An ancient prophecy, now an outlawed myth. A young girl who was never meant to be born. An empress determined to bring peace at any cost.

Tereka successfully led her friends to escape a prison camp, outwit pirates, and make a home as fugitives in the wilds. But the knowledge that someday her relentless foes will track them down drive her to make good on her promise to topple the rulers of her land—starting with her evil aunt Juquila.

Then an invading army conquers the southern part of Tlefas, and Tereka's hopes raise. Could the invader be the Desired One of prophecy? Or does he bring greater evil to the land? Now she is forced to determine her role in the turmoil that sweeps the country. The wrong choice could prove to be deadly for her—-and the peoples of two warring nations.