Adriella always wanted children. Now, she finally has her wish. Overcome with joy, she cannot wait to tell her husband about her pregnancy…until she hears a new prophecy proclaiming that a child will soon be born—one who will destroy the High King. When a royal decree demands the death of all young children, along with any born over the next two years, Adriella’s life comes unraveled. Instead of the excitement of a new baby, she feels nothing but trepidation at telling her soldier husband. She decides to flee before he can turn her in. With the High King and his men searching for anyone who defies his edict, she knows there isn’t much of a chance she’ll survive. But in a country full of newly grieving parents, on streets red with the blood of innocents, Adriella will do whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the law. If she doesn’t, she’ll lose the one thing even more precious to her than her own life—her child.

Adriella finally has her child in her arms, but not under the circumstances she hoped for. Caring for a newborn is difficult anyway, but with her wrists and ankles shackled, it's nearly impossible. She's also been ripped from her husband and friends, and has no idea if they're still alive. Regardless, she must fight for herself and her child. Like her, the other women and children who are part of the same prison train will do anything to keep their families safe. Including sell out their fellow prisoners. The High King still searches for the one destined to kill him. With everyone around her looking for the chosen, Adriella and her baby's chances of survival grow slimmer every day.

Time is not on Adriella's side. She must summon everything she has to guard her daughter, but her resources are dwindling. Her husband and her former friend are by her side, but every day brings a new chance for the High King to find them, and kill her child. Each time they find peace, the zasin draw dangerously close again. Desperate to save her child, Adriella is willing to explore the unfamiliar, no matter the risk. The biggest danger may be the High King discovering what she's done.

Adriella has lost everyone, including her child. The only thing that keeps her going is the hope her loved ones are alive. However, there's not much time to dwell. Adriella is taken to a darker place than she's ever faced before. Despite being stripped of all she loves, her silence is crucial. If the High King seizes the knowledge he so desperately craves, her life will be the leas of her worries. Her daughter and all of Erta will pay the price.