In the land of Allothi- Murders solved, a fortune acquired, Zorn and Grayall are ready to settle down to a comfortable life at Wendenwood Freehold. Only the past does not give up its hold easily. Especially Zorn's past as a Realm ariston. The Realm had known only two classes, the ariston who ruled and the servitors who did their bidding. But a successful revolution has shattered that social order and left the country in ruins. Lucian, a former servitor, now a rebel leader, shows up at the freehold. He challenges Zorn to return to the Realm and accomplish a task vital to the rebuilding effort, a task only she can complete. Grayall cautions Zorn against making the journey. "You'd be the enemy there." But Zorn agrees to go back. Unwilling to let Zorn face the obvious risks alone, Grayall insists on going too. However, in the Realm they find themselves facing dangers neither of them anticipated. The power of magic and a threat from someone who may be Zorn's most perilous enemy. Herself.