Merrilyn should be living her happily ever after. She's rescued the prince, saved a small army, found her long-lost grandmother, and defeated Keardun, god of shadows, all in one summer. Her long journey has taken her from the tiny village she's always known out into wild and incredible lands, convincing her that the world is a much bigger and brighter place than she ever imagined. But all of that won't keep away the darkness that is spreading within her own heart.

When Keardun returns, threatening to destroy everything she loves, Merrilyn decides to face her enemy again, this time by surrendering. She'll face death, darkness, fear, and fire, but she won't sit back and watch him tear her world apart. Racing north to the Borderlands, she must get to the place "untouched by light" before the winter solstice. With the help of new allies and old friends, Merrilyn will cross through the darkest parts of the world and face new enemies determined to stop her. But without The Light to guide her, the only way to survive will be to find the light within.