For many centuries, the continent of Kjertania has been bound by eternal ice, and the cities are surrounded by a deadly and alluring Cold. It is inhabited only by snithirs - extraordinary animals that live in two layers of reality at once, the World and the Soul. Body parts of the Snithir support life on the continent. Their hearts beat instead of the engines of trains and cars, and their eyes cut through the darkness instead of lanterns... Sorta has become one of the best preparators. Almost every day she goes out into the Cold with her hawk, Strom. But their main goal is not the snithirs. And the stakes are higher than ever. Meanwhile, Unelm is investigating a series of brutal murders that shock Kyertania - after all, preparators may be involved in them. The second book of the most mysterious and unpredictable series “Preparators” from the winner of the “New Science Fiction” award. For a wide range of readers.