Now Empress of Hael'stromia, Cahra is supposed to be ruling the three kingdoms. But Ozumbre is seceding, Kolyath's nobles sow division, and King Thierre of Luminaux is lost to grief. Her only solace is Hael, their bond growing dangerously romantic despite being forbidden.

When Kolyath and Luminaux are attacked by an unknown enemy, Cahra dispatches Hael, leaving her powerless and pining for his dark magicks. Hael never returns, and Wyldaern is granted a vision: Hael, beaten within an inch of his immortality, has been captured.

Cahra must master her own dark magick if she's to save Hael in time...