Six buildings explode. Four lives up in smoke.

Fire ravages the Pillared Circle neighborhood, plundering its cookshops and evening courtyards. The village's shock worsens upon the discovery of four bodies amidst the destruction. In the aftermath, a brave witness raises the alarm: He saw green fire climbing the wall as he ran to safety. Lady Azadiya fears an alchemist is responsible and reassigns her agent, Ibram Ucalegon, from recovery work to investigate. He soon realizes a callous mastermind lies behind this deadly crime, intent on reaping their reward no matter the cost.

As the body count rises amongst the suspects, rich and poor alike, Ibram soon realizes only Lady Azadiya can solve this deadly equation: How much money does it take to ignite a tragedy?