In a world barely held together by a fragile treaty, Ariana lives under the oppressive shadow of her monstrous father-until Erik, a relentless conjuror determined to break the treaty, invades her lands, executes her father, and takes her captive. Erik's invasion shatters the life Ariana has known, thrusting her into a precarious battle where survival hinges on earning her enemy's trust-which means concealing the mist-conjuring power flowing through her veins. With the number of elemental and shadow conjurers dwindling, Ariana must avoid being seen as a threat.

Because Ariana has been chosen to be her people's next leader, Erik believes that by controlling her, he can use her armies and resources to save his own people: to rescue his sister and other conjurors who have been disappearing. But he never expected to become captivated by the woman who boldly holds his gaze and refuses to tremble in the face of death. And even as Ariana finds herself reluctantly drawn to him in turn, she comes to realize that her freedom will not be given to her. It will need to be taken.

Despite Erik's attempts to keep her isolated, Ariana weaves her way into the lives of those around her, gathering potential allies for the time when she ultimately reveals her secrets and attempts to free herself from Erik's control. Will Ariana's cunning and resolve be enough to save herself and her people, or will her dreams and heart be consumed by the very man who threatens her world?