When George is taken by an Elite, Alexander finds his resolve to leave the Resistance behind tested. A new secret about Alexander comes to light, but the Resistance have no choice but to put their faith in him again. A mysterious illness among the children leads to a dark secret Thaxter has buried, forcing the Resistance to do whatever it takes to unseat him from power. Yet, they soon realise it may well cause the destruction of Helios and its entire population. Are they prepared to pay the price, or will they allow Thaxter to win again?