The distance between the two sisters grew after Gusta and Coleson stole a Runner named Berin's home-made car. Cassie and Axton meet Berin who joins them. They continue their search for Gusta on the outside and come across a number of ghost towns. Cassie's fire episodes become worse. What is causing her to see these strange visions of fire? Will these visions delay her search for Gusta or will they drive her insane? While the three Runners face bad Runners and other unknown dangers on the outside, the ruling family continue with their wicked ways and rule the cities with an merciless iron fist.