Former assassin Emamori Matsukara is left alone against Ichiyo's faction. Once the dangerous Black Thorn, she strives to protect the innocent and bring justice against the Faction's brutal attackers. But there is a bounty on her head, and she cannot avoid her enemies forever. When an encounter with the Shadow of Death of myth leaves Ema critically wounded, she finds herself in the hands of three men from another clan, and they know who she is. Lord Commander Saitama Ren faces dwindling allies and the demands of a merciless High Lord. He missed the still wanted criminal on his land, especially the one who saved his life. To make matters worse, his close friend Hagane quickly accepts Ema into their circle until Vice Commander Akito wants nothing to do with her. But while her allegiance is uncertain, she may be the key to preventing the destruction of his clan. Alliances are uncertain, trust is rare, and peace is a thing of the past. Shadows spread across the earth, secrets are revealed, death comes closer. Ema and her unlikely allies must navigate a dark night of dishonor and betrayal to uncover the world's inevitable fate. For he who rules the shadows rules the world.