The king is dead, but Havlands is still in turmoil, plagued by distrust amongst the conquered rebels, shifters, Fae, and humans. With the impending threat of the invading Oakgards' Fae, Elessia and her friends find themselves in a race to unite their fractured realm. But as Elessia grapples with the deadly implications of her newfound powers, she and Merrick discover a devastating truth: the price of her new gifts may force them to leave Havlands and their friends behind to face the looming war alone. As Elessia and Merrick journey to Vastala in desperate search of answers, their friends must survive the brutal politics of a collapsing realm on their own. Bonds are tested, loyalties shift, and the lines between ally and enemy blur. And with fate at the door, they each must decide whether answering the call of destiny is worth facing the shadows that haunt them-all before it's too late.