Maea played the game of intrigue and lost. Her mistakes nearly cost her life. Though she escaped, her reputation has not fared as well. She and her companions are marked as traitors and as such, if they are caught, their lives are forfeit. Thanks to the enigmatic Johai, Maea was able to flee to the Neaux capital of Sanore. She and her companions are hoping to find a way to break the bond between Johai and the specter. With each passing day, Maea can see Johai slipping away little by little as the specter takes over his body. Time is short and luck is not on their side as they encounter many dead ends in their search. Sanore is only meant to be a stop along their journey. Fate and the prophecy, however, have other plans in mind. When circumstances beyond their control trap the trio in Sanore, Maea's curiosity leads her back to Jon Sixton and the Order of the Oak in the heart of Sanore. It would be safer to keep her distance but visions of Princess Sarelle have piqued her interest. As Maea digs deeper, she uncovers the plot which cost King Dallen's life goes much further than usurping the throne of Danhad. Princess Sarelle's death may not have been an accident at all... Maea is left with the difficult decision: does she continue her hopeless search to save Johai or help prevent a war from destroying two nations? Jon Sixton gives her an offer that is difficult to refuse, one that could both help stop the war and lead her to a way to save Johai. How can she say no? Jon's convenient plan is not without strings, and the price may be greater than she's willing to make. Maea must find out the truth behind Princess Sarelle's death in order to find the links which will lead her to a way to save Johai. The lines between lover and enemy, friend and foe begin to blur as do her motives. Neither her past experiences, nor her powers can help her to decide who to trust. She will gamble much to save Johai but how much is she willing to give up to save him?