Richard and Spaulding have survived the disaster that befell Ayrtain without knowing what has become of the other party. Except for Richard, his sister Nelida, and a distant cousin named Leilandy, his entire family is deceased for unknown reasons. Forced to choose between his uncle and the throne of Ayrtain, Richard has to overcome Leilandy’s secret agenda and overcome the truth his sister Nelida is the world’s greatest threat. Spaulding, meanwhile, is enduring a grueling ordeal of his own. Rescued from the western territories after the tragedy that befell Ayrtain, Salman schemes a plan to imprison him in a secret castle for unknown reasons. Escape has proven futile, and Spaulding can no longer rely on Richard and Trevilin for help. Spaulding will have to accept Salman’s offer to join the Äimite guard without knowing that Nelida can annihilate both nations for good. WARNING: May contain light sexual content and violence that may not be appropriate for some readers.