Dismay and horror dog Ellen's every choice when she sets out to help her friends. Death is not an option for her. The question is whether she should take what Cryptals offer her. Ellen's tasks for the summer start off very clear to her, but she didn't figure on the destruction of the winter earthquake or her brother's insanity or her own fragile self-control. Without Rosa, she would be entirely lost. She doesn't want to challenge her brother and the Lianthem. The Cryptals have a firm hold of her destiny and will not release her. She is shoved into a final battle with her brother. A sorry challenge that seals her from freedom.