The Warrior Queen, the Protector of Innocents… fights in seedy taverns and picks pockets for the highest bidder. But her people have been rebuilding from near eradication. And after a century of running, Meline returns home at the request of the only family she has left. They’ve built a kingdom from ashes and connected with other leaders to give them all a fresh start, but they are still under attack with the threat of another slaughter on the rise. So, to atone for her sins, Meline agrees to travel to faraway lands and persuade more to her family’s cause. Even if the agreement demands she take a personal guard. But not all is as it seems, and her Shadow is hiding a secret of his own. Through homecoming and redemption, Meline finds herself leaning on her companion as they face tense negotiations, assassins, and the mysterious powers of a dark Goddess. But will it be enough to confront the person she once was and conquer Death? Or will it lead to the ruin of those she loves most and the future of her people?