While Prince Jethain defends Koilatha from the Lythadi invaders and the delegation of dark servants make their position very clear to King and Council, High Priest S’Rak and Captain Jisten remain captives of Chancellor Virien. Neither will leave without the other, trapping both in an abyss deeper and crueler than anything they’ve withstood before. Only together can they hope to break free of their prisons, but will they be able to overcome the horror and pain of the present to look to the future?