The highly anticipated conclusion to the action-packed, ruthless, and romantic fantasy duology that began with HEIR, from the #1?New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-winning author Sabaa Tahir. Some seek freedom. Others seek forgiveness. All will pay in blood. In the crumbling Martial Empire, crown prince Quil Aquilla and his Aunt Helene are losing a battle against the vicious Kegari horde. Quil's armies dwindle, his faith falters, and the woman he loves vanished months ago, leaving him broken-hearted. Torn between his duty to his people and his desire to discover Sirsha's fate, Quil embarks on a dangerous quest for aid'from the most treacherous of allies. ?