Della's kidnappers are taking her deeper into the Wilderness and the shadow inside her is growing bolder. Kye and Ormis are in pursuit, but the horrors of the Eastland are determined to keep them apart. Meanwhile a new threat to Irongate forces Kass Riole to seek a solution in the dungeons of the Caliste. Izle Rohn waits for Della and The Reader waits for him.