Power has a price. Jora Lanseri is finally beginning to understand hers. After driving her enemies from Serocia's shores, the Gatekeeper stands more powerful than anyone in generations. But victory has come at a terrible cost. The darkness she unleashed still burns within her, whispering temptations that grow stronger each time she calls upon its strength. Before she can recover, disaster strikes. The king has been abducted. The sacred godheart has been stolen. And the rogue scribe Ibsa is racing across the sea with both-determined to use the ancient relic to secure unimaginable power. To save the king and prevent another catastrophe, Jora must pursue an enemy who knows her weaknesses all too well. Yet every battle demands more of the darkness she struggles to contain, bringing her one step closer to becoming the very monster she fears. Because the greatest threat to the kingdom may no longer be the enemy fleeing across the sea. It may be the hero chasing them.