Dunegray is caught in a dilemma: marry Lord Maldris of Drusar in exchange for his allegiance to the king, or lose his forces in the coming war. But why should she sacrifice everything for mortals she doesn't care about? Soon, Dunegray has reached the brink of madness, and to prevent her harming those she loves, she ventures to the Isle of the Broken to confront the ghosts that torment her. Back in Entoria, unsettling signs emerge as the followers of the Church of the Divines stir, and the kingdom remains unprepared against Silnus. Just as Dunegray is learning to settle in this mortal world, a terrifying new crisis takes her across hostile lines, where she must protect someone close to her in a tense game of patience and submission while they wait-and hope-to be rescued. For the first time, she must become a shield or become the monster she has always feared she would be in order to save all of Entoria.