Bence Brechenhad is the sole survivor of the infamousAeonian army. His fear of Deranian justice drives himto flee the country, abandoning his only companion, Queen Isabel, without so much as a good-bye. Benceleaves with Isabel's ring and a black pearl with onegoal in mind: to find a new home and a fresh start.Throughout his adventures over rough seas andmaze-like woods, the sins of his past lurk aroundevery corner. When Bence reaches the country ofIrelle, he rescues a baby Dunya, jeopardizing hischances of acceptance into their clan.Meanwhile, Isabel tries to fulfill her new role asqueen. She is fully invested in rebuilding herkingdom, and funds her people's short-lived peaceuntil a man she thought was dead and a banishedHealer appear on her steps.Their arrival seems to prompt a string of murderscascading through Deran. Each victim is brandedwith the Aeonian mark, and Isabel's kingdom isinevitably sucked back into a vortex of violenceand turmoil.The winds whisper to Bence, calling him back toDeran. Will he have the courage to confront hispast and fight alongside Isabel once more?