Winter is leaving the kingdom, but although the snow is melting, a new danger is emerging. Darkness hangs over the Middle: the army has returned behind the high walls, not a word escapes from behind the gates. There are only rumors that the king has gone mad. Kael does not know about this: he pays attention to the valleys. But luck is not on his side and his plan soon fails. And he begins to suspect that someone wants him dead. If Kael wants to survive, he needs a new plan. And quickly. Meanwhile, Kilay finds himself in the desert. Time is her enemy, a force has gathered in Whitebone that threatens to destroy everything if it reaches the valleys. But her pride will not allow her to see the danger, and soon she and her comrades are lost among the high dunes.