Hafer and Tera, pursued by enemies of the throne, are forced to seek help from Anuirat, the dog-headed guards of the Emkhet Lords. But how far does the loyalty of mighty warriors extend, who fulfill their duty no more than an ancient contract requires? Hateper returns to the direct branch of the Emkhet family, as the new heir to the throne. The imperial family searches for ways to preserve the fragile peace, but the queen’s plans are getting closer to becoming reality… The former bodyguard of Hafer, imprisoned in a sacred temple, learns the mysteries of the origin of the Ramei people—and also what is truly hidden behind the Vaeessir Curse.