Nia is unaware the voice she hears belongs to an imp named Pester. Pester is unaware that controlling Nia weakens them both. Life in the Shadelands is dark and dismal. Nia struggles to remember a single moment of happiness. So, when a brilliantly shining boy named Tanni arrives, offering to return her to the Sunlands, Nia can hardly believe her ears. Pester can hardly believe his either. As Nia escapes with Tanni, Pester gives chase, only to discover his life is forfeit if he fails to find the children and kill the sprite who guides them. This is complicated by a foolish oath Pester made to protect Nia, and rejecting or upholding that oath will have far-reaching consequences for them all. Will Nia escape with Tanni before the Shadelands claim the two of them for good?