Stranded in Northern Atlant, Aquilina sets out on a perilous journey to find Vily and Karadon. Her quest leads her to Cerinsu, a city of nightmares. Undaunted, she forges ahead, unaware that a trap awaits her that could force her to wipe out the city, its inhabitants, and the people she loves most.
Meanwhile, deep within the Pit, Yem’s scheme that began when he rescued Ahiram from the High Riders in Baher-Ghafé is coming to an end: he wants to take over the Temple of Baal by giving rise to a figurehead whose power would surpass that of Sharr, Sarand, Ibromaliöm, and Galliöm combined.
But Amrafel, the Ancient of Days—the first male Seer of Power—waits and watches. He plans to bring Ahiram and Aquilina together on the Island of Salem, where they can quietly learn about each other before they set out to gather the Letters of Power.