Majestic Elantris, the city of the gods, the center of magic, wisdom and unspeakable beauty, was like a silver fire burning in eternity. Any person who was touched by Shaod - a mysterious transformation that endows the chosen ones with magical power - could become an Elantrian and become like the gods. Eternity ended ten years ago. The beautiful city fell, and the blessing of Shaod turned into a curse. The new capital of Arelon, little Kai, lives in the shadow of the black walls of Elantris, trying not to notice the city, which has become a reservation for those unfortunate ones who are still taken by the Shaod. But the next victim is Raoden, the crown prince of Arelon...