From birth, she was destined to become the next empress, and Allissa grew up at court under the pressure of others' expectations. Kingdom and duty have always been most important. Before this. After surviving in the cruel kingdom of Cleft, she got the chance to live peacefully and quietly. But also to leave everything and everyone she knew and loved. Before making a decision, she hears about an attempt on her life. Pulling herself together, she sets out to deal with her enemy once and for all. As Allissa battles the demons of her past to save her future, she realizes she never had a choice. She can either accept her fate or end up in its cage.