As Cin tries to cope with the reality of her new circumstances, long buried secrets are revealed while her survival is threatened at every turn. After she makes the acquaintance of an unlikely ally, Cin is forced to make choices that will irrevocably change her life forever. As new alliances are formed and old friendships are tested, Cin knows the only thing she can do is stay true to who she is and her duty as a Thorn.

While Cin's feeling for Coltan continue to grow deeper, a mysterious stranger appears who seems determined to thwart their burgeoning romance. Through this stranger, Cin is able to discover the truth about the outside world and what it means for the future of both Briardale and the City of White.