Jian begins a brutal climb up the ranks of the Daechen as the Emperor's long plans near fruition. Sulema is initiated into the ways of Atualon and the power of Atulfah, and finds that her father's city is built on a foundation of terrible secrets. Hafsa Azeina treks down paths stranger and more dangerous than even she could have imagined. And the Zeeranim must face not only their traditional, external enemies, but treachery and betrayal from within.