After the storm, calm does not come.
After escaping from Meilan, Miko Ts’ай searches for support, but betrayal awaits her in unexpected places. To her surprise, she finds an ally in the form of an exile from the Levant.
Cassandra Marius tries to get rid of her second soul, but in the end she loses her body. Her search leads to the discovery of the secret of the resurrecting Leo Villius.
Gideon e’Torin, who proclaimed himself emperor, faces intrigues at the Kysian court. To survive in an unfamiliar country, he has to change Levantine customs, which upsets everyone around him.
Rakh e’Torin learns of a conspiracy against Gideon and is faced with a choice: help Miko, or remain loyal to his people.