In this harrowing sequel to The Breaking of Brendalyn Ellingboe, Bren and Alder are whisked away to a kingdom far more sinister than their own. Alder is the heir to the throne of Cereluna, but his crown comes with terrible foes. Gabriel Nocturne, King of Cereluna, would like nothing more than to see Alder's head on a spike. However, his trusted advisor, Peridon Bellitome, is after something else-the return of his son, Novah. Peridon Bellitome possesses power beyond comprehension-the Ember Heart; it's power wild, and seemingly alive. Some believe it to be the source of magic itself. With the Ember Heart in his possession, Peridon is invincible. Fighting against such a force of nature seems impossible... until Bren discovers that someone close to her has bested Peridon before. Cereluna is a dangerous kingdom, but answers to Bren's past can be found within the half truths of her enemies, and abilities previously beyond her comprehension rest just out of reach. Try as she might, there's no escaping this kingdom on her own. She will need every advantage she can get-but will it be enough?