Natalie finds herself separated from Ash and unexpectedly reunited with her parents, including her father, whom she thought was dead. But all her thoughts are only about Ash. She had not heard a word about him since she and Elijah were taken to the secret headquarters of the Guardians, who rebelled against the ruling regime. But she vows to find him. Meanwhile, Ash returns to Black City, the perfect place to hide from the Guardian government. But not for long. He will not give up on Natalie or his intention to end Purian Rose's reign.