After narrowly escaping their brief touch with death at Briarhole, Isolde Cotheran, the Hood of Arnoria, and her cadre, set their sights on retrieving what was stolen. With those she loves bound in chains destined for the mines of Elenarta, Isolde is left with only one path forward. Retribution.

When a royal summons is sent to Thornwood, demanding their attendance at the Tournament of the Guard, Isolde has her way in. An open door into the capital, into Elenarta. Once deemed the crowning jewel of Arnoria, the capital is now ruled with a fist of steel and ice. Erebus Tenebriath, the murderous king who sits on a stolen throne, gives Isolde an ultimatum she can't escape. One that leaves them all not only at the mercy of Erebus, but also his Right Hand, Gage.

Dwelling in the ornate halls of a palace beneath the Oronilma Mountains, Isolde, Malaki, Blyana, and Cillian will face trials, heartbreaks, and nightmares they never dreamed possible. One decision, made out of love, will lead them all down a path of no return. A path lined with secrets, power, and betrayal. Alliances will be tested, ghosts will return from the ashy grave, and sides will be chosen. And as the veil of the past is lifted, Isolde will be faced with a fate she can no longer run from. A truth she must face head on...or burn in its light.