Cold darkness has thickened over Allward. Even Koraine, hiding from everyone in a port town on the coast of the Long Sea, clearly feels its breath. Soon the truth will be revealed to the girl: she is the last survivor of the family of Ancient Cor, the only hope of this world . Only she can save the empire from destruction. But Korain is not alone now. As darkness falls, she will be joined by new allies: A Squire, forced to choose between home and honor. An IMMORTAL, seeking revenge on those for whom he broke his promise. A KILLER, a bloodthirsty predator expelled from the Guild. A WITCH, whose habit of speaking in riddles hides the gift of divination. .A FALSIFIER with a dark past. A BOUNTY HUNTER in anticipation of new blood. Together they must confront a cruel enemy, invincible and determined to burn all the kingdoms to the ground. And also defeat an army the world has never seen before.