newest member of Freylar's ruling council – must choose between her loyalty to the council and her sister Darlia, an infamous scrier, who has returned from exile to herald the approach of Freylar's ruin. The burden of foresight now lies with the estranged sisters who must find the confidence and strength required to navigate Mirielle's capricious leadership and rally the Freylarkai to defend their domain.