"Special Forces is harsh. It could be a lot harsher."

Treason takes many forms. Once trust is broken, it is hard to reforge.

Thorrn discovers this all too clearly, much to his detriment. But someone wants Thorrn dead, and they don't care how many lives they ruin in the process.

Evyn learns decisions must be made, no matter the cost, even if it brings her pain. This world is brutal, and navigating the customs is endlessly confusing. When is a stone just a stone, and when is it an expression of undying love?

Aubin stays away to recover, but when word of Thorrn's predicament reaches him, he will have to face his nightmares again. And Tuniel distances herself from them all, to win favour with the new king.

Meanwhile, there is a spate of murders targeting Oberrotian officials, and Thorrn's contingent is sent to investigate. Back to being the lowest of the low, Thorrn struggles to trust again – especially when he finds two of the most powerful mages in the world working together, and one of them is the woman he loves.

Thorrn doesn't know who he can rely on – be they mages, swordsmen, or kings – but making the wrong choice could spell the end of him, Evyn, and even the kingdom.