Gaia Everfree is about to leave her eighth-grade year behind her and transition to her new high school. She cannot wait for a fresh start at Northwest Academy, but before that, she must settle a conflict with a girl she thought was her friend, Gizelle Hallowstone. Gaia's last year in middle school involves surviving the treacherous minefield of Gizelle's tricks and learning to extract herself from a toxic friendship. Will Gaia survive the challenge, or will she end up reliving the same nightmare?